Shopping for Home Appliances or Electronics? Why to shop locally.
Posted by Becky Vickman on Tue, Aug 30, 2011 @ 09:02 AM
As the Internet continues to grow, more and more online retailers are becoming available. At the same time, consumers are relying on the Internet more than ever for their purchases. 97% of consumers in the U.S. research products online before buying and 71% of online Americans have bought a product via the Internet.
The availability and competitive pricing for online products make it seem easier to just click and buy from the comfort of your own home. But there is a downside to buying online. Let’s take a look at the pitfalls, and why it is better to shop locally.
The pitfalls of buying online and why to shop with Kellum Audio/Video & Appliances:
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Is the online retailer an authorized dealer? Is their product backed by a full factory warranty? Most Internet based retailers are not authorized dealers. To become an authorized dealer for a major brand name is a long and difficult process most online retailers will not mess with. Manufacturers verify the business operating standards and credit worthiness of their authorized dealers. In most cases they also require a showroom or warehouse for stocking their merchandise. Kellum is a fully authorized dealer for every product we sell, and we are backed by the manufacturer’s full factory warranty.
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How do you know if the unit you are purchasing online is brand new in the box? How do you know if it is a B-stock unit or a repackaged sale from a return? At Kellum, we only sell brand new, current year model items to our customers.
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How do you know what the unit actually looks like in person? You cannot tell from online photos the true aesthetics of the item you are purchasing. Online pictures of electronics and appliances can be deceiving. Actually coming in and seeing and touching the unit will alleviate your purchasing regrets and save you from returning an item you did not like based from a photo on the Internet.
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What if the unit is damaged during the online shipment? Who do you call? How long will it take for someone to help you? At Kellum, you simply pick up the phone and call our store or e-mail us and we will take care of it.
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What if the unit fails 6 months from the date of purchase and the online retailer is nowhere to be found online? Kellum has been in business since 1948 and we will be a phone call or an e-mail away.
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What if you have to get service, need a part, or need technical assistance with your purchase? They are no help because most online retailers drop ship the product you ordered from some other warehouse and they never see the unit. You can forget about “service after the sale”. If you ever need help with a purchase from Kellum, we’re here to help you.
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What about your installation? Now that you have your 50” TV from the online retailer, how are you going to mount it above your fireplace? Does the online retailer offer in-home installation? Can they answer a question about programming the remote? Can they come to your house and run wires through your walls or secure the TV mount to the wall? At Kellum, we offer a comprehensive installation service for all of your needs.
As you can see, the Internet is not always the best choice for purchasing new items. If you are looking for a well established, specialized dealer who will provide you with a good price, great support and even better customer service, come see us. We have been in business since 1948, and only carry the highest quality brands that many generations of customers have come to know and love.
