Hold on to your easy chair, furniture bargains are just a click of a mouse away. As long as Highpoint, North Carolina, the wholesale furniture capital of the US, remains in the Union and on the Web, you'll save 40%-70% off high-ticket department store prices. Here's how:

• Seeing is Believing. Visit local furniture stores and start collecting manufacturer names, model and style numbers, color descriptions and material specifications of all the furniture pieces you can't live without.
• Attention Shoppers. When you log on to a particular wholesale website, ask for a personal shopper via e-mail. They'll guide you to the best deals on their site.
• Decisions, Decisions. On these websites, you can choose furniture based on item, style, manufacturer, showroom display, or view the complete inventory. You can also order a catalog directly from the store or manufacturer.
• Scanning for Dollars. See something you like at a store or in a catalog? Email a picture of the item you are looking for to your personal shopper/salesperson to see if they carry it.
• The Price is Right. Price quotes will not be posted directly at the website. Instead, get them via phone, or email.
• We Can Get it For You Below Wholesale! For the deepest discounts possible, order during Highpoint's semi-annual, after-market sales, where you can score rock-bottom prices on clearance items and floor samples.
• Cash Out. Pay by credit card wherever possible for optimal buyer protection. If you have to pay C.O.D., make sure to thoroughly inspect all merchandise before you accept goods.
• Taxing Situation. Good news! You won't be charged sales tax if you live outside of North Carolina.