Tips for consumers to enjoy the furniture trade-in policy
June 19 10:53:13, 2025
Buying new furniture at promotional prices can come with additional perks, such as a 10% discount. Recycling old furniture is also a great way to reduce waste and make the most of resources. Overall, the "replace old with new" approach offers significant advantages to consumers. However, certain limitations outlined in the "Pilot Implementation Measures" might create hurdles, causing concerns among potential buyers about whether they can enjoy these benefits without hassle.
One key limitation is that the subsidy rate is capped at 10%, with a maximum subsidy per piece of furniture set at 1,000 yuan. A tip here is to strategize your purchases to maximize the subsidy. For instance, if you're planning to buy multiple items, combining them strategically could help you reach the higher subsidy threshold. For example, buying three pieces worth 15,000 yuan would qualify you for a 1,500 yuan subsidy instead of just 1,000 yuan for a single item.
When it comes to customized furniture, it's important to note that these types of products aren't included in the current trade-in scheme. Wei Yongqiang, the deputy general manager of Lanjing Lijia Home Plaza, explained that due to the variability in sizes, shapes, and materials, pricing for custom furniture can't be fixed in advance. As a result, these items don’t fit into the standardized trade-in process. However, consumers shouldn’t feel discouraged. Many brands offer wholesale options that allow customers to still benefit from the 10% subsidy. Some custom furniture brands even have specific products listed for this purpose. The key takeaway is that the classification between standard and non-standard items often depends on the brand's reporting to the Commerce Commission.
Another challenge is the subsidy cap for high-end furniture like imported or mahogany pieces. While the subsidy limit of 1,000 yuan per item may seem low, it still provides opportunities for those looking to invest in luxury furniture. Brands like Yuan Henry Hardwood Furniture have found ways to make the process work for both buyers and sellers. For instance, older mahogany furniture can often be matched one-to-one with newer pieces based on functionality rather than brand or model. Additionally, some international brands, such as Hilbach Home Furnishing from Germany, offer subsidies for specific product lines under the current policy.
A final obstacle arises when new and old furniture are located in different places. Under the current measures, merchants are responsible for collecting the old furniture, but consumers typically bear the transportation costs. To ease this burden, several major furniture markets in Beijing, including Juran Home and Red Star Macalline, have introduced a cap of 200 yuan on these fees. Still, if the cost remains prohibitive, there are creative solutions. Yu Pengfei from Tiantan Furniture suggests coordinating with brands to piggyback on someone else’s delivery schedule, thus avoiding additional transport expenses.
In summary, while the trade-in policies have limitations, they still present substantial opportunities for savvy consumers. By understanding the nuances of the program and adjusting purchasing strategies accordingly, buyers can make the most of these initiatives without unnecessary stress.