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  • Apply Today
  • Home
  • Who We Are
    • History
    • Mission, Vision & Core Values
    • Board of Directors
    • Charter Members
    • Staff Directory
  • Member Benefits
    • Rebates & Discounts
    • Merchandising
    • Mattress 1st & Americas Sleep Specialists
    • Networking
    • Consumer Financing
    • Private Labels
    • Business Services
    • Marketing Services
    • Communications
    • Markets & Meetings
  • How to Join
    • Investment
    • Qualifications
    • FAQ
  • Apply Today

FAQ

  • Home
  • How to Join
  • FAQ

How much does it cost to be a Furniture First Member?

A one-time $1,250 shareholder’s stock fee is assessed upon approval by the Board of Directors. Quarterly dues are $750 and are typically deducted from the Member’s quarterly rebates. In addition to dues, Furniture First charges each Member company a very small allocation percentage (20%) of their collected rebates. Membership pays for itself when you buy into our vendor partner programs. The average rebate amounts to over $28,000 per Member, per year.

How is Furniture First organized?

Furniture First is a cooperative corporation. Each Member, regardless of size, owns one share of stock in the cooperative.

Are Members required to buy specific lines or merchandise?

Furniture First has only one mandatory buy which is our private label mattress program. This program is manufactured by one of the nation’s leading bedding brands. Member’s typical enjoy higher margins than national brands and appreciate that the private label cannot be “shopped” in their marketplace. The only other requirement is that Members must invest 30% of their merchandise and service expenses with approved Furniture First vendor partners. It’s easy for Members to do this with our portfolio of more than 100 merchandise suppliers and more than 40 service partners. While 30% is the requirement (new members have two years to build to this level), the average Member directs almost 50% of their purchases to Furniture First partners.

How much money will I save?

The amount of money you save depends on the amount of money you spend with our vendor partners. The average rebate amounts to over $28,000 per Member, per year.

In addition to rebates, Members save money on their purchases with pricing discounts. For example, Members enrolled in our Broyhill Billing Program can save up to 15% off standard Broyhill pricing. Due to this program, one Member was able to save $20,000 on Broyhill purchases in 2010.

Will I have to change how I pay for furniture?

For most of our supplier programs, you will continue to work with the supplier’s billing/accounts receivable departments as you always have. We do request that you use a “Furniture First Member” stamp on your payments so that your purchases will be tracked by the supplier for rebate accounting.

If you enroll in one of our centralized billing programs, then you will remit payment to Furniture First.

Does Furniture First have any rules regarding Membership?

Members are required to maintain a Lyons Credit Rating of a 1, 2 or 3. Members whose credit falls to a 4 or 5 are suspended. Rebates for suspended members are collected and held but not distributed; Members are not charged dues while on suspension. Members who remain on suspension for multiple quarters may be terminated at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Creditworthiness is an essential bargaining tool that our merchandisers use when negotiating programs with Supplier Partners.

How do I become a Member?

Click “Apply Today,” fill in the form and our staff will contact you for further details. If your store fits our preliminary qualifications for membership, you will be sent an application and a projected ROI worksheet. Once the application and all required documentation are received, your application will be voted on by the Board of Directors on their next monthly conference call.

APPLY TODAY

"Kittle’s joined Furniture First in 2018 and could not be happier with our decision. The bench-marking, support resources available, willingness of members to share, and professionalism of the Furniture First staff all validate the wisdom of our decision to become part of the Furniture First family."

Eric Easter Kittle's Furniture

"The things we value most about Furniture First is the Bulletin Board and the other opportunities you provide that help us network. The staff is always available to answer our questions re: new vendors, policies, etc… Keep up the good work! Oh yes and the rebates are nice too!"

David Chesness Lake Country Furniture

"Joining Furniture First has been one of the best business decisions I have made. The membership connections and friendships have been invaluable. The Furniture First staff are the best! And, a rebate check for doing what I already do is a bonus."

Bobby Infinger Infinger Furniture

"Having access to like-minded furniture retailers across the country tied in with Extraordinary BUYING POWER for products and services, is our Furniture First advantage."

Ron & Pete Cardi Cardi's Furniture & Mattress

“Joining Furniture First is one of the best investments that we, as an independent furniture dealer, have made. It puts us on a level playing field with multi-store operations because we are able to purchase merchandise at the same price. It also opens you up to a world of vendors that you would never have shopped or heard of otherwise. Furniture First staff always have an open ear and give advice in the dealer’s best interest. It is nice to belong to an organization that cares.”

Lester Gorin Gorin’s Furniture

"We joined Furniture First with the intention of saving money via rebates and discounts, but it has also exceeded our expectations with streamlining our operations due mainly to networking with other dealers at our Symposiums."

Bob White Godwin's Furniture

"It seems like they are always helping me and the other members every day of the week. great people and management! I have learned so much being associated with this gang."

Richard Dunhoff Weis Furniture

"Our little company has only gotten stronger and wiser since joining FF. I feel that we have gained generations of industry knowledge and have really taken a leap forward in front of our competition. Thanks FF staff and family."

Brian Tex Morgan Austin's Couch Potatoes

"The partnership, buying power, discounts, guidance, mentoring, etc. have been the best decision we have made to improve our success. I would encourage any dealer who wants to succeed to become a member."

Jason Wilson Wilson Furniture

"The very best we get out of the group is the relationships we’ve developed and the trust and the willingness to help each other. Also, the management of Furniture First is very good at stretching us and taking us out of our comfort zone. Even though our company has been there 67 years, they remind us that we need to shape up because the marketplace is changing."

Dean Swanson Ernie's in Ceresco

"One of the best things about being a member of Furniture First is that it’s a family. Anytime we have any issues regarding merchandising or advertising or any other area, all we have to do is pick up the phone and call. There’s a knowledgeable staff available to us. They’ve been an excellent resource to us."

Pam Miller Miller Brothers Furniture

"Joining Furniture 1st has been one of the best decisions I have made for my furniture business. Thank you Furniture 1st!"

Jack Steger Steger's Furniture

"Grateful to be part of the Furniture First family. The staff of Furniture First are first class, and every vendor partner and retail member I have met have been super helpful. Proud 9 year member of Furniture First!"

Kenny Kemper Kemper Home Furnishings

“We joined Furniture First to take advantage of the extra discounts and rebates! However, the information available through networking and the exchange of ideas with fellow retailers is worth the cost of Membership alone - many of America’s best furniture retailers are Members of Furniture First and I’m glad we’re able to associate and learn from them!”

Randy Coconis Coconis Furniture

"Every interaction that I have with another Furniture First member gives me a piece of gold that I can use in my business.  The membership represents the best in the country of business people who are plugged into their business and giving it their all.  That's who I want to hang out with and hear from."

Beckey Waldrop Miller Waldrop Furniture

Corporate Office:

1500 Fulling Mill Road,
Middletown, PA 17057
Ph: 717-540-9725
Toll Free: 800-411-3477
Fax: 717-540-1705

High Point Showroom:

Find us in High Point this April in TD Retail Card Services’ booth, Plaza Suites #419

Schedule a meeting in High Point

Las Vegas:

World Market Center
Building A Lobby
Las Vegas, NV 89106
Schedule a meeting in Las Vegas

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