A secondhand cabinet may look sturdy in a listing photo, then turn up with a swollen base that won’t sit flat. Before arranging a viewing, ask for clear photos of the underside, back, corners, and any damage—not just the front. In Thailand’s humid climate, those less-photographed spots can tell you more than the finish.
Before you leave: check fit, price, and pickup
- Measure the space and the route in. Note the maximum width, depth, and height your room can take. Measure doorways, narrow hallways, stair turns, and the lift, if there is one. A sofa may fit against the wall but not through the apartment door.
- Confirm what is included. Ask about cushions, shelves, drawers, screws, and removable parts. Get the assembled dimensions even if the seller plans to take the piece apart.
- Calculate the delivered cost. Add transport, lifting help, and likely cleaning or repair supplies to the asking price. A cheap desk across town may cost more than a nearby one once you hire a suitable vehicle.
- Plan the pickup before agreeing. Check vehicle access, parking, lift rules, and whether the seller expects immediate removal. Don’t count on delivery until it’s confirmed.
If you’re furnishing a temporary base for trips around Thailand, think about how long you’ll use each piece. A compact table you can move easily may serve you better than a heavy bargain you’ll struggle to resell. For a desk in tight quarters, plan its position before shopping; the guide to setting up a workspace in a small Thailand apartment covers layout in more detail.
At the viewing: inspect before you negotiate
Bring a tape measure and use your phone flashlight to check underneath and behind the piece. See it in good light if you can. Ask permission before shifting anything heavy or opening a panel, then take a few minutes to test the furniture as you would at home.
Check the frame and moving parts
- Wooden tables and chairs: Press gently on the corners and sit on chairs to check for rocking or movement at the joints. Look for cracks around legs and fasteners. A loose screw may be an easy fix; a split load-bearing joint is another matter.
- Drawers and cabinets: Open every drawer and door fully. Check that tracks run smoothly, shelves sit securely, and the unit doesn’t twist when opened. Look for swelling or flaking on the base and rear panel.
- Sofas and upholstered chairs: Sit in several spots, then stand and see whether the cushions recover. Feel for sagging support or protruding springs, and notice whether the frame shifts or creaks.
- Metal furniture: Check welded joints, bolts, and spots beneath chipped paint. Surface marks may be manageable; corrosion that has weakened a joint is not.
Lifting veneer, soft particleboard, or a musty smell can signal moisture exposure. A repair is only a bargain if you know what needs doing and can realistically do it. If the seller says a drawer “just needs adjusting,” ask to see where it catches rather than assuming the fix will be simple.
Look closely for pests and odours
Check seams, cushion piping, screw holes, drawer joints, and the underside for live insects, eggs, shed skins, or dark spotting. Small holes and fine powder around wooden joints are also reasons to be cautious. Don’t assume a quick spray or wipe will solve a possible infestation; leave the piece if you can’t assess it confidently.
Open cabinet doors and check for lingering smells; smell upholstery up close, too. Smoke, strong fragrance, and mustiness can persist after surface cleaning. Soft furniture is harder to inspect and clean thoroughly than a plain wooden chair, so allow more room for uncertainty.
Ask a few precise questions
A listing rarely tells you everything. Ask how long the seller has had the item, why they’re selling it, whether it has been stored outdoors or somewhere damp, and whether it has been repaired. Treat the answers as leads for your inspection, not proof of condition. For a newer item, ask about the receipt and assembly instructions; don’t assume a warranty transfers with resale.
Buying a modular sofa, bed frame, or large wardrobe? Ask whether it has been taken apart before. Repeated assembly can loosen fasteners or damage panels. Make sure the seller can account for all the pieces before you arrange a truck.
Agree on the handover details
Base any negotiation on what you’ve found. A sticking drawer, missing shelf, or transport cost gives you more to discuss than saying the price is “too high.” Confirm the final price, payment method, pickup time, and exactly what’s included in a message you can both refer to. In a private sale, inspect before paying whenever possible, and be wary of sending a deposit for an item you haven’t verified.
Ask the seller to leave the piece assembled until you’ve finished checking it. Before dismantling, photograph how the parts fit together and put screws in a labelled bag. Protect corners and glass in transit, and keep loose shelves from sliding across finished surfaces. If rain is possible, arrange a covered vehicle or waterproof wrapping; even a short ride can leave upholstery wet.
Before bringing it inside
Put the item somewhere you can inspect it again without blocking your living space. Vacuum seams and drawers, wipe cleanable surfaces with a product suitable for the material, and let everything dry fully before use. Don’t soak veneer or particleboard. Launder removable covers only if their care labels permit it, and check the manufacturer’s guidance before applying chemicals to upholstery.
Make one last check against your home measurements, including the route through the entrance. If a table is 76 cm wide and your narrowest doorway is 75 cm, find out whether its legs or top can come off before paying—not when the delivery vehicle is already downstairs.
