Getting a new mattress can be a costly purchase, though it’s important to remember that a mattress is an important investment for your sleep and overall health. The average person spends about one-third of their lives sleeping!
No matter what type or size of mattress you’re looking for, you probably still want to get the best deal possible. If you’re thinking about negotiating the price of a mattress in-store or want to see if you can get the best overall deal online, read on to find out more!
Cost of a Mattress
| Cost | What to Expect |
| $250-$500 | A no-frills mattress that will offer minimal support, but can work for children or lightweight sleepers. |
| $500-$1000 | A hybrid or all-foam bed that will work for adults up to average weight and will last at least 5 years. |
| $1000-$2000 | A mattress with high-quality foams and coils that can support a range of weights and sleeper types. Will typically have a strong warranty and trial period. |
| $2000-$5000 | A top-of-the-line bed that has all the bells and whistles, like specialized spinal support or high-tech cooling features. These beds will typically last well over a decade. |
The price of a mattress depends on a number of factors, including size, type, and features, to name a few. Here’s what you can expect from a mattress at each of these price ranges (reflecting a Queen size).
- $250-500: Basic options with limited features. Types available may be innerspring, foam, and hybrid. Fewer coils and less dense layers of foam, resulting in lesser durability and the need to purchase a new mattress again sooner. Check out our top picks of the best budget mattresses.
- $500-1000: All types of mattresses available, including hybrid, compatibility with adjustable bed frames, and basic smart mattresses. No or limited luxury features or details, but will be made with higher-quality materials. Likely comes with a trial and warranty period. Check out our top picks of the best mattresses under $1000.
- $1000-2000: Premium materials used. Mattress types available include phase change materials, natural latex, and organic options. Popular name brands and bed-in-a-box retailers will be available at this level. Check out our top picks of the best mattresses under $2000.
- $2000-5000: Newest and most exclusive materials, features, and details that are highly durable. Can include the latest technology from popular name brands to more exclusive, lesser known brands.
Mattress Negotiation
Though not possible when buying a mattress online, where prices are set in stone, negotiation is often a part of buying a mattress in-store. In fact, according to our Mattress Purchasing Habits Survey, 2/3 of people who shop for a mattress in-store make an effort to negotiate. And what’s more, just 3% of shoppers who negotiated deemed their effort unsuccessful. The vast majority got some sort of discount, from a reduced price on their mattress to free delivery or free bedding products.
How to negotiate mattress prices in-store
So now that you know it’s possible to negotiate mattress prices in-store, you’re probably wondering how. One thing to keep in mind is that mattress prices in-store are often higher than online — this is because mattress stores can work out deals with retailers to give them “exclusive” versions of a bed. That bed may be very similar to the base model online, but will come at a higher price for that particular store. You’ll want to go in armed with this information — look at online prices and ensure you’re paying no higher.
When shopping with a budget, there are a few things to keep in mind. If a mattress is priced at $2500, for example, you can tell the associate your budget is $2000 and see if they’re able to work with you on lowering the price. They may be able to offer free removal of your old mattress and/or free delivery of your new mattress. According to our survey, nearly 1/4 of in-store shoppers who tried to negotiate ended up getting free delivery of their new mattress. If you’re on a budget, take a look at our picks for the best cheap mattresses.
You should always consider additional in-store costs associated with buying a new mattress. Mattress stores usually charge extra for removal of your old mattress, plus delivery of the new mattress. You may also want to buy some sleep accessories to go with your new bed, like pillows, sheets, and a blanket, especially if you’re purchasing your mattress from a department store.
Keep in mind that sales people want you to buy. In many cases, mattress sales people earn a commission off the sale of your purchase, so they want you to end up buying a mattress no matter what. Be kind and courteous from the moment you walk in the store, and let them know if you’d like to browse on your own or are looking for a certain type of mattress.
Marc Werner, Founder and CEO of GhostBed, encourages shoppers to be polite and just ask. He says, “Ask the store manager if there are any discounts available. If the store manager says no, then you can ask if you buy a few of their products on store display, would they lower the price for you? It does not hurt to ask about discounts before buying an expensive product.”
Remember, sales people are knowledgeable about mattresses and there to help you find the perfect fit, so don’t be afraid to ask questions! Pro tip: Check the salesperson’s information against Mattress Clarity’s mattress reviews to make sure everything sounds accurate and is best suited for your needs.
Before you jump to the register to pay, give negotiation a shot. A whopping 36.3% of our survey respondents were able to successfully lower the price of their mattress when negotiating in-store.
Online mattress prices are non-negotiable
Bed-in-a-box and other online mattress retailers frequently run bundle or savings deals, making it cheaper than purchasing a mattress in-store right off the bat. The most common free accessories included with online mattresses are pillows and sheet sets, but when holidays come around, free bundles can also include extras like a weighted blanket, making the full retail value anywhere from $200-$500 worth of free accessories. We weren’t surprised to see that 47.6% of our survey respondents plan on buying their next mattress online.
However, with these amazing deals, you are unable to negotiate the price of a mattress when purchasing online. We recommend weighing the costs and benefits, specifically considering the value of the accessories you may be receiving, and whether shipping and mattress removal are offered for at no additional charge. In many cases, you may end up saving hundreds by purchasing your mattress online rather than in-store.
RELATED: The Ultimate Mattress Buying Guide
Best Time to Buy a Mattress
You can save an estimated 10% – 20% on your mattress purchase during a holiday sale, so it is no surprise that over half of respondents who bought their last mattress online waited to shop until a holiday or sale. The best holiday mattress deals are offered:
- New Years Day
- Presidents Day
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Black Friday
- Cyber Monday
Online retailers usually have pre-holiday sales and extended sales which can last longer than traditional mattress stores.
Outside of holidays, spring is the best season to buy a new mattress due to new product launches, making older models available at a greater discount.
Flash sales or inventory closeouts — offered both in-store and online — are also a great time to purchase a new mattress. To stay informed about any upcoming sales, sign up for your local mattress store’s mailing list, as well as online mattress retailer email lists.
When brands are about to close out a collection or release a new model, they need to make room for new inventory. Stores or online retailers may offer deals with hundreds of dollars in savings, which is a great time to save on a new mattress.
Tips to Get the Best Deal on a Mattress
- Wait until a sale. If you’re planning on purchasing a mattress for a move, heading to college, or your old mattress is starting to not cut it anymore, do your research ahead of time but wait to actually purchase it until a holiday sale.
- Don’t buy the first mattress you see. If you’re in need of a mattress quickly, avoid going to the nearest mattress store and making a purchase right away. Instead, shop around at different stores in-person and compare those prices against each other, as well as against online retailers. Mattress salespeople in-store may be able to price-match to get your business, or you may be able to find a better price online with a quicker delivery time than the store will offer.
- Research. Compare. Repeat. Take advantage of all the information available online about the mattress(es) you are interested in buying. Read our in-depth mattress reviews, watch our videos, and read customer reviews before making your decision. Compare similar mattress types against other brands, in addition to the different mattresses offered by brand. Repeat this process until you’ve narrowed down your list to just a few choices, then do your final research and comparison to make a decision!
- Get a mattress that comes with a sleep trial and/or warranty. Most stores may offer a 30, 60, or 90 day return or exchange policy, plus the manufacturer warranty. Most online retailers offer a longer sleep trial (90 to 120 nights) and extended warranty lasting up to ten years.
Final Thoughts
Buying a new mattress is an important purchase, but one that can come with a hefty price tag. To avoid breaking the bank, you can try to negotiate mattress prices in-store, or shop online to see if there’s a better overall deal. Be sure to do your research and shop around until you find the right mattress for you.
