MARTIN Lewis's MSE has revealed how Ikea shoppers can use old furniture to get gift cards with a "little-known trick."
Thousands of Brits spend their weekends trawling the aisles of the famous retailer.
Now the Money Saving Expert (MSE) website has provided Ikea shoppers with some tips on how to make their trips to Ikea more efficient.
The most eye catching tip reveals how customers can trade in their old Ikea furniture to collect gift cards.
MSE revealed that scratch-free furniture is worth 50 per cent of its original price. Very good standard, with just a few scratches, is worth 40 per cent and well used is worth 30 per cent.
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Customers can enter the details of their items on the store's buyback estimator tool.
The furniture then has to be handed into your nearest branch within 30 days, where it will be inspected by staff.
The customer will then receive a gift card based on the value of the furniture.
The gift card will have no end date and can be spent online and in stores, but it can't be used in the Bistro, Swedish Food Markets or restaurants.
MSE also points out that selling Ikea furniture back to the store might not be the best option.
Their experts advise customers to consider Facebook Marketplace and eBay.
The following items can be returned as part of the Ikea "buy back" scheme:
- Bookcases and shelf units
- Cabinets
- Chairs and stools (excluding upholstered or leather chairs and stools)
- Chest of drawers
- Children's furniture (excluding baby items such as cots and changing tables)
- Dining tables and desks
- Display storage
- Dressers
- Multimedia furniture (for example, TV benches and storage units)
- Office drawer cabinets and other small structures with drawers
- Accessories for Ikea's PAX wardrobes (for example, clothes rails, shelves)
- Sideboards
- Small tables
How else can I save money at Ikea?
The Swedish retailer is famous for cheap furniture, bedding, lighting and homeware, but it's always good to know how else you can save money when you visit.
First of all, Ikea runs a scheme both in-store and online called the Circular Hub, which aims to fight waste while also offering you products cheaper than usual.
It's the rebranded "bargains corner" of the store, where old and returned stock is resold at a fraction of the price.
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So if you don't mind furniture that's been in another home or out on the shop floor, you can save up to half price.
You can check online for your nearest participating store.
Also, look out for sales because they're often massive at Ikea.
For example, there's usually one in the summer and another in the winter and you can often score up to 50% off.
And definitely join Ikea Family if you want to know about deals earlier as well as receive exclusive discounts with products which have a blue tag on them.
You'll even receive a free hot drink to use at the Ikea cafe when you join.
The reward scheme is even free to join - you just have to sign up online and fill in a few details including your address, and preferred store.
