We all can appreciate the amount of variety that is available when it comes to bicycles that are being sold today, the bigger question that still goes around a lot is as to what platform should a person actually buy a bicycle from. Should he/she buy it online or go to a shop, check out different types of bicycles and then buy one. So in this article, we are going to explain to you some of the advantages and disadvantages of buying bicycles online and offline!
Doing it the tech-savvy way - Buying bicycles online
With the advent of multiple e-commerce websites that sell a variety of things online, things have become really easy for people who want to buy a bicycle but dont really want to take the pain of stepping out of their homes and checking everything out. Reputed sports and fitness equipment shops like decathlon have followed suit and have started selling bicycles online.
So what are the merits of buying cycles online?
In the uncertain times of a pandemic, an online shop gives you the opportunity to check out a wide range of bicycles from the comfort and safety of your homes.
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With a number of different websites selling the same product, a consumer might end up paying a lesser amount for the same bicycle. Sometimes the difference would be as much 15%
It is easier to find a bicycle that exactly suits your requirements. Reduces chances of overspending.
The consumer can be assured of not getting sold something that he/she does not really need or be out of his/her budget
Unlike buying from a conventional shop, the onus is not on the consumer to arrange for the transportation of the bicycle to his/her house. This is entirely taken care of by the online marketplace from where the bicycle has been bought.
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While buying bicycles online does have a lot of benefits especially keeping the current pandemic scenario in mind, a lot of demerits are indeed associated when it comes to buying things from online shops, more so in the case of bicycles.
Demerits of buying bicycles online
As with buying any online product, there is a chance where the wrong product has been sent to the customer. This has occurred many times in the past not only with local websites but also with the well-established ones as well.
While buying online, the option of returning the faulty product is not really a consumer-friendly process. Many websites in India have very dodgy after-sales support.
Also, the customer does not have the option to check out the bicycle that he/she wants physically thus there are high chances that the person may end up buying the wrong model of the bicycle.
Doing the conventional way
Even though online shopping has taken over our lives and even more so during this pandemic, there is still a charm that draws people towards doing things the conventional way. Especially when it comes to buying something like a bicycle which for many would be their first proper source of transportation. There is something magical about the excitement and the kick that one kid or cycling enthusiast gets while going through the process of buying a cycle from a proper shop.
So here are the pros of buying it the conventional way
The emotional connect that is associated with doing things the conventional way is absolutely unmatched. No form of online shopping can come close to it.
The variety of bicycles that one gets to try before buying is huge. A customer can try as many bicycles as he/she wants thus reducing the chances of buying a wrong product significantly. This also reduces the chances of buyers guilt that usually catches up with people once they have bought a certain product.
In case if something goes wrong or if some parts are needed, then there is a well-defined support infrastructure to take care of your needs.
Although this appeals a bit more to the heart but buying from the local dealers helps in the local dealers sustaining themselves and in turn managing to sustain the livelihood of people working in these shops.
However, it's not a bed of roses when it comes to buying from shops as well
Many times, people have had to deal with the poor attitude of the shop owners and the workers. Bad sales experience is something that no one really wants to deal with irrespective of buying anything.
With the current pandemic creating a ruckus all around, it isnt really a great idea to actually step out of your homes.
Also with the economic downturn that has come, many bicycle dealerships and service centres are not really certain about their future and may shut shop soon. In such a case getting bicycles online may actually be a better choice.
Also, while buying from the cycle shop there will be strong chances that the customer would be upsold. That is he/she would be convinced to buy something that he/she doesnt really need.
Another issue to transport the bicycle home. Many of these dealers dont really offer transport/delivery services which as a result is borne by the buyer itself. Also, it is not really a convenient experience.
Conclusion
While buying bicycles online or offline offer their own set of pros and cons, one must take into consideration their requirements and their convenience. While even today many people prefer to buy bicycles the conventional way but given the current market scenario and the pandemic scenario at hand, the scales at the moment might just tilt towards buying online.
So how do you like our content on buying bicycles online vs offline? Do let us know in the comment section below. Also, join our exclusive 91Wheels Telegram group where we bring you the latest updates from the Indian Automotive Industry.
