Why Shop
Online For A Treadmill?
The
Internet has dramatically changed peoples shopping habits. From
treadmills to Lear Jets, buyers are taking advantage of the
convenience of making their purchases at home or in the office.
The
trend towards purchasing fitness equipment and treadmills 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 and treadmill 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.
Personally,
I recommend 1-800Treadmill.com.
They have been in business for over 18 years and have been selling
online for over 5 years. They are the leading Internet sellers
of quality fitness equipment and treadmills. Best of all, you
can save up to 45% buying direct, and all prices include shipping
to your home (be sure you check out their customize your own
treadmill feature -- very cool!).
I've
found my dealings with them to be friendly, professional, and
fast. Steve Kurtz and Fred Waters are good guys, running a real
business.
If
you're interested in a treadmill, visit them today!
