Dealer Vs. Online
When it comes to making purchases for our home, many of us assume that we can save money by buying online rather than from a dealer. It may look that way at first glance, but if you don’t do your homework, you may end up spending a lot more than you originally planned. This is especially true for water treatment systems. Here are some things to consider before you buy.
System Features - Whether you are looking for a water filtration system, reverse osmosis, or a water softener, be sure you are comparing like products. Sure, one system might be less expensive, but is it going to do what you need it to? What are the product ratings? What kind of warranty is provided? Working with a dealer can help ensure that you are getting a system that is best for your particular water conditions. Knowing that the unit is going to perform optimally and last for years not only saves money, but provides peace of mind.
Cost of Installation - If you are not planning to install the product yourself, be sure to include the cost of installation in the total purchase price. It’s great to save money on the unit, but if you don’t know the cost of installation up front, you could end up paying more than you expected. It’s also important to make sure that the installer (even if that is you) is knowledgeable about the type of system he or she will be installing.
Return Policy - Be sure you understand the return policy before you buy. This is extremely important according to Nick Koz of Prairie State Water Solutions. “I had a customer spend $3,000 online and then pay someone to install [the unit]. It didn’t work because [the system] was misapplied and the company wouldn’t take the equipment back because it was used,” said Koz. “We installed the right equipment for less than he paid buying something online.” Working with a dealer will get you the right equipment, and the correct installation, the first time.
Future Needs - Another thing to consider when purchasing online is system serviceability and the availability of parts, should something go wrong. Just as your furnace requires annual maintenance, most water systems are recommended to have annual maintenance done as well to keep your investment working properly. Working with a dealer means you are working with professionals that can service your system in the unfortunate event that you experience any problems with your system.
Time is Money - Doing the research to select the right water treatment system for your home, and finding and hiring an installer (or doing it yourself) takes time. What if you could hire a professional to do something that would cost less than doing it yourself? Let’s face it, most of us aren’t experts on water treatment solutions. Making a call to a dealer can save you a lot of time, money and headaches in the long run.
People think that shopping online saves money. In reality, finding a dealer you trust to help ensure you find the best solution for your home and family is often the best value. Our experts are ready and able to help answer your questions and find the right water treatment system for you. Call us today for a free quote at 1-630-864-7078 .