Bob's Furniture Outlets: How to Shop Clearance and Outlet Deals

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What shoppers should know about Bob's Furniture outlets

Outlet shopping can be a smart way to search for lower-cost furniture, discontinued styles, display pieces, overstock, or items with cosmetic imperfections. The word outlet does not describe one universal condition or policy, so the first step is to find out exactly why a piece is discounted.

Ask whether the item is new, previously displayed, repaired, returned, discontinued, or sold with a visible blemish. The answer affects inspection, delivery, warranty, replacement-part expectations, and whether the item can be returned. A low price is useful only when the condition and terms match your expectations.

• Look for the exact item or collection name and record its dimensions.
• Ask whether the price is for the displayed configuration or a different one.
• Confirm whether the piece is final sale or has a limited return option.
• Inspect backs, undersides, drawer interiors, seams, hardware, and moving parts.

Condition

How to inspect outlet and clearance furniture

Walk around the entire piece in bright light. For upholstered furniture, check seams, zippers, cushion edges, odors, stains, fabric pulls, and whether cushions sit evenly. For case goods, open every drawer and door, inspect corners and finish transitions, and look underneath for damage that is not visible from the front.

Test the features you will rely on every day. Sit in each seat, operate recliners or sleeper mechanisms slowly, extend table leaves, test drawer slides, and check that doors align. If an item is already assembled, ask whether it can be disassembled for transport and whether all hardware is included.

Value

Is an outlet furniture deal actually a good value?

Compare the outlet total with a new alternative that has similar dimensions, materials, and function. Include delivery, pickup, assembly, repair, cleaning, replacement hardware, and the time needed to find a matching piece. A discontinued dining chair may be inexpensive but less useful if you cannot replace a damaged chair later.

Value also depends on flexibility. If the item is final sale, your measurement and inspection work matters more because the cost of a mistake is higher. Take photos of the exact piece, save the written condition notes, and make sure the receipt identifies the item and any disclosed flaw.

• Compare the outlet price with the total cost of a comparable new item.
• Ask which defects or missing parts are already disclosed.
• Confirm what warranty or service coverage remains, if any.
• Decide whether the color, size, and configuration will still work if the room changes.

Transport

Plan pickup or delivery before paying

Outlet furniture can be available for quick pickup, but that does not mean it is easy to transport. Measure the packaged and unboxed dimensions, vehicle opening, stair turns, elevator, and final doorway. Ask whether the piece is wrapped, whether doors or legs can be removed, and whether the store or carrier provides room placement.

For heavy furniture, plan the people, equipment, floor protection, and safe route before collection. If delivery is offered, confirm the service level in writing and ask how damage, missed access, or a failed delivery attempt is handled.

Before you buy

Furniture shopping checklist

• Write down the item name, dimensions, material, finish, and configuration.
• Measure the room, doorway, hallways, stairs, elevator, and final placement.
• Confirm the complete cost, including delivery, setup, tax, removal, and extras.
• Read current cancellation, return, warranty, and protection-plan terms.
• Save your order details and inspect the furniture carefully on arrival.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions