Why are the Elfa brand closet organizer systems so over-priced when the systems themselves consist of parts which are the same quality as much cheaper alternatives? I decided to create this blog to educate other consumers on how they can organize their messy closets without having to sacrifice a limb in the process.
I have four closets in my condo and wanted to install organizers in two of them. When I asked around for reccommended companies, a few people pointed me in the direction of Elfa and the Container Store. When I saw their setup which fits my closets ( http://www.containerstore.com/browse/Product.jhtml?CATID=68559&PRODID=71350 ) I really liked it... until I saw the price...
That system, at the time I had priced it, was over $1200 + tax on top of that! All that money for what? having my clothes hung up and looking nice? I was sure there were alternatives.
When I was searching the net for alternatives, I came across Rubbermaid Configurations ( http://www.amazon.com/gp/collections/B000K7HF4M/102-9568983-0515349?ie=UTF8&ref=cl%5Ftr%5Fdp ) and I was surprised! For something that looked so similar to the Elfa setup and did exactly the same thing - costing 1/10th of the price! I was a little hesitant - assuming that because one system was $1200 and the other was $120, that there had to be a catch... but there wasn't. I paid only $119 for my closet system (the Rubbermaid Configurations Deluxe Closet kit) through Amazon.com!!!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
The only problem with Rubbermaid is that you can't add any wood accents and drawer systems. the weight capacity is terrible and it looks cheap. Its it's cheap it will look cheap. You get what you pay for.
Anonymous is incorrect. Elfa and Rubbermaid are made form the same materials. Elfa is marketed to look more expensive. However if you want a custom look without the custom price go with Rubbermaid
Elfa every time for me. Rubbermaid shelves rust over time but Elfa do not do would seem to be a better grade of steel
I agree that many of the pre-assembled sets from The Container Store are excessively overpriced. However, I've had success in buying the individual components. For example, I was looking for a wall-mounted storage solution for wrapping paper and other Christmas junk. I search and searched, and even considered 'designing my own' from a wall-mounted magazine rack and towel bar. When I ran across the Container Store's Elfa components, I was able to buy the 77" mounting bar and the long basket and divider (to stabilize the top) for around $22. Of course, I decided to "accessorize" and ended up buying several more mounting baskets to store ribbons and supplies, along with 2 utility pegboards and some hooks. The whole set-up cost me $109. (It was a 30% off sale). I had also seen thier "inclusive sets" that offered a similar level of storage and function ranging from $200-250+. My point is.... I think those closet systems are intended for individuals that have absolutely nothing in their closet to start with. But if you stick to the individual components, you may be able to get a reasonable deal.
I agree that many of the pre-assembled sets from The Container Store are excessively overpriced. However, I've had success in buying the individual components. For example, I was looking for a wall-mounted storage solution for wrapping paper and other Christmas junk. I search and searched, and even considered 'designing my own' from a wall-mounted magazine rack and towel bar. When I ran across the Container Store's Elfa components, I was able to buy the 77" mounting bar and the long basket and divider (to stabilize the top) for around $22. Of course, I decided to "accessorize" and ended up buying several more mounting baskets to store ribbons and supplies, along with 2 utility pegboards and some hooks. The whole set-up cost me $109. (It was a 30% off sale). I had also seen thier "inclusive sets" that offered a similar level of storage and function ranging from $200-250+. My point is.... I think those closet systems are intended for individuals that have absolutely nothing in their closet to start with. But if you stick to the individual components, you may be able to get a reasonable deal.
You sound like you work for the cintaicon store. Anyway, I'm obsessed with elfa, I buy single components from other people ( Craiglist, OfferUp, 5 mile) but sometimes I have to go to the store where the have 30% off sales twice a year. Worth it!
Post a Comment