People choose to purchase items online for a variety of reasons, but the most evident is the convenience and the wide range of product comparisons. Many people are able to find products and brands that were largely unknown prior to online research and query.
Purchasing smaller, inexpensive items online is really effortless and many don’t think twice about these purchases. When individuals are considering the purchase of new fitness equipment, many will begin to make a budget and most will hit the Internet. With so many comparative pricing sites, seller marketplaces and factory direct sites, buying online seems to be the way to go. There are many reasons that support the choice to purchase fitness equipment online:
The Pros:
- More Options: The enormous selection offered online is the single most important reason most buyers choose to purchase via the web. Regardless of the population or city you live in, the Internet will continue to be the largest marketplace. Comparison shopping is also effortless online. Many will feel as though they have done their due diligence in comparison shopping, and feel great about spending money on a large purchase.
- Price: With so many manufacturers possessing direct websites, many people are able to find closeout pricing, customized equipment and refurbished equipment. Manufacturers are also able to offer many discounts due to low overhead and being able to ship directly to the customer’s door, leaving the middle man out. In addition to those advantages, many online consumers will save the cost of sales tax, which is collected if equipment is purchased in your local fitness store.
In addition to the excellent pricing, you may be able to hit a sale and receive additional products or services that you would not find in a retail outlet. The additional products can range from a free equipment mat to a couple of years being added to you extended warranty.
The NordicTrack 9500 Pro Elite Treadmill is a perfect example. It seems to be hard to find on the bigger Internet Retailers and also more expensive! Going to the NordicTrack direct site consumers can find the 2012 model AND get this great treadmill for $1799.99 with free shipping!
3. Ease of Use for the Consumer: Click and ship! The simplicity of purchasing online is a huge draw for most fitness equipment consumers! No pushy sales people, no upselling of items that are considered “must haves”.
4. Certified and Tech Inspected Used Equipment: If you are in the market for used equipment, users can still purchase discounted, used and refurbished equipment online and sometime from the manufacturer. Many times the refurbished equipment has a warranty and is “certified” by the manufacturer or seller to be in good working order. This is a huge advantage of you have ever heard the horror stories from anyone who has purchased a piece of equipment on Craigslist or directly from an individual.
Please stay tuned for the many hidden (and pricey) disadvantages to purchasing fitness equipment on the Internet.