From bicycles, large toys, furniture to gas grills, these items usually require some type of assembly. Especially if you ever shop at IKEA, the king of “flatpack” furniture. The store that you purchased from, offers assembly for either free or for a fee. Should you have the store do it, or do it yourself?
There’s a case to be made for both sides. On one hand, having the store assemble your purchase can save you time and frustration, especially if the instructions are complex or the item requires special tools.
On the other hand, assembling it yourself could save you money, and it can be quite satisfying if you enjoy DIY projects. It also gives you the chance to familiarize yourself with the item’s components, which can be helpful for any future repairs or adjustments.
So, it really comes down to how confident you feel about your assembly skills and how much you value your time versus your money. What do you think suits you best?
Personally I prefer to assemble all of my purchases at home, or at the final location of where the item will reside. Even if it’s FREE assembly included. I think I can count on one hand how many times I’ve had a big box store assemble an item that I purchased there (free or paid). Issues that I have experienced with those assemblies:
- It’s expensive! Big box stores charge higher assembly fees, as that’s how they pad the extra profit (along with the extended warranty, replacement plan, etc.). It’s usually cheaper to hire a handyman to assemble it for you if you are wanting to save time and money.
- I’ve worked for a couple of big retailers actually doing assembly work (lawn mowers, grills, bicycles, furniture, toys, etc.). Because this is an additional fee that adds to their bottom line, the team that is doing the assembly are under pressure to assemble as many and as fast as they can.
- Since they are trying to crank out as many and as fast as possible, attention to detail gets no attention at all. Missing handles, missing screws, cosmetic damage or scratched sides, dents, misalignments, etc.
- The store’s focus is on quantity (profit) versus quality.
- These issues are multiplied if the assembly was “free.” You know the old saying “You get what you pay for!” I run from “free assembly.”
- If the item is assembled at the store, then you have to get it home. Since the item has been unpacked, all of the protection of the packaging is gone. It’s now more susceptible to further scratches, dings or other damages. There is usually an additional fee for the delivery.
- There is usually a wait period or delay before you can get your purchase home. So you might get it in a few days, or even a few weeks. It depends on when they can find someone to put it together.
If I put it together, I know it’s done right, to my standard and when I want it!
Do you have a project to assemble and would rather save your time and money? Maybe it was a project that you wanted to tackle but after opening the box and trying to decipher the instructions … WHOA! Give us a call and we can help!
