Did you know that you don't have to sacrifice personal taste just because you are on a budget? You just need to be a little more creative... I posted some tips for shopping during in a recession back in February but here are a few concrete examples.
On the UK's Preloved site for second hand sales, I found a 2-seater Ektorp for just £40 (US$64). At the time of writing, you could pick up a beautiful Prisma Stripe cover from Bemz in Eggshell Blue (top left) or Moss Green (pictured right) from our Clearance Corner for the 2-seater Ektorp. That's over 40% off the original Bemz price and a total savings of over £280 (US$450), i.e., 60% cheaper than buying the Ektorp and Bemz cover new. Not only that, but the total cost worked out to £185 (US$290) which is still a 17% savings on buying the sofa new from Ikea with their least expensive cover (white). And chances are with the Bemz cover, you won't see an identical sofa at a friend's house...
If you live in the West Midlands, UK, one seller is auctioning a Klippan on eBay for £9.99 (US$16). Throw in a Bemz cover from the Clearance Corner in Teal Blue or Sage Brown and you've got yourself a "new" sofa for £53 (US$85). That's a massive savings of £143 (US$228), 72% cheaper than a new Klippan and Bemz cover and still 55% less than the bottom range Klippan new from Ikea.
These examples are obviously regional but you'll have similar sites where you are. For example, Craigslist and ebay are big in the USA and Canada and offer an abundance of second-hand Ikea goods. Swedes love Blocket for buying and selling second hand stuff and new to the scene, I Love Ikea, focuses entirely on second hand Ikea furniture. I'm sure if you google "second hand Ikea sofa" you'll get a few hits. Find out where you need to register for sales where you are and then be diligent about checking them regularly! Register for email alerts wherever possible, and don't forget about potential freebies on sites like Freecycle.
Isn't it nice to know you can shop again? Happy shopping!
PS If you are looking for really good sites for sourcing second-hand furniture in your area, please post your questions here. And let's help each other out - if you know of a great site, pass it on!
Please note that Bemz takes no responsibility for the availability of examples listed above.
Your blog is so nice!
Regards from Sweden & Agneta
Ps. welcome to my competition on my blog! Ds
Posted by: agneta | July 15, 2009 at 06:56 PM
[Christie at Bemz] Thank you Agneta! Took a look at your blog - lovely photos and very inspirational colors! I couldn`t find the main information on your competition?
Posted by: Christie from Bemz | July 24, 2009 at 04:43 PM