With summer temperatures in major cities exceeding 35 degrees Celsius and occasionally exceeding 40 degrees Celsius, you may want to combat the oppressive heat with an efficient air conditioner. Buying an air conditioner has never been easier, as you can get it at a variety of retail stores or from an online seller. Because most sellers and manufacturers offer great deals every summer, now is an excellent time to consider buying by finding the best places to purchase AC.
While an online purchase may provide you with a greater price reduction and the convenience of shopping from the comfort of your own home, an on-site purchase allows users to view the product in person and get a physical feel for it. With this matter, it is obvious that there are numerous advantages and disadvantages on both sides of the coin when it comes to buying your air conditioning system online or on-site.
Below are the ideas that would help you decide on buying an air conditioner on an online or on-site basis:
1. The Range of Their Products
You can view a wide range of AC brands and models on your device’s screen thanks to the internet. It compiles a list of brands sold across the region and allows you to easily try comparing specifications such as tonnage and energy ratings.
In contrast, a traditional AC store has far fewer products to offer, often limited to a few brands. Having said that, local stores do have one benefit. You get a hands-on perspective on the appliance you’re thinking of buying. You can see it in person, including its actual size, color, and finish, and even understand the features with the help of a sales agent.
2. Price Rate and Discounts
Online stores frequently offer lower prices than their on-site counterparts. This is due to the fact that online sellers can pass on the savings from lower rent and labor costs to you in the form of great deals. Furthermore, online sites operate in a highly competitive market. This means that at any particular time, you have at least two, if not more, online options for the same product. This broadens your selection of offers. While discounts are also available at regular air conditioning stores, these discounts are store-specific and frequently limited to the holiday season. They may also apply only to specific appliances in the store you visit.
3. Mode of Payments
Making a payment, even for a large-ticket item, can now be done quickly and easily. Online transactions accept all major cards and wallets. Most online shops may not accept cheque payments, but with so many options available, this should not be an issue. However, keep in mind that because an air conditioning system is expensive, most online sellers will not accept cash on delivery (COD).
In an on-site store, you can pay with cash, check, or card, and if the store accepts certain e-wallets, you can pay with those e-wallets. You can also pay with these methods. Refrain from making cash payments to ensure that warranty issues can be resolved quickly. One advantage of buying from a store is that you can negotiate the price of the air conditioner with the dealer or representatives. So, in this regard, there may be little difference between online and on-site.
4. Warranty
Both online and on-site AC stores provide warranties. An air conditioning unit may have a one-year product warranty, a one-year condenser warranty, and a ten-year compressor warranty. However, if you are purchasing online, make sure that you are getting a warranty and that you understand the procedure for claiming one.
5. Installation and Maintenance Rates
When purchasing an air conditioner, you must consider the cost of the appliance as well as the cost of a stabilizer unit. While brick-and-mortar stores may provide free AC installation, online sellers typically include this cost in the product price. Unless otherwise specified, you will have to carry out the AC installation yourself and pay for it separately. This can be inconvenient because, unless the online seller has a direct relationship with a company, you may be left struggling.
You also have to consider the upkeep of your air conditioner. When shopping in a physical store, most store managers or representatives will gladly offer you maintenance services. This may not be the case when shopping online. Unless otherwise specified, your shopping is a one-time event, and the rest is up to you.
6. Their Ratings
When purchasing a product online, it is critical to check seller ratings and customer reviews. This is a necessary step to ensure that your AC is genuine, free of defects, and delivered by reputable companies. When shopping online, you frequently have the option of selecting your preferred seller, so take advantage of it. If you have previously transacted with the same physical store, there is less hesitation involved.