The internet has changed the shopping experience, and not just with online shopping. Product reviews are everywhere, from customer reviews to entire web pages of comparison products. These reviews can be helpful for figuring out where to start on your shopping journey and making that final purchasing decision.
Mattress shopping is no different, and you can easily find reviews on any product that you’re considering buying. But reading reviews can quickly become overwhelming – searching for “mattress reviews” on Google brings up 39 million different web pages. You can’t possibly read all the reviews to find a good mattress but you should read the ones that will give you the most benefit.
Search Smart
If you’re unsure of what sort of mattress you’re looking for, start with reviews that compare broader categories. For instance, you could look for reviews that compare different types of mattresses or even brands. You can start to use this information to narrow down your search and see what you might be in the market for.
Once you have decided on the type of mattress you want, you can start to search for more specific reviews in your category. The more you know about what you want from your mattress, the more helpful this process will be.
Be Aware of Brand Affiliations
There are no shortage of mattress review websites and channels. These can be great resources because the makers are knowledgeable about the topic. However, a lot of these sites have affiliations with certain brands, so they’ll market these more. There’s nothing wrong with this, it just helps if you know when this is happening so that you can know to double check other sources. When sites are upfront about their affiliations, they are easier to trust than a site that doesn’t mention them at all.
Check Multiple Reviews
Because of brand affiliations (and just because it’s smart), you’ll want to check multiple reviews when seeking product advice. Again, you don’t need to read every single review out there but reading a handful can help you find different perspectives. In one review, you may find something that makes or breaks a sale for you that another review didn’t even mention.
Customer Reviews
Customer reviews are a great source of information. After all, who can say more about what the product is like than someone who’s bought the product? A customer review may mention something that a manufacturer description doesn’t even mention. This is another place to make sure you read multiple reviews instead of taking just one person’s word as the indisputable truth.
You also need to take customer reviews with a grain of salt. Everyone has a different comfort zone when they sleep, so what a single person thinks of as an uncomfortable mattress may be great for you. Remember to read any customer reviews with the correct context in mind.
Beyond just the mattress itself, though, customer reviews provide a great reference for what the customer service was like. As great as a product may be, a frustrating company can ruin the shopping experience. Look over reviews to see how the company handles questions, delivery, warranty, and return policies – and while you’re at it, check the company’s policies.
Don’t Just Rely on Reviews
Reviews can be a great gateway to information, especially for those who are trying to narrow down their mattress choices. However, you shouldn’t let word of mouth be your only determining factor. Don’t rule out what heading to a retail store can do for you when it comes to experiencing a mattress for yourself.
Even if you’re shopping online, you can still visit a storefront to compare brands before making your final purchase online. Many online-only retailers can send material samples and free trials as well. Take advantage of these options and make sure you’re getting the right mattress.
In the end, reviews should be a guiding tool for information, but know that no one else’s words can substitute for your exact needs. Sometimes you just need to lie down on a mattress to know if it’s going to work for you. Take advantage of what reviews can do for you, but don’t rely on them alone to decide for you what you’ll sleep on. Only you can make that final decision.
Sources:
https://www.cnet.com/news/how-to-buy-the-best-mattress/
