Purchasing a Car Cover is easier when you are informed and confident
If you've completed steps one and two, you now have a select short-list of excellent car covers that meet your personal needs. It's time to go shopping.
Actually purchasing your car cover is probably the most exciting part of the buying process, but there is a little work remaining if you want to maximize your purchase potential.
You know what you need and what car covers meet those needs, but you still have to decide where you'll buy the car cover, and who from. If you do have a couple of car covers on a final short-list, you'll want to do some additional comparison shopping, so you can find the best deal. You also need to know what kind of final checks to make, and what questions you should ask before you sign on the dotted line or hand over that hard-earned cash.
Tip: Check for the method of keeping the car cover tied to the vehicle. Most boxed car covers use an elastic type band at the bottom to keep the cover on the vehicle, but some of the less expensive models just hang down. These will not work in windy or outdoor conditions, as water, snow and dust will easily get up under the cover.
How will you purchase the item?
Buyers now have a number of choices when it comes to buying car covers. These can be broken down into two major options - in person or by remote purchase. Some people aren't comfortable with remote purchase options such as mail-order, TV shopping networks or the internet, and prefer to buy directly from an actual store, either a shop that specializes in the product or through a larger retail outlet like a department store.
Remote Purchase:
- TV - shopping network, regular advertisement, special offer
- Mail order catalogue
- Internet - wholesale, company storefront, department-style storefront, auction site, private seller
In Person:
- Wholesale
- Retail - specialty auto store, dealership, department store, discount store, private seller
Each option has different advantages and disadvantages, and these may be influenced by your individual taste and previous buying experience. For instance, staff at specialty stores can usually offer the most knowledgeable advice, but on the other hand the prices are often more attractive at larger discount or department stores. Experienced salespeople can be invaluable if you are still unsure about whether to get a car cover that is ready made or custom made.
Buying online can give you excellent opportunities to shop around and compare discounted prices - the major disadvantage is that you can't see the car cover before you buy it. Carefully weigh up the pros and cons to determine which option is most suitable for you.
Tip: Remember, regardless of how a product is offered for sale, if a deal sounds too good to be true then it probably is.
Choosing a seller
Many factors have an influence when deciding where to buy a car cover, and these need to be weighed up; you may have a tight budget, in which case the sellers who offer the best prices will be most attractive to you. Alternatively, you may prefer to deal with a seller who has excellent customer service and employs knowledgeable, friendly and helpful staff. The major factors that need to be considered are presented below:
Choosing a
Seller Checklist
- Reputation - time established, fair dealing, complaints record, good name, reviews
- Price - discounts, specials, less for cash, bonus schemes, rebates
- Sweeteners - some sellers are more likely to add items to 'sweeten' the deal
- Extras - check what accessories or other extras are offered with the product
- Customer service - product knowledge, at point-of-sale, after service
- Support - maintenance and repair services offered, spare parts, troubleshooting and advice
Other considerations:
- Where possible look for members of professional associations or bodies
- A prior relationship with a company can be a big advantage
Once you have factored in all these different considerations, choosing who to buy from often comes down simply to your personal preference. It is important to buy from a reputable, reliable seller, as this offers you the most protection if something goes wrong with the car cover.
Tip: Online forums, blogs and review sites are excellent sources for finding out a seller's reputation for good service and fair dealing.
Ordering and delivery
There is often little to choose from between products and sellers, and small things can make a real difference to your pocket and the satisfaction you gain in your purchase. It's a good idea to anticipate any issues associated with your purchase that might arise either immediately after buying the car cover, or in the months and years you will be using the car cover.
Many of these issues will only become significant if there is some kind of problem, but it's a good idea to investigate before you make your final purchase. Ask the seller about guarantees and return policies, as these can vary between sellers - some return policies include a re-stocking fee, for instance. Other factors to consider include whether the seller is an authorized repair centre, or can recommend one locally.
Purchase and Aftersales Checklist
- Money back guarantee - unlimited, limited, time frame, what is covered
- Return Policy - duration, re-stocking fees, inclusions, exceptions, exchange or refund
- Shipping - method, fees, estimated timeframe
- Insurance - for shipping, delivery; cost and exclusions
- Repairs - by seller, authorized dealer location, costs (shipping, minimum fees)
- Maintenance - service available, advice, products available, costs
- Delivery - available, fees, timeframe, flexibility of delivery times
Tip: Even if you can't imagine calling on a guarantee, or having your car cover shipped, do ask the seller about their policies; it's always better to have all the information.
Buying a car cover can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Once you've worked your way through all three steps of the
Buyz123 three step guide you can buy exactly the right car cover for your needs.
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