DFS ‘Match Made’ event feedback thread - non attendee? Chance to win £300 voucher! NOW CLOSED

[JustineBMumsnet]

This is the feedback thread for the 11 Mumsnetters who attended an exclusive DFS event in London to be matched to their ideal sofa.

Here’s what DFS has to say: “We know that choosing a sofa that’s right for you is something which everyone wants to get right, but it can sometimes feel like a challenge. At DFS, we have nearly 50 years of experience designing and hand-making sofas and want to make the sofa buying process as simple as possible. ‘Match Made at DFS’ was a chance for Mumsnetters to see how simple sofa shopping can be, when you consult those in the know.

On Wednesday 19th July we invited 12 Mumsnetters along to be ‘Match Made’ to their ideal sofa. During the match making process the Mumsnetters and DFS sofa experts chatted in detail about their sofa requirements. From colour and style, to product protection and financing, the Mumsnetters put the know-how of the DFS experts to the test. At the end of the match making process, the Mumsnetters were given the chance to choose the right sofa to meet their needs and suit their lifestyle.”

See the DFS 'match-making' process in action with their 'Ultimate Sofa Buying Guide' video here:

Attendees, please answer the following questions on your experience at the event

• What did you enjoy most about the ‘Match Made’ event?
  
• Do you think that DFS has a good selection of sofas?
  
• What did you think of DFS before attending the event?
  
• Did your view of DFS change after attending the ‘Match Made’ event?
  
• Would you recommend DFS to a friend after attending the ‘Match Made’ event?
  

Non-attendees, please answer the following question to be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £300 voucher.

• What do you think is the most important thing to remember when buying a sofa?
  

Thanks and good luck!

MNHQ

[sleepyMe12]

1. What I enjoyed the most about attending the DFS match made event was having the time and opportunity to discuss in detail what requirements I needed with both the DFS expert and the stylist.
   

1. DFS has a great selection of sofas from the selection that was on display at the event.
   

1. Before the event I had a rather neutral point of view about DFS. My current sofa is from their collection 6 years ago and has worn well but the sofas they advertise both in show rooms and on the television fail to get me interested.
   

1. Definitely changed my view on the collections they have and also the lovely Jade I was paired with certainly knew all about the sofas and made get suggestions.
   

1. I would definitely recommend DFS after attending this event infact I've already shown some friends the sofas that were on display.
   

I would just like to say thank you for choosing me to attend this event and that all the staff were fab dispite the ridiculous heat whilst filming.

[Wiifitmama]

1)What did you enjoy most about the ‘Match Made’ event?

I think the best part of the event for me was being able to speak one on one with the interior designer. I really needed help knowing what type of seating I need in our new lounge and I had brought photos and she was excellent in helping me see an option I had not thought about. However, she was not a DFS employee and you would not normally have access to an interior designer in their stores. The DFS staff member I was paired with afterwards was very knowledgable about the range of sofas they had as well as many of the details about them. I don't, however, think she would have been any use in helping me decide what type of seating I needed.

2) Do you think that DFS has a good selection of sofas?

Yes. I was surprised by the choice.

3)What did you think of DFS before attending the event?

I had a very negative view of them before the event and would not have considered buying from them.

4)Did your view of DFS change after attending the ‘Match Made’ event?

Yes. They had a good selection and I liked the comfort of the sofa I sat on during the event which is also the one I chose.

5)Would you recommend DFS to a friend after attending the ‘Match Made’ event?

Possibly. I think I would need to actually own a DFS sofa before recommending them.

[Faithless12]

- What did you enjoy most about the ‘Match Made’ event?
Having time to talk to a sales person without it being a sales pitch and without feeling pressurised.
- Do you think that DFS has a good selection of sofas?
Yes it has quite a big selection of sofas. Although the colour choices of some of the ranges aren't great
- What did you think of DFS before attending the event?
I was neutral about DFS, it's not somewhere I would go to shop off of my own back but that is generally as they are all out of the way for me to go to.
- Did your view of DFS change after attending the ‘Match Made’ event?
Yes some of the ranges made me think it might be worth travelling to a store.
- Would you recommend DFS to a friend after attending the ‘Match Made’ event?
No. I don't own a sofa and I would be recommending it based on looks alone.

[dewdneyk]

Thanks for the invitation to attend the event. It was a good afternoon and interesting to see how many people are involved in producing a film that is only intended for a website. It makes sense of the long list of credits that follow any movie.

To answer your questions directly:

1. The best thing about the afternoon was the opportunity to talk about the sofas in a relaxed setting without anyone trying to seal the deal and make a sale. It was just a conversation with an opportunity to see the range.
   
2. There is a very good range of sofas and when you take all in the colours, fabric, legs, styles and cushion fabrics into consideration it could be a bit overwhelming which is why it was good to have someone who knew the range well to ask the right questions and narrow down the options.
   
3. The only thing I really knew about DFS was their adverts on TV where they seem to have a permanent sale going on.
   
4. I think my opinion of DFS changed as a result of the event. They were more professional than I had anticipated and the furniture seemed to be well made and the choice was enormous.
   
5. I would recommend someone to go and look at one of the stores if thinking of buying a sofa.

[BeingATwatItsABingThing]

*Non-attendees, please answer the following question to be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £300 voucher.

• What do you think is the most important thing to remember when buying a sofa?*
  

The lounge is the heart of most people's home. Choosing a sofa that you can relax into after work and your guests can feel comfortable on is really important.

[Theimpossiblegirl]

Non-attendee
Size! They look smaller in the showroom so you have to be certain of your room size and how you will get the sofa into the room.

[clopper]

Non attendee
For me the most important thing is will I still like this in a year?

[Dancinginthemidnight]

Non attendee

Can it be washed easily and is there room for all of us on it?

[CryingShame]

Non-attendees, please answer the following question to be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £300 voucher.

- What do you think is the most important thing to remember when buying a sofa?

How your family will use it - does it get laid on by a 6ft adult watching the Grand Prix or sat on by 3 under 5s watching CBeebies, will you want to use a recliner by 9pm on Friday nights.

[foxessocks]

Non attendee- picking something low maintenance! Our last sofa you had to plump the cushions every night or it was just horrible to sit on. Our new sofa needs no plumping really and has stayed lovely and firm much better for our backs!

[StepAwayFromCake]

Non-attendee. When we buy a sofa it's a long-term investment, so it needs to be robust to withstand family life. You can change the covers, you can add a throw or cushions, but if the construction isn't solid, or the filling of the pads flattens or clumps, or the fabric wears through at the heavy-wear areas, then it's not worth buying.

Needs to be comfy and supportive, too, of course!

[starlight36]

Non-attendee.

The most important thing in choosing a sofa is how hard-wearing it is and whether it will fit into your everyday life in order to survive how your family will use it.

[purplepandas]

That small children can make light coloured sofas less attractive instantly. Our cream (pre kids) sofas were not a good buy in hindsight!

[mata777]

Non attendee: If you have small kids (or pets) you have to consider how easy it is to clean the sofa and how much is shows marks.

[georgedawes]

Non attendee - I think it's to find out how well it will last and how easy it is to clean. Boring but practical!

[TracyKNixon]

Stain resistance, especially if you have kids and pets! I like to know my sofa will not be ruined within the first 24 hours!

[compy99]

the size, have come unstuck when a large sofa wouldn't actually come through the front door, they look a lot smaller in a huge showroom among others than in a domestic home! we measured before we ordered it but didn't allow for large winged arms.

[emzlovesyou]

We've bought two beautiful sofa's from DFS in the last three years - One of them was from the "Shout" Range - A patch work design, more looks than comfort but i loved it!

The sofa we have now is from the DFS French Connection range - Very large, and comfy!

We always look for a comfy sofa, something that goes with our decor too!

[123hartley123]

The size will it fit into your room. The most important used to be is it fire resistance but they can not be sold if not.

[janeyf1]

Non-attendee: the size and shape is the most important consideration - will it fit in the lounge, fit through the door etc

[shellywkd]

Non-attendee Checking it fits is definitely first. Also making sure it suits the rest of the room and is comfortable.

[Ganne1]

Non-attendee

Not having thin spindly legs that will demage the parquet floor

[Ganne1]

Sorry, damage!

[feefeegabor]

The most important things are to ensure it will fit into your space and to make sure it is comfortable. Have a really good sit on it and try it from every angle!

[MimiJoy]

Non-attendee : Good support, without compromising on comfort I would consider to be most important.