Any reason not to go big box for furniture?

SuzyQq02

So it looks like the only place left in the universe that has the crib we want in the finish we want is Walmart.com.

We have the house that Ikea built, so we definitely don't mind DIY flat pack furniture, but for some reason, I'm hesitating over this.

It's Graco, so a name brand product... it should be the same no matter where we order it, right?

mamacrunch

Yes, the manufacture is the only concern you should have Wal-Mart is just the distributor.

Noethola

If its what you want, the distributor is just a middle man. Don't let it stop you from getting what you want. 

Baby2CUsoon

We also bought ours from walmart.com and are still using 3 years later (4 in 1 convertable bed)
AND the mattress was included, bonus!!!

KazDuck918

I tend to be a little weary of WalMart, just because I know they contract directly with manufacturers and cut corners. According to Consumer Reports IKEA actually has one of the higher ranked cribs.

KazDuck918

My friend works for a large computer company and does direct contracting with Walmart and Costco. To keep costs low, Walmart has a lower standard for the materials and QC. Costco actually works the opposite and has a higher standard but still demands lower costs. Granted, this is for computer parts, not cribs. But I have heard they do the same with Levi's jeans as well.

mamacrunch

KazDuck918 said:

My friend works for a large computer company and does direct contracting with Walmart and Costco. To keep costs low, Walmart has a lower standard for the materials and QC. Costco actually works the opposite and has a higher standard but still demands lower costs. Granted, this is for computer parts, not cribs. But I have heard they do the same with Levi's jeans as well.

Honestly this is irrelevant. Graco is making cribs. They come off the same line. As far a which one goes to Walmart, Target, Kmart, BRU, BBB, whoever is a matter of random selection.

^ I know this I worked in distributing as a repacker. The product comes in from a manufacturer. Then WM, KM, T, BRU, BBB says I want my pallet 5 high by 6 wide, I would take a pallet that came from the man 6 high by 6 wide make 5X6 wrap it with saran wrap write WM on it do another 4x10 wrap it write KM. 

They are ALL the same quality if they come from the same person. 

There isn't a person saying well we will let wm sell this crib for use because we didn't make this one of quality.

ras26

We did exactly what you're describing because for the crib we wanted (also Graco) Walmart was the best priced and it came with a free mattress.  If it's the same crib no matter where it comes from, save yourself the $$!  We did do ship to store to eliminate some of the chances for additional damage on transport.  It turned out fine.

iwubrory

Go for it. Like Books, my "designer" crib had to be put together as well.

slwprincess

Absolutely! It's the manufacturer who is responsible for meeting safety standards- not walmart. A graco crib from Walmart is equal to a graco crib from any other supplier. And the graco cribs have notoriously high ratings- so good choice!

sushilover0214

I used "Baby Bargains" to research my baby furniture shopping and one of the things that stood out was that regardless of where you purchase it, all cribs have to pass safety standards that were implemented in 2011.

klbowie

I agree with OP.  All cribs must meet federal regulations so they are all safe with the feds.  The only thing I would be worried about is the ease of using, moving and how long the crib can be used for.  I think, if Wal-Mart has what you want get it!  It will meet federal regulations so your baby is safe.  I think most, if not all, cribs have to be together.  It helps protect the quality of the crib! 

CharlieMomma

I bought the Graco Madison from Target but its actually a LaJobi(?) crib. Weirded me out and I placed a few calls to make sure I got the right crib. Even my part replacement came from LaJobi somewhere in Asia.

So I don't know if it really matters where it was purchased. I'm buying a 2nd one actually once I catch a sale again

dunvilles

We have a Graco from Target and we LOVE it! It was actually one of the top rated cribs when we bought it 4 yrs ago. We're going to reuse it with this one.