Not all Sukkahs are created equal – here are four things you’ll want to double-check before you buy, unless you enjoy last-minute Home Depot runs on Erev Yom Tov. (We’ve seen it happen. Not pretty.)

1. Beware the Photoshop Sukkah
   Some Sukkahs online look like they were lifted straight from Architectural Digest. Then the delivery shows up and – surprise – it looks like a science fair project gone wrong. At The Sukkah Store, buyers get real photos and even video walk-throughs so there are no surprises. Whoever you choose, make sure you can see the unfiltered version.
2. Customer Service That Answers
   You’re mid-build, one pole short, and Erev Yom Tov is ticking down. Do you want to scream “REPRESENTATIVE!” into a robot, or get through to a human who can actually ship you the missing part? Before buying, give the company a test call. The Sukkah Store makes sure a real person answers – and so should anyone worth buying from.
3. FAQs You’ll Actually Want to Read
   Don’t skip the fine print – ask these ahead of time:

• Warranty: Does it last a season, or years? (The Sukkah Store, for example, offers five years – something like that is a solid benchmark.) 
• Returns: Can you return it? Is shipping covered? Is there a cut-off date? (One common deadline is right before Sukkot) 
• Damage in transit: Do they fix it fast or make you wrestle with UPS? (Look for policies where they send replacements right away) 
• Assembly: Some Sukkahs still come with pages of tools and instructions that would stump an engineer. Look for tool-free connectors that twist and tighten in minutes – the kind The Sukkah Store uses – so your Sukkah can be up in under an hour. 
• Expandability: Many Sukkahs are one-size-forever. Smarter designs, like the modular systems The Sukkah Store carries, let you just add wall panels and grow year after year. If your guest list expands, your Sukkah should too.

4. Everything in the Box
   No one wants a Home Depot run on Erev Chag. A complete kit should include the frame, walls, Kosher l’Mehadrin bamboo Schach mats, and bamboo support poles for the Schach. The Sukkah Store ships all of these in their full bundle kit, so whoever you’re buying from, ask for a packing list and check it off on delivery.

Bottom line: Whether you buy from The Sukkah Store or somewhere else, do your due diligence. Real photos, reachable humans, clear policies, simple setup, and room to grow – that’s the recipe for a stress-free Yom Tov. After that, the only debate is where to hang the lights.

Want to see what this all looks like in real life? Check out The Sukkah Store – real photos, real people, and maybe even some inspiration for where to hang those lights.