Buying Guide: Ex-Display Rattan Garden Furniture — What to Know Before You Buy
Ex-display rattan garden furniture offers an opportunity to purchase quality outdoor pieces at reduced prices, but understanding what you're buying is essential. These showroom samples and demonstration pieces come with unique considerations regarding condition, warranties, and long-term value. From construction quality to maintenance requirements, several factors determine whether ex-display rattan furniture represents a smart investment for your outdoor space.
Ex-display rattan garden furniture presents both opportunities and challenges for savvy shoppers. These pieces have served their purpose in showrooms and exhibitions, offering potential savings while requiring careful evaluation before purchase.
What ‘Ex-Display’ Rattan Furniture Means
Ex-display furniture refers to pieces that have been used for demonstration purposes in retail showrooms, garden centers, or furniture exhibitions. Unlike second-hand furniture, these items are typically newer but have experienced handling by customers, exposure to showroom lighting, and varying degrees of wear from display use. Rattan furniture marked as ex-display may have been positioned outdoors for seasonal displays or kept in covered showroom areas, affecting their overall condition and appearance.
Retailers often rotate display stock seasonally, making room for new collections while offering previous displays at discounted prices. The exposure level varies significantly between pieces, with some experiencing minimal handling while others may show signs of customer interaction or weather exposure during outdoor displays.
Benefits and Common Drawbacks of Ex-Display Pieces
Purchasing ex-display rattan furniture offers several advantages, primarily cost savings ranging from 20-50% off retail prices. Buyers can physically examine the exact piece they’re purchasing, assessing build quality, comfort, and appearance firsthand. This eliminates uncertainty about online purchases and allows for immediate availability without waiting for delivery of new stock.
However, drawbacks include potential cosmetic imperfections, limited or modified warranty coverage, and the possibility of missing components like cushions or hardware. Some pieces may have experienced UV fading, minor scratches, or loosened joints from repeated assembly and disassembly for displays. Availability is also limited to current display stock, restricting color and style options.
How to Inspect Condition, Construction and Materials
Thorough inspection is crucial when considering ex-display rattan furniture. Examine the weaving pattern for loose or damaged strands, particularly around stress points like chair arms and table edges. Check frame stability by gently testing joints and connections, ensuring no wobbling or unusual movement occurs.
Inspect the rattan material itself, distinguishing between natural rattan and synthetic alternatives. Natural rattan may show signs of drying or cracking, while synthetic materials might display color fading or surface wear. Look for consistent coloring across all pieces in a set, as uneven exposure can create noticeable variations.
Examine hardware components including screws, bolts, and connecting mechanisms. Rust, corrosion, or missing pieces can indicate poor storage conditions or extensive handling. Test moving parts like reclining mechanisms or folding features to ensure proper functionality.
Buying Tips, Pricing Expectations and Warranty Questions
Negotiation opportunities often exist with ex-display furniture, especially for pieces showing visible wear or missing accessories. Research original retail prices to understand the discount being offered and compare with similar new pieces from other retailers.
Ask specific questions about warranty coverage, as ex-display items typically receive reduced protection compared to new purchases. Some retailers offer limited warranties covering structural defects but excluding cosmetic issues. Clarify return policies, as ex-display sales are often final with limited exchange options.
Request any available original documentation, care instructions, or assembly guides. Inquire about replacement parts availability, particularly for cushions, hardware, or modular components that may need future replacement.
| Retailer Type | Typical Discount | Warranty Coverage | Average Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garden Centers | 25-40% | 6-12 months limited | £200-800 |
| Furniture Stores | 30-50% | 3-6 months | £300-1200 |
| Online Retailers | 20-35% | 1-3 months | £150-600 |
| Outlet Stores | 40-60% | Limited/None | £100-500 |
Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.
Care, Cleaning and Long-Term Maintenance
Ex-display rattan furniture may require immediate attention to restore optimal appearance and extend lifespan. Begin with thorough cleaning using appropriate methods for the specific rattan type. Natural rattan benefits from gentle cleaning with damp cloths and mild soap, while synthetic materials can typically handle more robust cleaning products.
Regular maintenance becomes especially important for ex-display pieces that may have experienced neglect during display periods. Apply protective treatments suitable for your rattan type, including UV protectants for synthetic materials or conditioning oils for natural rattan. Establish consistent cleaning schedules to prevent dirt accumulation and maintain appearance.
Consider the display environment’s impact on your maintenance approach. Pieces previously exposed to outdoor conditions may require more intensive initial treatment, while indoor display items might need primarily cosmetic attention. Store furniture properly during off-seasons, using covers or indoor storage to prevent further deterioration and extend usable life beyond the display period wear.
