Look for discount rattan furniture sellers

There are many ways to be economical when buying rattan patio furniture. Wholesalers carry a variety of national brands at discount prices and can even import special requests. Also look for clearance items. Sellers may be clearing out older models, changing distributors, or selling last season's designs at closeout prices. Additionally, look for factory seconds, which are usually of high quality but are generally non-returnable. Finally, some sellers offer price matching -- if you can find the same product at a lower price elsewhere, they will match it. And, remember to always check the warranty and return policy before purchasing rattan.

I recommend: Rattan Shack offers clearance items and price matching. There are also wicker furniture wholesalers, such as Direct Patio Furniture and Wicker Outlet.

Choose outdoor wicker patio furniture or indoor furniture for your specific needs

Decide if your rattan furniture will be used with no roof or canopy, in limited outdoor use under a roof but still open to the elements, or indoors. All-weather resin wicker outdoor furniture used in the open air is made from vinyl wicker or PVC polyurethane for maximum durability. General outdoor wicker furniture is made from high-quality wicker reeds that are coated with resins, plastic, and paint to create a protective layer over the wicker, which can endure harsh rain and snow. Indoor rattan furniture is made from natural materials that are coated with a polyurethane finish. Although rattan living room furniture is very popular, you can also select rattan for bedroom, bathroom, dining room, and office furniture.

I recommend: Contract Furnishing International offers advice on selecting various kinds of indoor/outdoor furniture. WickerFurniture.com and Wicker Warehouse sell a wide variety of rattan bedroom furniture, such as rocking chairs, hampers, storage chests and trunks, vanities, and room dividers, in addition to outdoor wicker furniture.

Select the style of rattan patio furniture that reflects your clientele

Order your rattan furniture in a variety of styles and fabrics. Casual, modern, traditional, and vintage rattan furniture come in dark and light earth tones, such as dark browns, light sand, grays, terra cotta, and natural green. You can choose your rattan with nature-inspired designs, such as leaves, palms, and tropical scenes. Choose darker colors to invoke a serene, relaxing atmosphere, and brighter pastels and primary colors to bring the party to life. Fabric comes in many colors, textures, patterns, and styles, but be sure to select appropriate fabric for outdoor and indoor use. Quality fabric will withstand weather and repel moisture, and be easier to maintain. Find a seller who will work with you to coordinate various fabric designs with the rattan and wicker furniture you desire.

I recommend: Wicker Paradise offers 120 designer fabrics and even sells fabric by the yard. Wicker On Park offers several types of high quality American-made fabrics in a wide variety of styles. Check out the Wicker Buying Guide at Teak Wicker & More.