Buying a Rowing Machine? Then Know Your Enemy...
When I say enemy, I mean retailers. Okay, 'enemy' is over the top, but it pays to know the sort of strategies (or tricks even) that retailers use to get you to part with your money when buying a rowing machine. Note, these are not illegal and most are purely selling tactics, but there is definitely one that could be viewed as dishonest - we'll get to that one later.
So what do you need to keep an eye open for?
So what do you need to keep an eye open for?
Fitness Equipment Retailer Strategies (Good, Bad & The Ugly)
THE BIG DISCOUNT / TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE PRICE
The first one has been around for many, many years and it's the heavily discounted price. You'll have seen this strategy in all retail sectors - but surprisingly it can still work. Headlines such as 'save 60%' or 'less than half price' do get our attention. Now it would be wrong for a retailer to claim that the price is discounted if the same model hadn't been sold at the higher price previously.
However, retailers can easily get around this by selling the rowing machine in question for the higher price in one location, or if online, for a short period before knocking the price down to the 'sale' price. As I said, this is an old trick but usually you'll end up paying what the machine is really worth anyway, so no one has lost out. And besides, the manufacturer and retailer needs to make a profit.
You may also see older models discounted when the makers bring out a new machine or range. This is to clear the stock to make way for the new rowers. This can be a great way to get a quality rower at good price, but be wary that parts for the machine may become harder to find - also see maintenance.
However, retailers can easily get around this by selling the rowing machine in question for the higher price in one location, or if online, for a short period before knocking the price down to the 'sale' price. As I said, this is an old trick but usually you'll end up paying what the machine is really worth anyway, so no one has lost out. And besides, the manufacturer and retailer needs to make a profit.
You may also see older models discounted when the makers bring out a new machine or range. This is to clear the stock to make way for the new rowers. This can be a great way to get a quality rower at good price, but be wary that parts for the machine may become harder to find - also see maintenance.
SMOKE AND MIRRORS - CONFUSING THE BUYER
You would think that the internet makes it a lot easier to compare prices and get a good deal. However, it's not always a matter of comparing a machine with Retailer A, and the same machine with Retailer B. A retailer may have the machine at a higher price, but offer extras such as heart rate monitors or rowing machine mats. If you were thinking of buying these then all you need to do is work out if it's a good deal (plus also check the quality of the extras!)
You might also see very similar-looking models with different brand names at very different prices. Many budget rowers are made by only a handful of manufacturers and are sold under a number of brand names. There may be some changes such as the seat or display and console, and these could make a big difference in the quality of the machine. A good example is the SmoothFlow and BodyCraft's budget rowers. Other incentives might include extended warranties - but always read the small print!
You might also see very similar-looking models with different brand names at very different prices. Many budget rowers are made by only a handful of manufacturers and are sold under a number of brand names. There may be some changes such as the seat or display and console, and these could make a big difference in the quality of the machine. A good example is the SmoothFlow and BodyCraft's budget rowers. Other incentives might include extended warranties - but always read the small print!
BRAND POWER - TRADING OFF YOUR NAME
Some of the top brands know they can rely on their reputation to sell a premium product at a premium price. This helps them to build a good working relationship with retailers because their models will always sell - usually by word of mouth - so the retailers want their machines. When you see the same machine offered for exactly the same price by every retailer, you'll know the brand has dictated the price at which it can be sold.
Put crudely, if the retailer tries to discount and sell at a competitive price, they'll soon find they are not allowed to sell them at all. There is nothing wrong with this, in fact, it can work in your favor! Retailers in this position will often try to sweeten the deal by adding enticing extras, some even offer other types of exercise equipment, to get your custom.
Put crudely, if the retailer tries to discount and sell at a competitive price, they'll soon find they are not allowed to sell them at all. There is nothing wrong with this, in fact, it can work in your favor! Retailers in this position will often try to sweeten the deal by adding enticing extras, some even offer other types of exercise equipment, to get your custom.
NOW YOU SEE IT... RE-BRANDING A POOR MACHINE
And lastly, the one that could be seen as dishonest. I've seen two instances of this practice with rowing machines, but it happens a lot more with treadmills. So what is it? It's usually something done at the budget end of the market, and that's changing the name of a machine after it has received poor reviews. Again, it's not illegal, but if a machine is discontinued due to bad reviews and low sales, and is simply given a new name in an attempt to squeeze more sales from a poor quality model, I think it's wrong. Of course, if improvements have been made to make it a better machine, that's fine. But when margins are slim at the bottom, it's easier just to change the name.
So how can you spot this? Well it's not easy. Sometimes it's a small change to the name and this can be found on an internet search. Otherwise, it's a matter of checking images of all the budget models. Remember, you get what you pay for!
Also see buying a used rowing machine and budget models.
So how can you spot this? Well it's not easy. Sometimes it's a small change to the name and this can be found on an internet search. Otherwise, it's a matter of checking images of all the budget models. Remember, you get what you pay for!
Also see buying a used rowing machine and budget models.