Industry Tips
Purchasing a Mattress
When buying a mattress make sure you know if you are buying a new or used mattress by looking at the attached label. New Mattresses will include a white tag or label that indicates that the mattress contains "all new materials". In some states used mattresses may contain a colored tag warning that the mattress contains used materials. Federal law requires that any mattress that contains used stuffing have a tag or label with that information. According to Danny Collins with South Carolina Consumer Affairs, South Carolina used to have a law on the books concerning the resell of used mattresses as well as refurbished. This law has been removed from the law books. Anyone can sell used or refurbished mattresses in South Carolina.
Shopping tips for Mattresses:
1) Shop Around - mattress prices and quality vary.
2) Ask if the retailer sells used bedding.
3) If you want a new mattress make sure it has the appropriate tag.
4) Make sure you look at the tag on the actual mattress you are buying before you leave the store or before the delivery person leaves your house.
5) Ask the retailer to write new on your sales receipt so that if the mattress turns out to be used you'll have some recourse.
6) Avoid retailers with mattresses that don't carry tags
7) Ask about retailer's return and refund policies, and get copies in writing.
You may contact the Federal Trade Commission for any questions concerning federal labeling requirements at 1-877-382-4357 or 202-326-2502.
