I walked into Jordan's Furniture thinking I'd score a deal on a clearance sectional. Found a big fabric sectional marked down 60%. Looked great under the showroom lights. Talked to a sales guy and got the story: it was a floor model, they deliver it as-is, and the return policy on clearance is basically "you own it now." I didn't measure the room properly, didn't check the seat cushion foam, didn't even look at the fabric wear. Brought it home and it swallowed my living room. The wall I measured was wrong. Sofa covered two outlets. What did I learn? Clearance sectionals at Jordan's can be a solid buy if you bring a tape measure and a flashlight, and you know why they're discounted. Here's what I'd do next time.
Why Is It On Clearance? Ask the Right Question
Don't assume it's just a good deal. There are three reasons a sectional ends up in the clearance section:
- Floor model — it's been sat on by hundreds of people. Check for sagging cushions, loose seams, stains.
- Discontinued fabric or style — nothing wrong structurally, but it might be a weird color that's hard to match.
- Returned item — someone bought it, brought it home, and for whatever reason, it came back. Could be fine. Could be damaged.
Ask the salesperson directly: "Why is this one here?" Most will tell you if it's a floor model or a return. The best deal is a discontinued new-in-box piece, but those are rare. Don't be afraid to bargain — clearance prices are often negotiable, especially if you spot a scratch or a loose cushion.
Bring Your Measurements — Don't Trust Your Eyes
The showroom is huge. Your living room isn't. I measured the longest wall, but forgot to measure the doorways and the turn into the room. The sectional was 3 inches too wide for my hallway. I had to disassemble part of it to get it in, and the chaise still blocked a closet door.
Before you go, measure:
- Your room — width, length, and ceiling height.
- Doorways — inside the frame and the route to the room.
- Stairway turns if you have a basement or second floor.
- Wall outlets and baseboard height — a big sectional can cover them.
And while you're at the store, measure the sectional itself. Don't trust the tag. Bring a tape and write down the actual width, depth, and height at the armrests. For a sectional, also check the chaise length — is it long enough for you to stretch out? Trust me.
Condition Check: Everything Is As-Is
Clearance usually means no warranty and no returns. Jordan's will tell you this, but it's worth repeating: you own the piece once it's delivered. So look at everything:
- Sit on each seat. Compare the cushions. If one feels harder or deeper, it's been worn more.
- Check the fabric for pilling, pulls, or faded spots. Floor models get sun exposure.
- Look under the cushions — if you can remove them (they might be screwed down in a floor model), peek at the springs and foam.
- Notice any smells? Smoke, pets, or leftover cleaning chemicals.
- Check the frame — a crooked leg or a wobble is a red flag. If it's solid wood or engineered wood, that's fine, but particle board with glued joints? Skip it.
Don't Get Married to the Photo
Don't fall in love with the color under showroom lighting. Take a photo out in the store and hold it next to natural light? Not possible inside. But you can ask to see a swatch or check if they have a sample. Clearance items are final — the color won't change. Better to know now.
Delivery Hassles You Should Plan For
Jordan's charges for delivery; it's not free for clearance items. They also won't schedule a "measure and fit" service for clearance — you’re on your own. I had to pay $79 for delivery, and the delivery team refused to take the old sofa out of the room without extra fee. Plan for:
- Delivery fee might be negotiable if you pick up, but honestly, a truck rental plus two friends might be cheaper.
- If they deliver, ask about "white glove" — it might cost more, but it includes placing the sofa and taking packaging away.
- Make a plan for your old furniture before they show up. Some municipal pickup days take weeks.
What Actually Made It Work the Second Time
I ended up with a different sectional — a smaller two-cushion piece that fit my room and my budget. I measured twice, called the store in advance to confirm the return policy, and I still brought a friend who's picky about fabric. It's not clearance — it's a regular model, but I bought it during a sale. The process feels the same: check the label, check the condition, measure twice.
But if I ever buy clearance again, the one factor that decides the buy is this: the delivery acceptance. Because the moment they drop it off, it's yours. You need to be on the receiving end with a tape measure and a clear view of the surface without the packaging. If you can't inspect it in the first five minutes after the truck pulls away, you're stuck. And in a clearance world, that's the whole game.
Quick Checklist Before You Sign
- [ ] Know why it's clearance (floor model, return, discontinued)
- [ ] Verified measurements against my room, doorways, and stairway
- [ ] Sat on every seat and checked cushion firmness
- [ ] Inspected fabric under bright light for damage
- [ ] Asked about delivery fee and return policy
Clearance sectionals at Jordan's can be a steal, but only if you treat it like a used car, not a lightly worn piece. Show up with research, leave with a good piece, and don't fall for the "final sale" pressure.
If you're still on the fence about a right-side sectional vs. a left-side, read I Measured the Wrong Wall for My Right Side Sectional. For a broader look at dark furniture, A Plain-English Look at Black Living Room Furniture has some notes. And if you're comparing local stores, Sectional Sofas Nearby: What I Actually Found When I Stopped Shopping covers that.