Mattress Buying Guide: Online Shopping vs. In-Store Shopping

Is it better to go online shopping vs in-store shopping when buying a new mattress? It’s a popular debate. Back before the pandemic or even the advent of the internet, going into a physical store was the only option for mattress shopping, and most people found it to be a chore. Nowadays, it’s easier to buy a bed with a single click and have it delivered right to your doorstep. But even though we are living in the age of convenience, the question still remains: Is it better to buy a mattress online or in a store? 

To be honest, there is no correct answer to this question because it depends on who you ask. Every person will have a different opinion based on their own preferences for their shopping experience. There are benefits and downsides to online and in-person shopping — however, as mattress experts, we believe it is possible that they can work together. But you’ll have to keep reading to find out how!

In this article we’ll be discussing online shopping vs in-store shopping pros and cons, so that you can make an informed decision on which mattress shopping method would benefit you the most. 

Find Out How You Sleep

Take Our Sleep Quiz

Buying a mattress online: Pros and cons

As buying a mattress online becomes more popular with consumers, let’s dive into the good and the bad of using the internet to purchase your new bed. 

Pros

1. It’s more convenient. Buying a mattress online allows the consumer to purchase from the comfort of their own home and save time by not having to go into a real store.
   
2. Purchase whenever, wherever. Physical stores close, but websites are available 24/7 from any location. You can get a new mattress in just one click from your couch.
   
3. You can take advantage of online deals. Some mattress brands run exclusive online deals that can help you to save big on your purchase.
   
4. You can read the product’s reviews. Customer reviews are a great way to gain information about how the mattress performs from real people. While most salespeople would push the idea that this mattress is “the best” to secure a purchase, you can see for yourself what particular mattresses live up to the hype.

Online shopping can be a great source for scouting out your mattress options if you’re unsure of what to look for in a mattress. If you’re ready to browse, here’s our expert guide to how to shop for a mattress online.

Cons

1. You can’t feel a mattress through a screen. The description may say “medium feel,” but do you actually know what that feels like? Does “medium” mean the same across every mattress brand? Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. You can never truly know how a mattress will feel unless you lay on it — and if you wait to do that post-purchase, it’s likely you won’t be satisfied.
   
2. Most online mattress retailers only sell beds-in-a-box. Quality mattresses don’t come in a box. When you purchase a bed-in-a-box, the components are squished and rolled, cutting the lifespan of the mattress in half. And because these beds are typically made with lower-quality materials, your sleep quality suffers greatly. If you want to know all about the issues behind the bed-in-a-box phenomenon, read our guide.
   
3. Most mattress brands have very few options to choose from. If you have ever gone to a mattress retail website like Purple or Casper, you may have noticed that there are only a few mattresses in their inventory to choose from — sometimes less than 10! While some may think this makes the decision easier, it is a one-size-fits-all approach that puts the buyer at a disadvantage. You cannot find the right mattress for your unique needs without variety.
   
4. The return process can be grueling. If you buy a bed-in-a-box and are ultimately not happy with it, returning that mattress can be incredibly frustrating. This is why we always recommend that you read the return policy carefully before purchasing a mattress.

Convenience over quality and comfort may not always be the way to go when shopping for a mattress. While you may save time, you may not save money in the long run by replacing a mattress that was not made with you in mind. 

Buying a mattress at a physical store: Pros and cons

Is brick-and-mortar shopping “old school?” Or is it an ensured way to make a more informed decision? Let’s discuss this. 

Pros

1. You can test out the mattresses to see which one is right for you. At Texas Mattress Makers, we believe that it is crucial to try before you buy a mattress. A mattress is such a personal purchase and finding the perfect match is beneficial to your overall well-being. By trying in person, you will know exactly what you’re getting — no surprises. Trust us and don’t skip this step.
   
2. You can get a better idea of how the mattresses perform. Something that sets Texas Mattress Makers apart from other mattress retailers is that all of the mattresses in our showroom are already broken in. This allows you to experience how the comfort and support components would feel after you’ve slept on it for a few weeks. This will paint a clearer picture of what you can expect long-term from the mattresses that you try.
   
3. You can shop with experts — not salespeople. We completely understand the desire to avoid pushy salespeople at a mattress store, but with Texas Mattress Makers, there’s no need to worry. We only employ experts, not salespeople who have incredible knowledge of the components and technology that make up each mattress and can pair you with a bed that will satisfy all of your needs. We are in the business of providing you with the best night’s sleep, not just selling you a mattress.  

Cons

In our expert opinion, there are truly no cons to buying a mattress in person. The time that you spend driving to the showroom, speaking with the experts, and trying out the mattresses is time that can guarantee that you will find the right mattress for you. However, if you’re still on the fence, let’s talk about how you can use both online and offline shopping to your advantage.

How Texas Mattress Makers Blends Online and In-Person Shopping For a Unique Mattress Shopping Experience 

Texas Mattress Makers is dedicated to providing an accommodating shopping experience for all. That’s why we utilize both online and in-person shopping methods to let our customers choose their own journeys. 

If you would prefer to buy your mattress online, you can take our Sleep Quiz to get mattress recommendations tailored to your answers or speak with an expert over the phone at 713-341-6252 so we can better get to know your unique needs. We have a compiled list of questions to ask when mattress shopping so that our experts can guide you from the comfort of your own home.

From that discussion, you can decide to purchase straight from our website or visit any of our showroom locations to try the mattresses out for yourself! If you aren’t satisfied with what’s in our showroom, ask us about our custom mattress capabilities. We can create your dream mattress within your budget. 

The Texas Mattress Makers in-person shopping experience is truly unlike any other in the mattress industry. Come and visit us to see what all of the buzz is about!

More Helpful Articles by Texas Mattress Makers:

• Best Mattresses for Heavy People
• The Dangers of Buying a Used Mattress
• Best Mattress for Sciatica: Unpacking Myths
• Plush vs. Soft Mattress: What is the Difference?
• Buying Guide: Best Beds for Married Couples