Most of the people looking to buy a bunk bed are not considering spending a ton of money on it. Most likely you are someone who is a bit short on space, and are looking for an easy way to maximize what little room is available. The Internet has made this a much easier job, and you should be able to find many bargains online that would be once in a lifetime deals in the real world.
The first place I would look when trying to find great bunk bed deals would be in online classified websites, such as Craig'slist. If you know how to navigate these sites you can find some truly amazing bargains. One advantage this type of site has over an auction site, like Ebay, is that you can usually go check out the bed before making a commitment to buy.
You will find a lot of families trying to get rid of units that are in excellent condition because their children either outgrew them or moved away to college. Most of these sellers will take whatever they can get for these beds, and you can purchase one that is in excellent condition for a fraction of its original cost.
Another option is to use the classified ad section from your local newspaper. The downside to this is that you will not be able to see as many pictures beforehand as you would if you were searching online.
If you do not want to purchase a used bunk bed then you should begin bargain hunting in online stores. You can often find high quality products for a price that you can afford. The key with this type of shopping is to look for good deals on a bed made with high quality materials and craftsmanship, and not just for a cheap bunk bed. When you go with something of low quality you risk an injury for anyone who uses it. I don't know about you, but I am never willing to sacrifice my family's safety just to save a few dollars.
Whether you are in the market for a new or used bunk bed, spending a few hours doing research and calling up sellers can save you a boatload of cash. With all the deals you can find online there is really no reason you should need to pay full price at your local furniture store.