I’ve been thru a number of forums recently and the number one misconception is “…the more expensive mattress the better it is...” though it is true to a certain extent, but in my opinion it is more of a half truth.As I always advocate, 一分钱一分货, a cent paid is a cent of quality and much as we would like to have it in the quality:price ratio of 1:1, this may not always be the case with mattress. As highlighted in the graph, the ratio is closer to 1:1 when the price range of the mattress is less than $1k. However when the price exceed this mark, the ratio usually drop to 1:1.2, as it moves towards $1.5k, it tend to drop further to 1:1.5. When the pricing goes past the $2k mark, it’s more like 1:2 or even less.
So where does the excess money goes to? And why the difference in ratio? The missing dollars usually goes to the cost of branding, A&P, rental cost within large shopping malls etc.
Just ask yourself some simple questions:-
1) If the cost of the item is the same, wouldn’t the retailers with more costly rental need to charge more to cover their overheads?
2) If someone tell you the discount is 50% so how much would their margin be prior to this?
3) Would anyone in the right mind be selling an item at a loss?
The more expensive mattresses usually plays on human psychology and the perceived value rather than the actual value. (Note that it’s the value and not the price which I am referring to). This is similar to buying branded apparels which is working more on our perceived rather than actual value.
But do take care to note that I am not saying a $1.5k mattress is better than a $2k mattress, but rather the additional $500 you are paying, are you getting the same amount of quality in return?
Irregardless of the price of the mattress, be it a $300 or a $3000 mattress, as long as you are comfortable and feels good sleeping on this mattress, then it is a good mattress.
Bottomline is buy what we can afford and don't look back, just enjoy the shopping experience and sleep well.
The above numerical example is purely base on my personal observation and experience.
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I agree with most of the points written. I just want to add that a consumer is almost always better off buying a well-known brand rather that compromise on a wannabe brand, this is because of the very long warranties on mattresses. You want established companies that will be around to honour those warranties.
ReplyDeleteAlso, many lesser known brands pay very high monetary incentives to salespeople to push their products, these incentives can be as high at 15% of the selling price of the mattress. This is why salespeople at furniture shop are so enthusiastic about selling a specific brand of mattresses.