Mattress Negotiation

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September 26, 2023

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Are Mattress Prices Negotiable?

A mattress is an investment. And while you shouldn’t skimp out on the price and compromise on quality, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to get the best deal for your money.

One question that often comes up is whether mattress prices are negotiable. The answer is: yes! However, you’re going to need to do a bit of negotiating, and if you’re not much of a negotiator, don’t worry. In this guide, we’ll teach you our favorite tips and tricks of mattress negotiation we know to help you get the best prices for your new mattress.

Shopping Online vs. Shopping In-Store

There are two main avenues for buying mattresses: shopping online and shopping in-store. Each method has its pros and cons, but when it comes to negotiating prices, in-store is the way to go.

In most large mattress chains, mattress prices are often more negotiable than you might think. Salespeople are usually working on commission, which means they have some wiggle room when it comes to making a deal. They want to close the sale, so they may be willing to adjust the price, throw in some extras, or offer better terms on financing. On the other hand, online mattress prices are generally non-negotiable. You might find discounts, sales, and promotions, but there’s no opportunity for the back-and-forth haggling that can happen in person.

How to Negotiate Mattress Prices In-Store

Step 1: Do your research

Before even stepping foot in a mattress store, it’s essential to do your research. Read reviews, compare prices, and familiarize yourself with the different types and brands of mattresses available. Look for mattresses that fit your needs and preferences, taking into consideration things like firmness, edge support, materials, construction, and others.

Also, check for any promotions or sales going on, and take note of the average price range for the mattress you’re interested in. If possible, try to find out when the store’s salespeople are working on commission. They may be more motivated to make a deal during these periods. You can typically find this information by making a quick phone call to the store or checking online forums.

Step 2: Go to their stores and browse.

Once you know what kind of mattress you’re looking for, it’s time to visit the stores. Take your time browsing the various mattresses and trying them out. It’s a good idea to start at the back of the store since the front is where they put their most promoted products.

Engage with the salesperson and ask questions about the mattresses you’re interested in. Be friendly and open, but don’t immediately disclose your budget or the fact that you’re looking to negotiate.

While you’re browsing, take note of the mattress models and their listed prices. This information will come in handy when it’s time to negotiate. Make sure to visit multiple stores to get a sense of the different options available to you.

Step 3: Don’t buy it yet — even if it’s on “sale.”

As you browse, you may be tempted by various discounts and sales that seem too good to pass up. However, resist the urge to purchase immediately. These “sales” are often ongoing promotions designed to create a sense of urgency. By waiting, you’ll have a better chance of negotiating a better deal.

Instead, let the salesperson know you’re still considering your options and need some time to think. Hint at the fact that you’re looking for the best price possible. As most stores will have a price matching or price beating policy, your salesperson may react in different ways:

He or she may just drop the price immediately or offer to call a manager to drop the price. Listen to what he or she has to say, but unless it’s a massive price drop, don’t take it.
Some salesmen may offer to look up the comparison models on competitors’ websites for you. If you trust the salesman, this can save you time, but not every salesman will be honest about what mattress is the real comparison model.
He or she may just say “ok” and let you leave. This isn’t what most salespeople are trained to do, but it’s less awkward for you.

If the last option happens, don’t worry. This will give you the opportunity to leave the store and do some comparison shopping, which is a crucial part of the negotiation process.

Step 4: Comparison shop.

Now that you’ve visited a few showrooms and probably have a list of mattresses you like, it’s time to compare prices. Be sure to factor in any extras, like pillows, mattress protectors, or delivery fees.

After that, you can return to the store and begin negotiating. Give them a list of prices you’ve gathered from other retailers and use that as leverage to secure a better deal. Remember to be confident yet friendly during this process, as it can go a long way in securing a favorable outcome.

Step 5: Be prepared to walk away.

Lastly, if the salesperson isn’t willing to budge on the price or offer any additional incentives, don’t be afraid to thank them for their time and leave the store. This might prompt them to reconsider and present a better offer to close the sale. The key is to remain patient and not feel pressured into making a purchase that you’re not completely satisfied with.

Even if they don’t come back with a better deal, you still have other options. You can continue shopping around, revisit the store at a later time, or even try negotiating with another salesperson. If the price you found online is better, it may be a good idea to opt for that instead.

Online Mattress Prices

Negotiating in-store mattress prices can lead to great deals, but there are also plenty of ways to save money when shopping online. When buying online, consider these factors to make sure you’re getting the best prices possible:

Sales: Keep an eye out for sales and promotions on the retailer’s website, as well as any discount codes that may be available.
Holiday sales: Major holidays like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Memorial Day, and Labor Day often come with significant discounts on mattresses.
Free shipping and returns: Some retailers offer free shipping and returns, which can help offset the cost of the mattress itself.
Bundled offers: Be on the lookout for bundled offers that include pillows, sheets, or mattress protectors, as these can add extra value to your purchase.
Sleep trial/warranty: Look for companies that offer a generous sleep trial and warranty period, as this can add value to your purchase and potentially save you money down the line.