7 Common Mistakes to Avoid at IKEA, According to Staff

With 480 IKEA locations worldwide, there's a high chance you've visited one. Whether you're in search of a sofa, wardrobe, or even a brand-new kitchen, this Scandinavian giant offers nearly everything. However, with an average store size of 300,000 square feet and a labyrinthine design, it can be overwhelming for many shoppers. It's easy to make a blunder. 

From simple mistakes to tips on how to navigate IKEA, here are seven things to avoid in their stores, according to employees sharing their insights on Reddit.

Test the Beds Before Lying Down

IKEA offers budget-friendly mattresses, and it's a good idea to try them before making a purchase. However, it's recommended to lie on top of the beds to get a sense of comfort, not underneath.

An employee shared in an Ask Me Anything thread, “Yes, I've seen many people nap in a bed or on a couch, usually while waiting for others they're shopping with. I always suggest lying on the beds or sofas if you're looking to buy, but keep it brief. We seldom wash the sofa covers and bed linens displayed in-store. If you're trying out a mattress, avoid going under the sheets. Head to the open mattress section for a cleaner option.”

Although it may be tempting to nap after a long shopping day, it's probably better to take a break and grab a coffee at the café. Return to the mattress section once you're feeling more energized.

Not Knowing the Return Policy

IKEA provides a generous 365-day return policy, so be sure to double-check your receipt or credit card statement before trying to return older items. If you think you need an exception, it's best to treat the employees kindly, as one Reddit user advised.

One Redditor recalled: “This guy, once again at the returns desk, tried to return something he had purchased three years ago. IKEA has a 365-day return policy, so we were literally unable to help him. The flat-pack furniture had glass shelves in the box, and they were so shattered they were practically dust. The more we explained that we couldn’t assist, the angrier he got. He eventually opened the box and dumped all the broken glass onto the desk. Yikes!”

Returning Used Pillows

Remember, there are a few exceptions to IKEA's return policy. For instance, one employee shared that returning used pillows is strictly not allowed.

The employee wrote, “One day a woman came to the counter trying to return some pillows. Generally speaking, we don’t accept pillow returns for sanitary reasons. She didn’t have a receipt, and the pillows were clearly used and in poor condition. [...] Our return policy states we only accept items within 30 days of purchase, with a receipt, and unused in their original packaging.”

Request Employees to Retrieve Items Requiring a Forklift

An employee shared in a discussion about the worst IKEA meltdowns that safety is paramount, and certain rules are non-negotiable, particularly when it comes to retrieving products from those towering shelves.

“A customer came in wanting an item that was only available on a high shelf, which would require a forklift to get it down—a task we don’t do while customers are in the store for obvious safety reasons. I explained that we could retrieve it for him after the store closed, but that was not a satisfactory response,” they said.

They continued, "While this was happening, his wife and two small children walked up. I said, 'Sir, just think about your children being in the aisle when the forklift is in use. If an accident occurs, your children could be crushed by a falling pallet, the lift's arms, or face any number of potentially deadly incidents.'”

If you're looking to purchase something that can't easily be loaded onto a cart, be ready to wait until closing time or kindly ask a manager or employee to help find a solution.

Forgetting to Take a Number While Waiting for Customer Service

Waiting in line at customer service is one of the most frustrating parts of shopping at IKEA. These lines can get incredibly long, so the store uses a number system to keep things organized. Although large signs clearly display this policy, they're occasionally ignored, leading to confusion, as shared by another Reddit user in the same meltdown thread.

They wrote, “We had huge signs telling customers to take a number, and they'd be called when the next employee was available. Well, this couple sat there for about 30 minutes when the woman suddenly screamed, ‘Are you serious? I was supposed to grab a number?’ Somehow, she missed the signs, or the fact that for the past 30 minutes, we had been calling people up in a queue system similar to the DMV.”

Failing to Secure Large Items Properly in Your Car

Not everyone has a car big enough to fit large items like sofas, so planning ahead or arranging for delivery is crucial. One Reddit user shared a story about a customer who tried to cheat the system by switching the price tag on a sofa to pay a lower price and then attempted to carry it out of the store. Unsurprisingly, the plan failed, proving once again that crime doesn’t pay.

According to them, “The person loaded the couch onto their truck and sped off. IKEA is conveniently located by the freeway, and once they got on, the couch fell out and tumbled onto the road, completely ruining it.”

And in case you were wondering: When he returned to the store and requested a refund, his request was denied.

Hesitating to Ask Employees for Assistance

While many employees share stories on Reddit about rude customers (to put it mildly), one emphasized the importance of simply asking for help to avoid unnecessary stress.

They wrote, “A few minutes before closing time, I came back to find the same couple struggling to fit a sectional into their Jeep. Boxes were being tossed around, and words were being exchanged, but I tried to ignore it. I stepped over scattered boxes and torn plastic wrapping in their attempt to fit everything in and politely asked if they needed help. They locked eyes with me, realized who I was, and graciously accepted... a wise decision.”