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The most important factor in purchasing a quality, authentic handknotted
rug, is being sure that you are getting what you pay for. This is
accomplished by going to a reputable dealer who you can trust. Oriental
rugs are like diamonds. Unless you know a tremendous amount about
diamonds, they can all look the same to you. When buying a diamond,
you must trust the jeweler you are working with to represent the
product accurately and honestly. Like diamonds, oriental rugs vary
greatly in quality. You must put yourself in the hands of a trusted
oriental rug dealer in order to insure the rug you are buying is
the quality it is represented to be.
- Look for longevity - Ask a dealer how long he/she has
been in business. Often, an oriental rug business has been in
a family for generations. This speaks volumes.
- A dealer should be knowledgeable - Ask questions and
get them answered. Dealers should be familiar with all aspects
of rugs.
- Get referrals - Word of mouth travels fast. A reputable
dealer will have a good reputation in the community. Ask around.
- A dealer should specialize in oriental rugs only - A
store that carries many different homegoods is not equipped to
offer the expertise an oriental rug dealer has on the product.
- An oriental rug dealer should have related products and services
- A full-service dealer should clean, repair, restore and
appraise rugs.
- Look for a patient dealer - Buying a rug is a large investment
of time and money. Find a dealer who is willing to work together
with you to find the right rug.
- Look for a good selection -A dealer should have a large
and varied stock, as well as access to anything available on the
rug market. If the dealer doesn’t have the exact rug you
are looking for, he/she should be willing to locate it for you.
- Get a free in-home trial period - You will want an opportunity
to try the rugs you are considering for purchase in the space
they are meant for. Be sure your dealer allows you to have a free,
no obligation trial period in your home. If the rug or rugs are
too large for you to transport easily, the dealer should provide
free delivery and pickup. An approval period is a very important
part of the process.
- Enjoy the process - Pick a dealer you feel comfortable
with who is friendly and has a courteous, accommodating staff.
- Look at the quality of the stock -Since rugs vary greatly
in quality, look at the overall quality of the rugs in the dealer’s
showroom. Chances are a dealer will carry like quality in the
stock, be it high, mid level or low quality.
- The dealer should be a design consultant - Find a dealer
who is willing to work with you on your floor plan and with the
fabrics selected. A dealer should have a good sense of how an
oriental rug can fit into your décor.
- Find a dealer to assess your needs -A dealer should be
willing to view the room, if you want he/she to, in order to suggest
rug sizes, types and colors.
- Avoid auctions, hotel rug sales and going out of business
sales - You want your oriental rug dealer to be available
after your purchase in case you have any questions, need service
in the future, or to locate a hard to find rug. An oriental rug
is a hard item to buy on the spot without recourse. What if you
take it home and it is the wrong size or color? What if on further
inspection you find a flaw in the rug? A rug that is not sold
through a reputable dealer is probably of questionable quality.
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