Does CORT Buy Used and other Clearance Center FAQs!
The most frequent question from customers who are unfamiliar with CORT is "does CORT buy used furniture," and the answer is no. Primarily a leasing company, CORT purchases its furniture directly from the manufacturer and rents to temporary housing, tradeshows, home staging, models, and corporate or non profit entities. To relieve inventory, previously leased merchandise is moved to our Clearance Centers for sale to the general public.
So... is it clean?
Absolutely. In fact, everytime upholstery or mattresses come off lease, they are steamcleaned and sanitized. In the State of Ohio, the health department inspects regularily to ensure CORT's compliance with sanitization laws. Used merchandise purchased through 3rd parties often does not have to be sanitized, so purchasing from CORT can be literally a healthier option.
But I can buy NEW for the same price!
Can you? There's no question retail vendors are hitting phenomenal pricepoints, but the $299 sofa is not a good buy unless it isn't going to be used. In order to hit those prices, manufacturer's skimp on frames, springs, spring latches, the polyeurathane foam in the cushions, and the frabic itself (usually using a low grade microfiber). These sofas simply are not constructed to the standard CORT demands in its rental product. Because our merchandise usually sees several leases, our product must maintain its look and structure throughout its life. As a result, our Clearance Centers generally carry higher quality, name brand merchandise that better fills your need than lower quality new product.
Why is this piece in the Clearance Center? What is wrong with it?
There are a variety of reasons merchandise comes to the clearance center. Sometimes pieces sustain cosmetic damage that makes them unsuitable for rental, but there are other reasons as well: merchandise overstock from our warehouses, transfers to relieve inventory from other parts of the country, or a manufacturer's decision to discontinue the product. Additionally, CORT may decide to simply no longer offer a particular product for rental, shifting all available inventory to its Clearance Centers.
When there is damage, CORT employees will help you find it. Our showrooms are well lit to allow for full inspection prior to purchase. Since our merchandise is sold as-is, we want you to know what you are buying! Additionally, we will repair or replace defective items when notified within 90 days of purchase. While we cannot cover you from consumer-caused damage, we stand behind the manufacturing quality of our product!
CORT Furniture Polaris
8600 Sancus Blvd
Columbus, OH 43240
Friday, July 16, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
CORT Contacts
CORT Columbus is working on creating a more modern web interface! The following links are now up and running:
On Facebook: "CORT Furniture Columbus"
http://columbus.cortclearancefurniture.com/
On Facebook: "CORT Furniture Columbus"
http://columbus.cortclearancefurniture.com/
Furniture Construction: Upholstery
Some of the more common techniques consumers use to judge quality, and some general thoughts on finding the right upholstered piece:
While general construction often appears across manufacturers, and some differences are hidden from easy view, there are a few easily checked items consumers should look for. The "wieght test," in which the consumer lifts the item in an effort to gauge quality, is neither sophisticated nor particularily accurate, but the wieght of a sofa likely represents the thickness and construction of its frame. Solid hardwood or steel frames are heavier than MDF, plywood, or thinly guaged framing materials, so the comparative wieght of two otherwise identical pieces does provide some information. Additionally, raise the seat cushions and measure the gap between springs on the sofa's "bed" (the area the cushion sits on). Closer together springing systems provide a firmer and more durable platform. Most cushions cover high density foam systems (the higher density the cushion core, generally the more durable) and many are no longer double sided. If the back cushions or arms are filled with loose "fiber" or cotton filling, make sure there are zippers on each piece to allow future adjustment. Loose fill cushions, while very soft, will eventually compact and sag.
Various fabric options are available to the modern consumer. Better quality upholstery fabrics generally have thicker backing materials and elements that provide stain resistance.
1. Microfiber: Sometimes marketed as "micro-suede" or a variety of trademarked labels, microfibers are polyester based fabrics that clean well and are considered quite sturdy. As with all merchandise, there are better and lesser quality microfibers, though no official grading system exists. Generally, look for fabrics that are thicker to the touch and don't easily pull from the backing materal. Traditional micro fibers sometimes have a "knap" and will show marks produced by contact to the material. Though simple to remove, this may be unacceptabl to some consumers. Microfiber is usually cleaned with water only or a very watery soap mixture. Sprayed stain protection is not necessarily recommended.
2. "Power" or "Performance" fabrics. Many modern upholstery fabrics are based in microfiber technology and are 100% polyester, though often marketed as "power" or "performance" fabrics. While these fabrics often imitate traditional upholstery fabrics such as velvet or cordoroy, they carry the stain resiliency of the microfibers and have less knap than traditional microfibers.
3. Modern upholstery blends. Even outside of the microfibers, modern upholstery technology combines a variety of threads, weaves, and fabrics designed to produce better lasting, stain resistant, and in some cases, hypoallergenic or anti-microbial materials. Each blend has unique properties.CORT carries a variety of upholstery manufactuers, styles, and fabrics. Whether you seek a short or long term furniture solution, let us take you there!
While general construction often appears across manufacturers, and some differences are hidden from easy view, there are a few easily checked items consumers should look for. The "wieght test," in which the consumer lifts the item in an effort to gauge quality, is neither sophisticated nor particularily accurate, but the wieght of a sofa likely represents the thickness and construction of its frame. Solid hardwood or steel frames are heavier than MDF, plywood, or thinly guaged framing materials, so the comparative wieght of two otherwise identical pieces does provide some information. Additionally, raise the seat cushions and measure the gap between springs on the sofa's "bed" (the area the cushion sits on). Closer together springing systems provide a firmer and more durable platform. Most cushions cover high density foam systems (the higher density the cushion core, generally the more durable) and many are no longer double sided. If the back cushions or arms are filled with loose "fiber" or cotton filling, make sure there are zippers on each piece to allow future adjustment. Loose fill cushions, while very soft, will eventually compact and sag.
Various fabric options are available to the modern consumer. Better quality upholstery fabrics generally have thicker backing materials and elements that provide stain resistance.
1. Microfiber: Sometimes marketed as "micro-suede" or a variety of trademarked labels, microfibers are polyester based fabrics that clean well and are considered quite sturdy. As with all merchandise, there are better and lesser quality microfibers, though no official grading system exists. Generally, look for fabrics that are thicker to the touch and don't easily pull from the backing materal. Traditional micro fibers sometimes have a "knap" and will show marks produced by contact to the material. Though simple to remove, this may be unacceptabl to some consumers. Microfiber is usually cleaned with water only or a very watery soap mixture. Sprayed stain protection is not necessarily recommended.
2. "Power" or "Performance" fabrics. Many modern upholstery fabrics are based in microfiber technology and are 100% polyester, though often marketed as "power" or "performance" fabrics. While these fabrics often imitate traditional upholstery fabrics such as velvet or cordoroy, they carry the stain resiliency of the microfibers and have less knap than traditional microfibers.
3. Modern upholstery blends. Even outside of the microfibers, modern upholstery technology combines a variety of threads, weaves, and fabrics designed to produce better lasting, stain resistant, and in some cases, hypoallergenic or anti-microbial materials. Each blend has unique properties.CORT carries a variety of upholstery manufactuers, styles, and fabrics. Whether you seek a short or long term furniture solution, let us take you there!
Some of the more common techniques consumers use to judge quality, and some general thoughts on finding the right upholstered piece:
While general construction often appears across manufacturers, and some differences are hidden from easy view, there are a few easily checked items consumers should look for. The "wieght test," in which the consumer lifts the item in an effort to gauge quality, is neither sophisticated nor particularily accurate, but the wieght of a sofa likely represents the thickness and construction of its frame. Solid hardwood or steel frames are heavier than MDF, plywood, or thinly guaged framing materials, so the comparative wieght of two otherwise identical pieces does provide some information. Additionally, raise the seat cushions and measure the gap between springs on the sofa's "bed" (the area the cushion sits on). Closer together springing systems provide a firmer and more durable platform. Most cushions cover high density foam systems (the higher density the cushion core, generally the more durable) and many are no longer double sided. If the back cushions or arms are filled with loose "fiber" or cotton filling, make sure there are zippers on each piece to allow future adjustment. Loose fill cushions, while very soft, will eventually compact and sag.
Various fabric options are available to the modern consumer. Better quality upholstery fabrics generally have thicker backing materials and elements that provide stain resistance.
1. Microfiber: Sometimes marketed as "micro-suede" or a variety of trademarked labels, microfibers are polyester based fabrics that clean well and are considered quite sturdy. As with all merchandise, there are better and lesser quality microfibers, though no official grading system exists. Generally, look for fabrics that are thicker to the touch and don't easily pull from the backing materal. Traditional micro fibers sometimes have a "knap" and will show marks produced by contact to the material. Though simple to remove, this may be unacceptabl to some consumers. Microfiber is usually cleaned with water only or a very watery soap mixture. Sprayed stain protection is not necessarily recommended.
2. "Power" or "Performance" fabrics. Many modern upholstery fabrics are based in microfiber technology and are 100% polyester, though often marketed as "power" or "performance" fabrics. While these fabrics often imitate traditional upholstery fabrics such as velvet or cordoroy, they carry the stain resiliency of the microfibers and have less knap than traditional microfibers.
3. Modern upholstery blends. Even outside of the microfibers, modern upholstery technology combines a variety of threads, weaves, and fabrics designed to produce better lasting, stain resistant, and in some cases, hypoallergenic or anti-microbial materials. Each blend has unique properties.CORT carries a variety of upholstery manufactuers, styles, and fabrics. Whether you seek a short or long term furniture solution, let us take you there!
While general construction often appears across manufacturers, and some differences are hidden from easy view, there are a few easily checked items consumers should look for. The "wieght test," in which the consumer lifts the item in an effort to gauge quality, is neither sophisticated nor particularily accurate, but the wieght of a sofa likely represents the thickness and construction of its frame. Solid hardwood or steel frames are heavier than MDF, plywood, or thinly guaged framing materials, so the comparative wieght of two otherwise identical pieces does provide some information. Additionally, raise the seat cushions and measure the gap between springs on the sofa's "bed" (the area the cushion sits on). Closer together springing systems provide a firmer and more durable platform. Most cushions cover high density foam systems (the higher density the cushion core, generally the more durable) and many are no longer double sided. If the back cushions or arms are filled with loose "fiber" or cotton filling, make sure there are zippers on each piece to allow future adjustment. Loose fill cushions, while very soft, will eventually compact and sag.
Various fabric options are available to the modern consumer. Better quality upholstery fabrics generally have thicker backing materials and elements that provide stain resistance.
1. Microfiber: Sometimes marketed as "micro-suede" or a variety of trademarked labels, microfibers are polyester based fabrics that clean well and are considered quite sturdy. As with all merchandise, there are better and lesser quality microfibers, though no official grading system exists. Generally, look for fabrics that are thicker to the touch and don't easily pull from the backing materal. Traditional micro fibers sometimes have a "knap" and will show marks produced by contact to the material. Though simple to remove, this may be unacceptabl to some consumers. Microfiber is usually cleaned with water only or a very watery soap mixture. Sprayed stain protection is not necessarily recommended.
2. "Power" or "Performance" fabrics. Many modern upholstery fabrics are based in microfiber technology and are 100% polyester, though often marketed as "power" or "performance" fabrics. While these fabrics often imitate traditional upholstery fabrics such as velvet or cordoroy, they carry the stain resiliency of the microfibers and have less knap than traditional microfibers.
3. Modern upholstery blends. Even outside of the microfibers, modern upholstery technology combines a variety of threads, weaves, and fabrics designed to produce better lasting, stain resistant, and in some cases, hypoallergenic or anti-microbial materials. Each blend has unique properties.CORT carries a variety of upholstery manufactuers, styles, and fabrics. Whether you seek a short or long term furniture solution, let us take you there!
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