Here are the 7 essentials you need to know before buying a rug or furniture

Know your merchant... How long have they been in business? Do they buy direct? Can they speak intelligently about the different styles, manufacturing techniques, materials or history? Do they support interior designers, know the latest styles and designs and can they offer suggestions or ideas for finding the perfect piece?

Know their inventory... Can they show you rugs,carpets or furniture pieces from every corner of the world? Do they have a large selection in the styles or sizes you are looking for? Can you quickly and easily peruse the styles, designs, sizes, colors or options?

Know your consultant... Are they informed, helpful, can they speak to the history, customs, value and quality of the rugs, carpet or furniture piece you are look at? Are they friendly, helpful and always professional? Do they operate in complete integrity?

Know what you are searching for... Can you depend on your consultant to steer you in the right direction? Offer advice, that's even more important than making a sale? Can they help identify or focus in on what you are really looking for, even if you don't exactly know?

Know the quality and value you are looking for... Can your consultant explain, the value and quality of every rug, carpet or furniture? Will they show you how that quality is measured, and the value associated with it? Know you are getting fair price for the value. Can they do that without price mark downs after huge price mark-ups and 80% off sales?...

Know who they associate with... If they are a member of the better business bureau, and Industry partner of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and a member of the Oriental Rug Retailers of America, Inc. Association and that they ascribe to the value and integrity of these organizations.

Know their guarantee... And the policy they offer when it comes to exchanges, trade ups or returns..