Importing Furniture to Bermuda: What Most People Get Wrong
7-8 min read
Short answer
Furniture can be one of the biggest opportunities for savings in Bermuda, but it is also one of the easiest categories to underestimate. The purchase price is usually the least important number. Dimensions, freight costs, delivery requirements, and handling fees often matter more.
Why furniture is different
Unlike electronics, furniture is usually priced by space rather than value.
A lightweight sofa may cost more to ship than a heavy appliance simply because it occupies more room.
This surprises many first-time importers.
The real costs
Furniture imports commonly involve:
- purchase price
- freight
- customs duty
- handling fees
- delivery charges
- assembly
- damage risk
Looking only at the retailer's advertised price rarely tells the full story.
Small furniture
Examples:
- bedside tables
- office chairs
- side tables
These are often easier to import.
Medium furniture
Examples:
- desks
- dressers
- shelving
These require more comparison.
Large furniture
Examples:
- sofas
- dining tables
- sectionals
- wardrobes
These almost always deserve a freight quote before purchase.
Freight vs parcel forwarders
Parcel forwarders can work for smaller furniture.
For larger furniture, freight providers often become more economical.
The challenge is that every item sits in a different grey area. There is no universal answer.
Why local comparisons matter
Furniture is one category where local retailers sometimes surprise people.
The local sticker price may initially look high, but after shipping, duty, delivery, and installation, the gap can narrow significantly.
Damage risk
Large furniture is difficult to return.
That alone can justify paying more locally in some situations.
Best situations to import
Importing often works best when:
- furnishing an entire property
- renovating
- ordering multiple pieces together
- buying brands unavailable locally
Final recommendation
Always compare landed cost, not advertised cost.
Furniture is exactly the kind of purchase where proper comparison can save thousands of dollars.
Run the numbers before ordering furniture
Use Landed.bm to compare the landed cost before you commit to a large furniture order.
Try the Landed.bm Calculator