There is nothing I love in this world like I love Ikea.
However, even a seasoned Ikea fan like myself doesn’t know every secret that is contained inside that big, blue box. There are things only Ikea employees know!
From secret discounts to free diapers (yes, diapers), these are the secrets only Ikea employees know.
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Ikea’s 90-day price protection plan is something you should keep an eye on.
If, sometime in the 90 days after you buy something, Ikea discounts that item to a cheaper price than what you bought it for, you can get the difference back.
As far as I can tell, this is reserved for Ikea Family members.
The As-Is section is only restocked on specific days.
It changes from store to store, and it can happen as little as once a week. Once you figure out your store’s pattern, you can score some SWEET deals on already-built furniture (I’ve gotten two pieces for over 50% off that way).
You CAN buy floor models…
But only if Ikea doesn’t plan on bringing that item back in stock. At least, that’s how it works in my Ikea in Vancouver, Canada. If they have a shipment coming in, the floor model stays where it is.
The Ikea Family card really does save you money.
Joining the program is free and it entitles you to discounts to which other people aren’t privy. Plus, you get free tea or coffee when you shop in-store!
It is very important to research before you shop.
Many people show up to Ikea with an idea of what they want, but the store won’t have it in stock. Before you head out, check your local store’s stock and save yourself the headache.
You can nap on the beds.
I mean, don’t do it for long stretches of time. But yes, you can absolutely take a little snooze on the mattresses — how else will you know if you want it?
They’ll put your furniture together for you.
Certain stores have partnered with TaskRabbit to give you discounts on having Ikea furniture assembled. Talk to an employee at Ikea about arranging that for your furniture and kiss those damn Allen wrenches goodbye.
Ikea has ideal shopping times.
Shockingly, it’s not on weekends! I know, I know, big news.
The best times to shop in peace are on weekday mornings, usually around mid-week. Combine that with your store’s As-Is day and you’re looking at some serious scores.
The employees won’t come to you.
Unlike some stores, Ikea employees aren’t trained to just hover around and ask if you need help. Instead, you go to them when you’re ready. I prefer that, tbh!
Everyone who works there has been trained to build everything in-store.
And everything you see in the store was built by an employee! That explains why everything always looks so damn perfect, huh? My kingdom for a cabinet that isn’t crooked.
Once you have one thing in your cart, it’s all downhill from there.
“Once we ‘break your wallet’ to grab a bag and buy something like a coat hanger or one dollar candles you are a lot more open to buy other stuff too,” an Ikea manager wrote on Reddit.
There are secret bathrooms in the marketplace.
This may just be a me-tip, but it sure has saved my bladder a few times. Look at the directions and shortcuts and you’ll usually be able to find a small bathroom tucked away. My Ikea’s is near the kitchen section on the bottom floor.
The store’s shortcuts actually change.
Keeping you a little off-kilter is how Ikea keeps you in the store. If customers begin to memorize the shortcuts, they’ll be in and out. Can’t have that!
Some of the employees volunteer to be store firefighters.
In some stores, volunteer employees are taught to use fire extinguishers and fire hoses, as well as how to provide emergency assistance until emergency services arrive.
The kitchen backsplashes aren’t made by Ikea.
Unlike everything else in the store, kitchen backsplashes are outsourced to a third party retailer. That explains why it’s a bit more expensive to purchase, huh?
Employees (aka coworkers) don’t work on commission.
They work on a fixed salary, which gives everyone the same base playing field! It also means you don’t have sales people in your face 24/7, which is VERY nice.
The names of the products are odd for a reason.
The iconic Swedish names given to each product actually have a purpose. Founder Ingvar Kamprad had a hard time keeping track of traditional inventory numbers because of his dyslexia, so he invented his own way to do things!
So, about the diapers.
If you’re in need of one while in an Ikea family bathroom, don’t worry — they provide free diapers in each one. Bet you didn’t know that one, did you?
They have them in both the men’s and women’s washrooms as well.
Yellow tags are where the crazy steep discounts are.
Those are “last chance” tags and that means you won’t see that particular item in the store again. Scoop it up for that discounted price or risk missing out on it forever!
