Some people think that buying from retail stores is better than purchasing snorkeling and diving equipment online. But the truth is that there are many advantages from buying online. These online advantages outweigh the retail store benefits a lot more. But it has drawbacks too like that of purchasing from your local store.
So, for your knowledge, here are reasons why buying online is preferred than buying from your retail store.
1. Wide Selection includes Unique Items, Affordable Finds and Specific Equipment to your Liking
If you are looking for a particular snorkeling and diving equipment, you are most likely going to find that specific type in its specific brand in an online store. It will be lucky for you if your retail store has that hard-to-find equipment you want because retail stores usually have on hand the common equipment only.
Also, if there are 5 items in one category in your retail store, say diving masks, there are 500% more of that in an online store. Variety and a wide selection is one of the great advantages when shopping online. Let us go back to our example which is the diving mask. Online store offer diving masks in different colors, sizes, styles, designs and brands. The prices vary too and you can choose depending upon your budget. In a retail store, you are stuck with what they have and you are forced to buy something that you may not really like just because you need it immediately.
2. Convenience in Online/Mobile Shopping
No need to take a bath, wear nice clothes, drive yourself to the store and fall in line – shopping online is very convenient. If you have the application on your smartphone or Android, you can buy equipment for your snorkeling or diving adventure anywhere and anytime you please. It is easy, fun and possible.
If you buy from a retail store, you need to freshen up, put gas on your car, drive and wait until your number is called before the attendant can process your purchase. It is daunting. It is time-consuming and tiring.
3. 30-Day Money Back Guarantee and Free Size Changes
Some online stores will accept returns until 30 days from date of purchase. They will not ask you why, how come and where. All you have to do is follow the return instructions and your card will be refunded of the purchase. This is often true when you purchase from Amazon!
Some also approve of size changing and even shoulder the shipping expenses. Can you get these benefits from your retail store? If your size is not available, you will have to wait for 2-3 weeks. Online stores ships the item and the most time you will wait is 1 week.
4. Zero Percent Financing for Large Order or Wholesale
There are online stores, after verification, who allows their clients to finance their purchase for no interest. For example, you are willing to buy $500 worth of equipment. You only need to pay 10% of that amount and a very minimal processing fee. After that, the balance is divided in 3, 6, 9 or 12 months. You can use card or check. (Note: remember some online stores offer this benefit. Some do not.) It is very unlikely to encounter a retail store who offers this service.
Speaking of wholesale, volume orders are attainable when you are dealing with online stores. Retail stores have limited stocks. Therefore, wholesale purchase is not advisable.
5. Membership Status
Online stores are proud to take in loyal members who purchase their snorkeling and diving equipment. They give out freebies, loyalty points and gifts. This makes the members happy. You are not asked to be a member in retail stores, right?
There is only one thing an online store cannot possibly do for its clients and that is send out the equipment right then and there. If you buy from a retail store, of course, you get it outright. In an online store, you will have to wait for at least 24 hours. But that is the one and only disadvantage of it.
