How to Buy Furniture Online in Kenya Safely (and Avoid Scams)

More Kenyans now buy furniture through Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and WhatsApp — and most sellers are honest. But a few simple checks protect you from the ones who aren’t, and make sure the sofa that arrives is the sofa you paid for.

1. Check that the business is real

• Google reviews. Search the business name on Google and read the reviews — especially recent ones with photos. A real business will have a history of customers.
• A consistent name and phone number across their website, Google profile and social media pages.
• A physical location you can find on Google Maps.

2. Ask for photos or a video of the actual piece

Photos online are often styled or edited. Ask the seller for a short video of the exact piece or fabric. A genuine seller will be happy to send one.

Warning sign: the same photo appears on many different shops’ pages. Do a reverse image search if you’re unsure.

3. Get everything confirmed in writing

Before you pay, make sure these details are confirmed on WhatsApp or by message:

• The exact product, size, colour and fabric
• For L-seats, whether it’s left or right facing
• The total price, including the delivery fee to your area
• The delivery date

Save the conversation. It’s your proof of what you agreed.

4. Pay safely

• Pay to the business’s official M-Pesa or bank account — ideally a till, paybill or business account, not a random personal number sent late at night.
• Never share your M-Pesa PIN. No genuine business will ever ask for it.
• Keep the M-Pesa confirmation message.

5. Check everything on delivery

• Inspect every piece before the delivery team leaves — fabric, stitching, legs and cushions.
• Sit on it, open drawers and check the mechanism on recliners.
• If something isn’t right, take photos and message the seller straight away.

6. Be wary of prices that are far too low

If one seller’s price is dramatically lower than everyone else’s for the same design, ask why. Very low prices can mean poorer materials — or no sofa at all.

How we do it at Bobby Furniture Kenya

• You can read our reviews on Google.
• Every product on our site shows its price, and we confirm the product, delivery fee and delivery date on WhatsApp before you pay.
• We accept M-Pesa and bank transfer, and we will never ask for your PIN.
• Ask for more photos or a video of any piece before you order.

Have a question before you buy? Read our FAQs or message us on WhatsApp.