Furniture stores are a dime-a-dozen. Furniture shopping is a long, and often boring process. So how could a furniture store make our list of business recommendations? Here's how:

At Andrea's Furniture, the selection is absolutely huge, the sales-folks are friendly (and not an ounce pushy), the prices are competitive, and free delivery is offered within 100 miles. You're cheating yourself if you don't check out Andreas before making your next furniture purchase.

My first furniture set were hand-me-downs from my parents. It was a couch and chair set that was 20 years old. The couch and chair were from Andreas, they were in GREAT shape (just a bit out of style after 20 years), and my folks were going back to Andreas for the new set. So when it came time for my wife and I to get new furniture, we went to Andreas, and came back with beautiful pieces. Since then, we've been back a couple more times, each time receiving excellent service.

Before I finish here, let me also put in a plug for Guardian Protection Products, the warranty provider for our furniture. My idiot Doberman got on our chair-and-a-half the other day and proceeded to lick herself all day, leaving a big wet spot on the cushion. The company literally exceeded my expectations with regard to friendliness and promptness in handling my claim. I've tried to make claims on warranties before, and the I usually get treated like I've got the plague. Not Guardian Protection Products. . .they handled my claim with courtesy and professionalism. If it's possible to use their services with your furniture, don't make the mistake of "saving a few bucks" and passing on the opportunity.