Furniture stores have developed a reputation for marketing strategy: One sale for every imaginable holiday, no payments for 90 days, or no interest for 3 years are commonly used promotional tools to drive sales. These certainly work, but they are not exactly unique. If you’re new to the furniture market or looking for a way to stand out from the crowd, you’ll want to choose something that doesn’t involve Uncle Sam or Santa Claus. Here are some great options.

1. Online classifieds-Websites like Craigslist and eBay have made the process of selling classifieds online much easier. Customers flock to these places to check merchandise before entering a store, so list your product here to get to them! Hire a part-time employee to photograph your merchandise and list it on these sites, or you can even outsource the work to a company specifically designed for the task.
2. In-store training-Taking training classes or seminars at the store is a great way to get into the home improvement market. Bring in interior decorators to discuss home staging, décor selection, or even remodeling tips with your merchandise. These types of classes add value to your store and customers see it as more than just a transaction-based business – you are part of their lifestyle. Promote these events by hanging a vinyl banner outside your store that indicates the dates and times of each class.
3. Exchange-Consider adding a customer exchange program to your store, where the customer brings in their old furniture and receives a credit for new merchandise. If the furniture is in good condition, you can create a used section in your store for great bargains. If it is not in resalable condition, you can donate the furniture or at least dispose of it for your client. This is again a way to turn your store into a convenience provider and encourage customers to remain loyal. Include this service in your store windows with vinyl decals.
4. New Homes-Create a partnership with a local real estate agent, broker, or home builder. Since houses always sell best with furniture in them, offer to assemble your new houses with your merchandise in exchange for referrals. You can also add a sign to each house so customers know where the furniture came from in case they want to buy it with the house or at least buy a different selection from your store. Some real estate agents may even want to purchase furniture directly from you as a housewarming gift for its new owners!
5. Try before you buy-This bold strategy offers customers the opportunity to “try” their furniture, so to speak. Selected customers can test the furniture in their home for a predetermined period of time to determine if they want to purchase it. Although this should not be offered for everybody of your products, as it could turn into a logistical nightmare, it can be an effective way to boost sales. After all, if it is up to the customer to take the furniture home and bring it back, they will most likely keep it. Make sure you have a vinyl decal on your register that clearly explains the rules of the program so there are no problems.