As more people stay indoors, they love the convenience of shopping using a computer or phone screen. Shopping online is not limited to clothing, food, or consumer goods; kitchen cabinets can be purchased with a simple button click.
The question is, how does one shop with confidence at these stores we find online?
4 Areas To Look At When Shopping for Kitchen Cabinets Online
To shop smart, look at the four main areas of a shopping transaction when shopping for kitchen cabinets online:
- Store Reputation
- Item Description
- Payment Information
- Shipping
Store Reputation
Don’t count out small businesses
A large business handling several transactions is more likely to be secure. However, this should not be the ONLY consideration when shopping at any online store. Small businesses can have high-quality or custom products as their advantage.
An online presence gives small independent businesses the opportunity to do business at the same level as bigger stores. Big box cabinet stores can charge more for cabinets. Small online businesses may even have better pricing for your kitchen purchase.
Reviews
When in doubt, shoppers can look up reviews of other customers’ experiences with the company. A good review should include details about the product’s transaction and the merchandise. Details can include the ease of the transaction, whether the item was in stock, and how long shipping took.
Most importantly, check to see if the item’s online description accurately depicts it. Do the cabinets meet the description? Most cabinet stores will have sample doors for you to purchase to view the quality.
Reviews should evaluate drawer slides, soft-closing door hinges, and even cabinet accessories, as some things cannot be predicted.
If there is still not much information, talking to the company directly is very important. Starting businesses will appreciate and not be offended by an interest in their products. Reviews for buying kitchen cabinets online will help small businesses and even be a steal for the buyer.
Item Description
When shoppers cannot physically see or touch the item, the description becomes more important to give the photo context. However, several things may be implied by an image to sell the product, so more information is needed. Look for these hints when buying kitchen cabinets online:
Size
Look at the dimensions of the product, including the height and weight. A few returns have happened because customers did not realize the size implied in the picture was not the size actually in the product. Also, long items and heavy items will affect shipping prices.
Materials
Depending on the item, the listing should include what the product is made of. This should also include the components of what is in the package.
Comparisons
It’s a good idea never to buy in the first place you see automatically. While shopping online, looking at another product is only a few clicks away.
Is it too good to be true?
If most places offer something for $250 and someone else sells a similar item for $100, tread carefully. Do some investigation and avoid giving in impulse over the first bargain available.
Certain sales may happen to increase specific sales at particular times, but regular sales will not have a price drop of that scale.
Payment Information
Safety is the most important concern when making online purchases. Some people get paranoid about not knowing who has their personal information. There are some ways to stay safe when making transactions.
Types of payment
Most businesses use standard payment options such as Visa, MasterCard, or PayPal. If a company asks a customer to use another method, it should investigate why that approach is used.
If a company requests payment in gift cards or another way that seems indirect, this should raise concerns. This is also an inconvenient step for shoppers, as it is done to keep the anonymity of transactions for the company.
Requested personal information
When making a purchase, the most a company should ask when dealing with card transactions are:
- Name on the card
- Address the card is registered to the security code on the physical card
Information that is red flags:
- Your social security number
- Mother’s maiden name (or any other relatives names)
- Passwords
Any red flag information should not be given out for any purchase. Those are used for personal information. Salespeople should never require personal tech information beyond the username to complete a sale.
Receipt
Upon purchasing any item online, there should be a receipt. If it is not sent via email, a printable version, PDF, or screenshot of a bill of sale should be available.
Should a problem arise during the ordering or delivery phase, a receipt or file about the purchase is important to have. Buying large items like kitchen cabinets online will typically always require a form of receipt from the buyer.
Shipping and Tax
Any purchase made online must include the cost of shipping. In some cases, the shipping might cost more than the item purchased.
Delivery time
Product shipment time is mostly dependent on the delivery method. Popular shipping places like the US Postal Service, UPS, DHL, and FedEx have tracking numbers to help you locate the position of your package.
Delivery time is also affected by the item’s packaging and the shipment’s destination.
Handling fee
Handling fees refer to the cost of packaging the merchandise, including the shipping box, wrapping, and labor.
Tax
Depending on the region of the purchaser and the kind of merchandise, tax may be imposed on the purchase. It generally will not deter someone from ordering a product, but it is a separate fee not included in shipping. Certain states do not have taxes, but it does not mean others abide the same way.
Overseas shipping
If an item costs less but the shipping is projected to take at least four weeks, it is most likely shipped via container. Shoppers who need items quickly should not rely on these orders to come under time pressure.
Free shipping
Check the qualifiers for that delivery if an item is advertised with free shipping. Usually, the delivery will be standard or even longer, with faster transport methods available at a cost.
Safely Buy Kitchen Cabinets Online
Many people take shopping online for granted, but personal attentiveness is important for safety and saving shoppers from headaches. Like buying anything else on the internet, purchasing kitchen cabinets online will require some research and careful inspection of their background history.
Do not simply purchase from a company just because of the pricing. These tips should keep shoppers from potential problems and concentrate on enjoying their products!
