Buying from a Dropshipper
Should You Buy A Rowing Machine from a Dropshipper?
THIS IS NOT DROPSHIPPING - WELL NOT YET :0)
So you're searching the internet for the best price on fitness equipment and you find exactly the same rowing machine with a $250 difference in price. Even on Amazon you might find one sold by the company that import it, and one sold by another for much less by a retailer what's known as a 'dropshipper'.
So what exactly is one, and is it safe to buy from them?
First up, the term dropshipper does not mean a drone is going to deliver your order and drop it on your front lawn. Just thought I'd clear that up before we go any further :0)
And secondly, it's a perfectly legal way to do business and can in many cases give you more choice at a lower price, or make older machines available that may otherwise be sent to other markets.
So what exactly is one, and is it safe to buy from them?
First up, the term dropshipper does not mean a drone is going to deliver your order and drop it on your front lawn. Just thought I'd clear that up before we go any further :0)
And secondly, it's a perfectly legal way to do business and can in many cases give you more choice at a lower price, or make older machines available that may otherwise be sent to other markets.
So What Exactly is a Dropshipper?
The quick answer - it could be anyone. You, me, the bloke down the road, a distributor or a sub-division of a retailer that's looking to shift older stock. A dropshipper often buys in bulk from the manufacturer, or they buy old, discontinued stock, or ex-display equipment, or may even have an agreement with a manufacturer to buy a certain number. It's a relationship that can work well for all parties involved, but as we'll see below, there are dropshippers... and there are dropshippers.
Some want to run a long-term, viable business and will care about reputation. Others may just want to make a quick buck by selling any old garbage they can get their hands on and don't give a damn if anything goes wrong after the sale.
Some want to run a long-term, viable business and will care about reputation. Others may just want to make a quick buck by selling any old garbage they can get their hands on and don't give a damn if anything goes wrong after the sale.
Advantages of Buying from a Dropshipper
The main advantage of buying from a dropshipper is quite simply, price. They can sell at a lower price because they don't have the overheads of staff and premises incurred by retailers. If they buy direct from the manufacturer, they also don't have storage to pay. And more relevant for rowing machines, they may not offer the standard warranty that the retailer or manufacturer will which is factored into the initial purchase price.
If it looks like a real bargain, you're taking the risk that the machine may develop a fault that is not covered and so you will have to meet the cost of repair yourself. This may still mean paying less for a good machine, but then again it may not depending on the type of fault!
A good dropshipper will have a service agreement with a network of engineers who maintain commercial gym's equipment and include a small amount in each sale to cover this. You can spot a good dropshipper because they will have a telephone number or email that you can contact them on - it's a good idea to call before you buy to see who you're dealing with. If they do offer a warranty do read the small print first - see more on this below.
If it looks like a real bargain, you're taking the risk that the machine may develop a fault that is not covered and so you will have to meet the cost of repair yourself. This may still mean paying less for a good machine, but then again it may not depending on the type of fault!
A good dropshipper will have a service agreement with a network of engineers who maintain commercial gym's equipment and include a small amount in each sale to cover this. You can spot a good dropshipper because they will have a telephone number or email that you can contact them on - it's a good idea to call before you buy to see who you're dealing with. If they do offer a warranty do read the small print first - see more on this below.
Disadvantages of Buying from a Dropshipper
The disadvantages can easily cost you more than what you saved on the initial purchase. If you buy from the fly-by-night dropshipper you can well end up out of pocket.
If no warranty is included you're buying an unknown quantity that could cost more in the long run.
But even if a warranty is on offer, it could be half the length or more of the one you'd get if buying from a retailer. Plus, it could well be a warranty-lite where you're expected to diagnose the problem yourself, then pay the dropshipper to send the required parts to you, and then you'll have to fit them! And, if the part they send isn't the part that's gone wrong you're back to square one.
Or worse still, the rower you bought was cheap because the parts are no longer available so you're completely stuck if it goes wrong.
But even if a warranty is on offer, it could be half the length or more of the one you'd get if buying from a retailer. Plus, it could well be a warranty-lite where you're expected to diagnose the problem yourself, then pay the dropshipper to send the required parts to you, and then you'll have to fit them! And, if the part they send isn't the part that's gone wrong you're back to square one.
Or worse still, the rower you bought was cheap because the parts are no longer available so you're completely stuck if it goes wrong.
So there you have it. You could get a great bargain from a dropshipper who cares about their business and will offer good after-sales support and service. Or, you may end up with an old, discontinued model that goes wrong after just weeks use and you're stuck with a lemon. Best to contact them before buying and find out exactly what's involved. And , if they don't answer or show any contact details on their website - stay away :0)
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