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The Fitness and Health Report
Information for a Healthy Life
May 2001, Issue 22
Cyber Shopping for a Treadmill
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
sometimes 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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