10 Questions to Ask Before Buying Any Bed or Sofa

By the Cambridge Beds & Furniture team, 199 Thames Street, Morrinsville. Updated October 2026.

Whether you buy from a showroom, online or from a private seller, the right questions protect you from an expensive mistake. Take this list with you, or keep it on your phone. A good seller will answer every one of them without hesitation.

1. Will it fit the room and the doorway?

Measure the room, the doorways, the hallway and any stairs. A sofa that fits the lounge but not the front door is a common problem. For beds, check the mattress size against your base using our bed size guide.

2. Who made it, and what is it made from?

Ask for the brand, the frame material and what the mattress or cushions are filled with. "I'm not sure" is a warning sign.

3. Can I try it properly?

Lie on a mattress in your usual sleeping position. Sit on a sofa the way you would at night in front of the TV. A few minutes of real use tells you more than any label.

4. What warranty comes with it?

Ask how long the warranty is and what it covers. Frames, foam, mechanisms and fabric often have different terms. Our guide to what a bed or furniture warranty covers explains what to look for.

5. What if it doesn't feel right after a few weeks?

For mattresses, ask whether there is a comfort guarantee and what the conditions are. Eligible mattresses from us come with a 60-night comfort guarantee.

6. What are my rights if it's faulty?

Buying from a business gives you protection under the Consumer Guarantees Act. Buying privately generally doesn't. Read your rights when buying furniture in NZ before you pay a private seller.

7. How will it get to my house?

Ask whether delivery is offered, when it can happen and whether the item will be assembled. Our delivery and assembly page explains how we handle it.

8. What happens to my old bed or sofa?

Getting rid of an old mattress is a job many people forget. Ask if removal is available when the new one arrives.

9. Can I spread the cost?

If the upfront price is the sticking point, ask about payment options before you settle for something cheaper. We offer Afterpay, GEM Visa, Finance Now and Q Mastercard. See our finance options for how each one works.

10. Who do I contact if something goes wrong later?

A store has a team and a process. A private seller may not answer the phone in six months. Ask how after-sales support works before you buy. Our FAQ page covers the questions we hear most.

Bring your questions to the showroom

We're happy to answer all ten. Find us through our store finder at 199 Thames Street, Morrinsville, open seven days, or call 027 823 4445.

Frequently asked questions

What should I ask before buying a bed?

Ask about size, brand and materials, whether you can test it, the warranty, any comfort guarantee, delivery, old bed removal, payment options and after-sales support.

What should I check before buying a sofa?

Measure the room and doorways, ask about the frame and cushion filling, sit on it properly, and check the warranty on the frame, foam and fabric.

Do private sellers have to answer these questions?

They should describe the item accurately, but they don't have the same legal obligations as a business, so missing answers are a reason to be cautious.

Can I pay for a bed or sofa in instalments?

Yes. We offer Afterpay, GEM Visa, Finance Now and Q Mastercard. Terms are set by each provider, so ask our team what is currently available.