With all the HD and big box bashing, how do you guys feel about Internet sales and how would you ever determine what you purchased was good quality or not?
Example: I purchased several fixtures (mostly imported) for my home (and customers) that cannot be found at any local supplier as they would also have to order them. And guess where they would order them? The Net of course!
Do we all have to fear quality and two lines of products even from wholesalers?
Mike
Replies
If you can guarantee quality, price(with shipping), compatibility, timely delivery, service, and availability of parts, then buying of the internet is OK,
In our experience more than one of these is sorely lacking and people end up wishing they had gotten the stuff locally.
Our Plumber has been in business since they invented pipe. He has so many horror stories about this it is almost funny.
I am sure there are a lot of positive experiences out there. It is just that we don't seem to get any of them.
T
Do not try this at home!
I am a trained professional!
I got several things for my house via the internet. In several cases I gave the name and model number and contact info to a local supply house and they said they couldn't get them. Not much of a choice left to me. Fortunately, all the products were perfect. Only little problem is that one came with instructions in Italian only. The pictures and common sense helped with that one.
You read the instructions? Joe H
Ma naturalmente, il mio amico, non? Quanto altrimenti conoscerei a che cosa ho fatto torto? Arrivederci.
Pasta Fazule!
Chou , AntonioDo not try this at home!
I am a trained professional!
If internet companies would remain satisfied dealing in products that originally motivated them to set up a virtual storefront I think all would be fine. Unfortunately with success comes the desire for greater success.
When I first started making purchases of any kind via the internet it was with Amazon. The service was impeccable. At that time they sold books and CDs, maybe movies but I don`t think so. I don`t know if you`ve dealt with them lately but there is nothing they don`t sell anymore. I still shop with them pretty regularly, mostly books, a tool here and there even do some Christmas shopping with them. Although I have no horror stories to relate just yet, the service has deminished a bit since I started with them. A couple of billing mistakes, delays with deliveries, minor stuff, but considering I use the internet for convenience, its less convenient when you factor in the mishaps.
Currently I do not order building supplies and the like via websites, as I like to kick the tires if you will. As it becomes more commonplace I guess I`ll have to catch up with the times. `Till then I`ll let the guys down at my local supply house deal with "special orders".
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
"DO IT RIGHT, DO IT ONCE"
I buy most of my woodworking equipment ONline
Usually after much research for best brand.
Cheaper when you don't pay TAX, and sometimes FREE SHIPPING!!...:o)
I don't buy much online - Mostly tools.
Partly this is because I live in a small town in the middle of nowhere. (You've heard of a one horse town? We have to share a horse with another town.) There just isn't any place around here to buy tools. So I buy them from tool crib, or McFeely's, or somewhere like that. It's either that or hop in the car and drive an hour to get somewhere that has the stuff.
I've never tried buying light fixtures online - Generally have to drive to one of the big boxes for that. the local hardware carries a total of 2 ceiling fans, so there isn't much selection in town.
I love animals. Then I found out in some states you can actually be arrested for that.
I dont buy much on line either. When I do its from a established business like tool crib. Even then I do it by phone. Darkworksite4: When the job is to small for everyone else, Its just about right for me"