New companies reinvent the process of selling and shipping mattresses
For the last hundred years or so, shopping for a mattress has been a time-consuming, unpleasant effort. You went to various stores, listened to sales talks, took your shoes off to lie down on one, then paid to have it delivered. Now that's changing. Mattress startup companies are making it simple.
First, they get advertising from peer-to-peer techniques and social media platforms, where customers post enthusiastic reviews.
Brands like Eve, Casper, Yogabed, Leesa and Keetsa have simplified websites. Their social media marketing includes answering questions about their products, and some offer to pay $50 for each person a customer refers.
Some buyers take part in an unboxing video program. It shows how the unboxed memory-foam mattress grows like a dried-up sponge hit with water. The video can include a link to a referral code so the maker gets $50.
A queen-size mattress from Casper costs $850, shipping included, with a 100-night free trial and a 10-year warranty. Leesa's comparable queen-size offer costs $890 and has the same terms. Both companies allow customers to return their mattresses for a full refund and free pickup.
Online sales of mattress of all kinds are growing rapidly, even outside the startup boutiques. There are many choices.