If you're looking for a paddle board to take on the open water this summer, it might be best to visit a local sporting goods store like Môr Watersports, before buying online. Why? Because of risks associated with online sellers. Peer-to-peer sales websites often don't offer warranties and possible exchange policies, do not allow for walk-around demonstrations and are considered to be less reliable by the International Paddle Board Association.
Here are some of the benefits of visiting a store over shopping online for a paddle board:
1. Possible Warranty/Exchange Policies
Whether you're buying a paddle board, bicycle or snowboard, you can often find warranty and exchange policies for products on websites. However, it's not always guaranteed that these policies will apply to every product from every store. In many cases, you might be able to return a product you don't like to an actual brick-and-mortar store in your local area.
2. Walk-Around Demonstrations
When a paddle board seller offers a demonstration of the model you're interested in buying, you'll be able to see it firsthand. In addition, it's sometimes possible to go out on the open water with your online purchase and help determine if the board will be easy to use during actual paddling.
3. Reliability
Peer-to-peer sales websites are less reliable than brick and mortar stores, according to the International Paddleboard Association. If you have any questions about your paddle board or the manufacturer, you'll be able to talk to an expert face-to-face at a sporting goods store. As an added bonus, in many cases, you'll also be able to get advice on how to use the paddle board and tips on safety.
4. Personalized Service
When shopping online, you might not know who will be delivering your product or when it will arrive. In-store purchases allow you to have face-to-face interaction with a store associate and follow up with any questions you might have.
5. Cooler Online Prices
Online sellers often sell the same paddle boards for less than brick-and-mortar sports stores. However, there are a couple of reasons to be hesitant about these lower prices: First, there might not be a warranty or return policy for your purchase if things go wrong. This means you'll have to pay for shipping costs, even if you're not satisfied. Second, some businesses don't allow walk-around demonstrations – or only allow them for in-store customers.
6. Recommended Models
Online retailers often make recommendations based on how much they know about the particular type of paddle board their consumers are looking for. However, you can also find recommended models at retail stores at much lower prices.
Bottom Line
Morwatersports has a lot of experience selling paddle boards online and at their physical store. So, we aren't saying that you shouldn't buy a paddle board online. We just want to make sure that you're aware of the risks associated with ordering a product online. If you do decide to buy your paddle board online, there are some things you can do to reduce risks, like having the merchant's product satisfaction guarantee. Visit our shop or website now and get the paddle board to match your surfing, sailing or racing needs.