BARGAIN BEDDY BUYS

Even in these days of all-year-round special offers and promotions, January and July remain

key sale periods in the bed shop retail calendar. So what kind of bargain beds can you

expect to find when the bonanza begins?

One-off bargains are actually quite rare. These are most likely to be old display models or

special clearance lines. “All retailers will sell off display models from time to time to make

way for new products”, says Sleep Council consultant Lisa Artis.

Other, one-off ‘bargains’ might come in the form of clearance lines, produced by

manufacturers who, for example, want to use up a discontinued mattress cover. It might also

be possible pick up ‘odd’ mattresses and bases for a bargain. It doesn’t really matter if the

fabrics don’t match, as you’re going to cover the bed up with sheets and valances when you

get it home: but bear in mind some manufacturers’ guarantees are invalid if the product is

not used with the mattress or base for which it was made.

Buying on credit – especially interest free credit - enables you to spread the cost of your

purchase over months or even years. It’s a great facility to enable you to buy a better quality

product than you could otherwise afford. If the credit’s not interest free, however, you should

make sure you know exactly how much more you will be paying and decide if you think the

bed’s worth the extra.

The all-year-round discounts that have become a permanent feature of competitive retailing

are often supplemented by additional offers, discounts and promotions at key sales periods.

Upgrades to the next model quality; king (5ft/150cm) sizes for the price of a standard double;

or money off your old bed, traded in, are typical of such offers.

“The best basic rule is to remember that a bed is worth what you pay for it,” says Lisa. “That

£1,000 model on sale for just £500 is not a bargain if it’s not the right bed for you and it’s not

going to give you the support and comfort you need for a good night’s sleep.”

As the old adage says, you should always buy the best beds and shoes you can, because if

you’re not in one, you’re in the other!

So, before you step into store, The Sleep Council has some useful tips on how to choose a

good bed, whatever the price:-

Spend as much as you can afford. Instead of buying the bed you might have

chosen during a non-sale period more cheaply, take the opportunity to trade up to

a more luxurious model.

Buy as big a bed as you can: a roomy king-sized bed will ensure less partner

disturbance during the night than a standard double (at just 4’6” wide it only offers

each adult the same space as a child’s cot!). So take advantage of the low prices

to trade up a size.

Avoid the ‘Seven Year Hitch’ – the point at which existing beds may still look

good but are beginning to offer less support than a new one. Seize the sales

opportunity to invest in a better night’s sleep if your bed is seven years old or

more.

Only buy a drawer divan if you really need extra storage space: four drawers can

account for well over £100 of the purchase price – money better invested in a

good quality mattress. The same applies to other features – only go for them if

they offer real benefits.

Make shopping for a new bed a special trip – you’ll choose more wisely if you are

not in a rush, tired or harassed.

Dress sensibly and comfortably so you can lie down properly on a selection of

beds in your normal sleeping position without feeling embarrassed.

Once you’ve narrowed your choice down to between one and three beds, spend

a good five to 10 minutes or more lying down on each one.

If the bed is for two, you should try it out together.

Remember that every £100 invested in a new bed costs less than four pence a

night over seven years – now that’s a real bargain!

Now that’s what we call a real bargain.

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