Are you looking for a new piece of furniture but just can’t seem to find the right deal? Is there something in your home that you want to replace but just don’t have tons of money to spend? Well, IKEA may have just the solution.
The furniture company announced a new mobile site for its “As-Is” section. IKEA regulars will recognize the name from a section of the store that’s famous for bargains. Now, shoppers will be able to shop from the discounted section online.
“As-Is online joins our other services like Buy Back & Resell and the spare parts program that help our customers live a more sustainable life at home with a variety of ways to prolong the life of their furniture,” said Javier Quinones, CEO and chief sustainability officer at IKEA U.S.
Becoming an IKEA ‘Family’ member
Perhaps the most important part of IKEA’s new online store is that consumers must become part of the store’s free membership program, known as the IKEA “Family.” The membership not only unlocks access to the “As-Is” online site, but it also will send members discounts to use on other items and in IKEA’s in-store cafeterias.
Once you have an IKEA membership, you’re free to scroll through the “As-Is” offerings, which includes both items returned by other customers, as well as items that have been discontinued from IKEA. All items are offered at a discounted rate, offering customers the opportunity to revamp their homes or offices at a lower price point.
Once you find something you’d like to purchase, you can reserve it at your local IKEA store. Then, you have 48 hours to pick it up, otherwise IKEA reserves the right to relist the item on the As-Is site.
Because this furniture isn’t brand new, customers shouldn’t be concerned by minor knicks, scratches, or other aesthetic damages. IKEA will do a thorough examination of each item, and ensure all items are in full working order before re-selling them.
What items are eligible and ineligible for the As-Is site?
Do you have some older IKEA pieces that you’re looking to trade in? The company will only accept fully functional and fully put together pieces of IKEA furniture for its As-Is site. Items cannot be modified or altered in any way, and they can’t be broken or missing any pieces.
Acceptable items include:
Cabinets
Office drawer cabinets, display storage, small structures with draws, or sideboards
Dining tables and desks
Small tables
Chairs and stools without upholstery
Multimedia furniture
Bookshelves and shelf units
However, the list of ineligible items is a bit longer:
Sofas or armchairs
Beds and bed frames
Home furnishing accessories
Upholstered or leather products
Modular wardrobes and accessories
Market-hall products (rugs, picture frames, small kitchen goods, art)
Add on units and componentry
Chests of drawers that were modified or painted
Kitchens (bench tops, fronts, etc.)
Plants
Outdoor products (including outdoor furniture)
Mattresses and bed textiles (mattress toppers or blankets)
Children’s or baby products
Items containing glass (including mirrors)
Any non-IKEA items
IKEA customers must fill out an online form describing the furniture they’d like to give back to the store, at which point they’ll receive a quote for how much their pieces are worth. Then, once the item is brought to the store, an IKEA employee will give it a final in-person appraisal.
Customers will then receive an IKEA gift card for the full amount of their furniture donation, and the item will then be listed on the As-Is site.