How To Buy A Treadmills

How Does a Customer Know Where to Buy Fitness Equipment

What To Look For When Shopping

I. Qualifications:

            A.        Find out the experience level of the person who is selling you the
                        fitness equipment. 

            B.        How many different fitness equipment brands do they sell?

            C.        Where is the headquarters for the business located?  Can they provide you with
                        service in the area where you live/work?  

            D.        How much time did they spend with you on the phone or in person?  Was the
                        sales person knowledgeable but also friendly?

II.         Knowledge of Equipment:

            A.         Ask the sales person the difference between motors.  (This is explained in our 
                         How to buy a treadmill page.)

            B.         What type of deck does this treadmill have?  (See our How to buy a treadmill  
                         page.)

            C.         How is the frame constructed and what frame material is used?  (For more
                         information, see our How to buy a treadmill page.)

D.         Ask a lot of questions about the treadmill you are about to purchase. This will keep you from getting a treadmill you did not want.

General Recommendations

Now that the year 2000 is upon us, we find ourselves able to make purchases in a whole new way.  This new purchasing power comes in the form of the Internet.  For without the Internet, you would not be able to even read these recommendations.  Unfortunately, with the good comes the bad.   When dealing with companies over "the net," make sure what they tell you about the product is valid.  We recommend you check this validity by calling a local store or checking the manufacturers' websites.  Also, be Leary of service plans quoted by sales reps.  It has been a problem that some company's reps. are promising outlandish service plans if you buy their products.  In addition, some retailers will bash brand names or other companies to sell you their own products.  With these sales reps., they are more concerned about the profit in their pocket than your specific fitness needs/goals/budget.  Along these same lines, there is also another situation that has recently been an issue:  companies posting fake ratings with the products they want to sell at the top of the list.  Many times they are trying to sell their own private-labeled equipment instead of equipment that is actually made much better and will last longer.  We have shopped "the net" many times ourselves and also heard of these situations from our customers.  

Look for a friendly sales person who is willing to give you the time you need to make a decision.   For some companies, the extent of the conversation with consumers is quoting a price and pressuring people to buy on the spot.  Remember that fitness equipment of good quality does not come cheap, so do your homework and take your time when making  your choices. Go visit local stores and test the equipment, and collect product information from as many sources as possible.  Keep in mind, if you don't feel comfortable with what you are being told or how you are being treated, take your business elsewhere.