The guide to buying the best mattress online
The internet has transformed the process of buying a mattress. You can buy a mattress wherever and whenever you want, avoiding the hassle of pushy sales pitches. However, the sheer range and choice of online mattress stores can be confusing and you may have no clue where to start.
Luckily for you, we have compiled 8 top tips for choosing a mattress online that will make sure that you succeed in buying the best mattress for you.
- Well described product and good pictures
If you are investing in a mattress, the company should have taken the time to carefully lay out all the details of the product in a clear and easy-to-understand manner. If you were browsing in a store, you’d expect to be able to get up close and personal with the mattresses and find out the full product details and it is exactly the same when you buy a mattress online. The website should provide several clear, high-quality photos that allow you to zoom up close. If browsing the website is enjoyable, it is likely that the company cares about the customer experience – which can only be a good thing. - Certifications of quality
Mattress certification is proof of quality and isn’t something that’s given to any old substandard mattress. If you’re on the lookout for a guarantee of the safety of a mattress, you may want to look for the Oeko-tex standard that certifies the mattress is free from harmful substances. Other important certifications include the LGA or GOLS, but certifications vary based on the material of the mattress. In general, legitimate certifications are a marker of both quality and care about the product, as they take commitment to achieve. - Product reviews
As well as the reviews of the actual product, search the company’s name on Google and see what people are saying about them. If you find a bunch of one-star reviews and angry complaints, it might be a good idea to steer clear. However, remember the caveat that dissatisfied customers are more likely to take to mattress review sites. Social media can be a useful tool, and also allows you to see if the mattress store is proactive in responding to customer’s problems. - Easy contact details
A good online mattress store should be eager to help its customers. You shouldn’t have to look far to find an email address, contact form or even better, an online chat or phone number. You should be able to speak to someone who is a mattress expert and can figure out exactly which is the best mattress to suit your needs. If you struggle getting hold of anyone related to the company, take it as a huge warning sign. - Ability to test the mattress
The only problem with shopping online is that you can’t physically try out the mattress yourself. If you’re going to be spending more than several hundred dollars on such a subjective item, it makes sense that you can at least try before you buy. The best online mattress stores will allow you to come and visit and try out the mattress in their showroom. Some may even let you do an in-home trial, which is the best way to test a mattress. Medical professionals agree that mattresses aren’t a one size fits all proposition and a trial run give you a chance to really see if the mattress suits you. Just make sure you check the terms and conditions of the in-home trial – you don’t want to get caught out with any nasty hidden fees. - Price comparison
One of the major ways the internet has changed the game is the ease of price comparison. It really comes into its own when you’re buying a big ticket item, like a mattress. After choosing your favoured mattress, note the specifications. You can either search other stores for similar products or go to a specialised price comparison website. Either way, price comparison helps remove the risk of overpaying, making sure that you are getting the best value for your money. - Secure payment
Take the usual precautions for any online purchase when buying a mattress. The website should use a https:// connection (the s stands for secure), also denoted by a padlock symbol in the browser window frame. This guarantees that your personal details are encrypted and protected. Credit cards tend to be safer than debit cards and secure payment sites, such as PayPal, add another layer of security for your purchase. - Warranties and return policy
A clear and reasonable warranty and return policy may be the final top tip, but one of the most important. Mattresses aren’t all perfect, and some just may not suit you. A firm return policy will give you peace of mind for if things go wrong. With both warranties and return policies, it’s good to know the exact terms and conditions. Find out key information like what voids a warranty and how long you are covered for. A good mattress store will have a clear policy, whereas a bad mattress store will be vague on the details because they just want your money.
As we spend a third of our lives on a mattress, picking the right mattress is an investment into your health and wellbeing. Choosing a mattress should be an enjoyable experience and following our eight top tips for buying a mattress online will make the process a lot less confusing. And don’t forget that the best part of mattress buying is the great night’s sleep at the end of it!
