The Internet has
dramatically changed peoples shopping habits. From CDs to Lear Jets,
buyers are taking advantage of the convenience of making their
purchases at home or in the office.
Purchasing
fitness equipment online has grown substantially over the last several
years. From numerous infomercial products to high-end home exercise
equipment, the Internet provides the medium for detailed information
on the benefits and features of each product. As people overcome their
fear of cyber shopping, they are learning that the Internet offers
both convenience and savings.
Convenience
comes from comparative shopping without having to travel to numerous
fitness equipment stores, where you often deal with unknowledgeable
sales reps. The Internet has empowered the consumer with detailed
product information, allowing them to make intelligent purchasing
decisions.
In addition, the
Internet provides an opportunity to avoid the added costs incurred
through purchases at retail stores. A percentage of any price tag at a
store includes overhead costs like leasing prime space, employee wages
and inventory. The Internet is changing the rules, and online
purchases can result in significant savings on items like fitness
equipment.
Not all
treadmill e-retailers are alike. When making the investment in quality
fitness equipment you will want to make certain you are buying from a
reliable and trustworthy source. Below are several considerations when
selecting an online treadmill dealer:
Legitimacy &
Credibility
Let's face it,
there are numerous questionable online businesses. All a person needs
to start a cyber fitness stores is an inexpensive Web site and a
company willing to drop ship treadmills. This can be done out of a
person's basement. When selecting a treadmill, look for a company that
has a track record and sells in volume. Beware of fly-by-night
operations.
You'll want to
ask questions like, how long have they been in business? Do they have
their own warehouses? Who are their suppliers? What kind of quantities
do they sell? What is the average number of returns? What do customers
have to say (testimonials)? What kind of third party endorsements have
they received?
It is important
to purchase a treadmill from a company that will back up their claims
and be around for the long term if you ever need service or advice.
Service and
Satisfaction
Any online
purchase of treadmill should be backed with a "no questions asked"
return policy. If for whatever reason you decide that the treadmill is
not right for your needs, you should have at least a 30-day option to
return the equipment. This places the risk of the purchase on the
vendor.
Service
guarantees are equally important. When you purchase a treadmill they
can weigh up to several hundred pounds. You'll want to make sure that
you purchase the equipment from a company that provides in-home
repairs.
Repairs should
only be done by certified technician, not someone who also repairs
lawnmowers on the side. Although most contemporary models are built
with modular design, some repairs require skilled labor.
The majority of
repairs can be fixed without a technician. Most repairs are minor and
can be handled by the treadmill owner. By describing the problem over
the phone, a service representative can pinpoint the problem and
either instruct you on the immediate repair, or ship you a part that
can be easily installed. Purchase your treadmill from an e-business
that has phone service representatives with regular hours.
Warranty
The warranty is
extremely important when purchasing a treadmill through the Internet.
Depending on the amount of usage, over time parts may wear out on your
treadmill.
The extent of
the warranty is a reflection on the quality of the equipment and the
commitment of the seller/manufacturer to stand behind their
treadmills. Manufacturers often limit dealers to sales in restricted
territories. If there is any concern about the warranty you may want
to contact the manufacturer directly to verify warranty coverage.
Warranties can differ from months to years, and usually vary for
different components. For example, you could have an initial one-year
warranty on all parts and in-home service. Beyond the first year,
parts like motors, belts, frames and electronics may have additional
extending warranties. For example, some companies are offering
lifetime warranties on frames and 10-year warranties on motors.
Often
electronics can be self-serviced. Motors and belts may require a
technician. Make sure you purchase from a company that provides
accessibility to a technician. If you get a one-year labor warranty,
after the first year you will need to pay for any physical repairs.
The company should assist you in locating a repairman.
Fitness
Consultants
Hello, is
anybody there? The Internet can be an incredible resource for
information, but some times you need a live human being to discuss
specifics. Treadmills vary from the dirt cheap, "Blue Light Specials"
to industrial strength commercial models. They can be used for casual
walking or marathon training. They have various features like heart
rate control, electronic interfaces and aeropedic belts. In addition,
there are folding and stationary models.
You may know
specifically what you are looking for in a treadmill, but if in doubt,
you'll want to discuss your needs with a person that really
understands which machine is perfect for you. A pure e-commerce Web
site may work for selling CDs or books, but when it comes to
purchasing a quality treadmill, you'll want to deal with a company
that offers expert advice.
Shipping
Delivering a
heavy treadmill, with delicate electronics and highly tuned mechanics,
requires a certain level of expertise. In fact, most returns are a
result of poorly package and shipped machines. Select a company that
has had years of experience shipping freight. They will understand the
most secure packing methods and will be working with a proven freight
company. This will avoid the hassles and time spent returning damaged
equipment.
There is a
reason why a treadmill is the most popular fitness equipment. It
provides an unsurpassed cardiovascular workout, and accommodates all
levels of exercise intensity.
Buying a
treadmill online will save time and money, but it is important to
purchase from a credible company with knowledgeable individuals.
Follow the suggestions listed above to guarantee you buy a machine
designed for your needs and back by a reliable dealer. The benefits
will be a healthier lifestyle.
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