Buying a Rowing Machine
Should you buy from a store or online?
Remember the old days when you wanted to buy a piece of fitness equipment? Perhaps you don't, but it was a thankless task and involved a lot of legwork or sending off for dozens of catalogues.
Then along comes the worldwide web and everything changed. The fitness industry is one of the big winners of the internet age, especially the home fitness part. In just minutes you can find out which type of kit would best suit your needs; then check what's available for your budget; and then find the best price for your chosen model.
And then... with a few clicks it's in your virtual shopping cart and scheduled for shipping to your front door. And if you're lucky you can track it across country and know exactly the time it will arrive.
So simple, why would anyone choose to buy the old-fashioned way? Well there is one good reason. In the example of buying online, where do you get the chance to sit on the equipment and try it for yourself? You could be spending well above $1,000 on a bit of kit you've never seen for real!
Of course you could rely on review sites such as ours, but as unbiased and informative as we try to be, it still comes down to it being our personal and subjective opinion. In other words, we can't be you.
Then along comes the worldwide web and everything changed. The fitness industry is one of the big winners of the internet age, especially the home fitness part. In just minutes you can find out which type of kit would best suit your needs; then check what's available for your budget; and then find the best price for your chosen model.
And then... with a few clicks it's in your virtual shopping cart and scheduled for shipping to your front door. And if you're lucky you can track it across country and know exactly the time it will arrive.
So simple, why would anyone choose to buy the old-fashioned way? Well there is one good reason. In the example of buying online, where do you get the chance to sit on the equipment and try it for yourself? You could be spending well above $1,000 on a bit of kit you've never seen for real!
Of course you could rely on review sites such as ours, but as unbiased and informative as we try to be, it still comes down to it being our personal and subjective opinion. In other words, we can't be you.
Advantages of buying online
Disadvantages of buying online
- instant price comparison
- saves time
- protection if buying with credit card
- reputable online retailers will accept returns
Disadvantages of buying online
- you don't get to try out the machine
- no experts on hand (virtual assistants just aren't the same)
- some not-so scrupulous retailers will make if difficult to return goods (and may even charge)
- stated specifications may be inaccurate (then it won't fit in your room!)
Advantages of buying at a store
Disadvantages of buying at a store
The 'Mix & Match' Approach
The other option is one we've all done. I bet we've all visited a store to view goods and then gone home to log on and see if it's cheaper from the web. But unfortunately, if we all did this we'll lose many specialists shops and assistants. If you do know exactly what you want and you've tried the model at the gym or club, then buying online is a no-brainer.
On the other hand, if you've not used the type of machine you want to buy, then you really should visit a store and ask the experts and don't be afraid to ask for a better price.
Also see what sort of strategies the retailers use to get you to part with your hard-earned cash here.
And... should you buy from a dropshipper?
- you try before you buy - you'll know what feels comfortable and suits your body shape
- expert advice available (if it's a specialist store)
- possible to ask for discount or other extras to seal the deal
- ex-display models available but check for signs of excessive wear and tear (see our guide to buying a used rower)
Disadvantages of buying at a store
- takes time (but worth it if buying big)
- you could be convinced to spend more than you want by an over-zealous salesperson - lets face it, that's why they're in sales!
- in addition to 2 above, some are uncomfortable with face-to-face sales techniques
The 'Mix & Match' Approach
The other option is one we've all done. I bet we've all visited a store to view goods and then gone home to log on and see if it's cheaper from the web. But unfortunately, if we all did this we'll lose many specialists shops and assistants. If you do know exactly what you want and you've tried the model at the gym or club, then buying online is a no-brainer.
On the other hand, if you've not used the type of machine you want to buy, then you really should visit a store and ask the experts and don't be afraid to ask for a better price.
Also see what sort of strategies the retailers use to get you to part with your hard-earned cash here.
And... should you buy from a dropshipper?