What does value mean to you? Is it primarily determined by price, service, or convenience? While Big Box stores may appear to offer the lowest prices on products similar to those found in traditional retail outlets, it is important to consider whether you are truly getting a good deal. Is price the sole determining factor of value? Although an item may seem appealing in the store, it may not necessarily meet your exact requirements. For instance, that $250.00 dining set may initially appear to be a great bargain, but it could turn out to be a disappointment when faced with the first rain or windstorm, resulting in pieces being retrieved from your neighbor’s tree and leaving you wondering how to repair the furniture.

In most cases, Big Box and Home Improvement Centers do not accept returns, leaving you with outdoor furniture that will likely last only 1-2 years due to poor quality, fabric and finish fading, or structural rusting. Moreover, these stores usually offer limited choices in terms of colors, fabrics, and styles. Additionally, the responsibility for delivery, setup, disposal of packaging and old furniture, as well as any warranty claims, falls upon you. In light of these factors, it is worth questioning where the value proposition lies in shopping at these stores for your outdoor furniture.