Speakers, headphones, amplifiers, the list goes on. There are tons of music products readily available, and with technology rapidly changing, you can expect to see plenty of new products entering the market in the near future.
In the past, most people looking to invest in audio products bought gear from their local electrical or music store, however, thanks to the world wide web, more people than ever before are buying music equipment online.
Why are so many consumers shopping for audio products online, and how could it benefit you?
Pros: Cost
If you buy products from your local music store you can expect to pay top dollar. Traditional electrical stores often have to pay rent, pay for wages for several employees, and other costly overheads. Online stores that sell audio products don’t have the same overheads, which is one of the reasons they can offer their customers better value.
During the ongoing pandemic, a lot of people have struggled financially. With the rate of unemployment skyrocketing over the past couple of years, people are looking for ways to save money. Online stores like SoundImports and popular marketplaces like Amazon have a wide range of audio products readily available for a fraction of the cost of audio products available in traditional stores.
Shopping around is easy, and it won’t take long. You can search through products on multiple websites in a matter of minutes, so finding the best and most comfortable noise cancelling headphones at the best price won’t be difficult.
Pros: No Pressure
In a physical store that sells audio products, you can expect to be greeted by a sales representative. It is their job to encourage consumers to purchase their products, and many of them are known to put pressure on the customer to make the purchase. Although you will get to try the product before spending your hard-earned money, a pushy salesperson might ruin your shopping experience.
Most people would prefer to shop for audio products without a sales representative trying to influence them, which is why so many find shopping online relaxing. You won’t be pressurised into purchasing a product you don’t want.
Pros: Saves Time
For those who lead a busy life, finding time to go to their local store and stand in queues might not be an option. Because most people have a smartphone nowadays, you can buy audio devices any time of the day, whether you are at home, in work, or out and about.
All you have to do is type in a few key words into a major search engine or on an online marketplace and within a matter of seconds you will stumble across a lot of different products for sale.
Pros: Safer
During these unprecedented times, experts have been trying to encourage us to stay indoors to help reduce the spread of the deadly virus. New speakers or headphones are non-essential items, so to avoid contracting or spreading Covid-19, why not shop for audio devices from the comfort of your own home instead.
Delivery companies will deliver these audio products directly to your front door so you won’t have to leave your house.
Pros: Lots of Choice
Not all music stores have a large stock of products for sale. Some consumers are looking to buy a specific brand and a specific product, and if the store doesn’t have the item in stock, the customer might be forced into purchasing a product they don’t really want.
Finding a specific product online won’t be difficult. Most manufacturers who make audio devices have an official online store where they sell their products, or you should have no problem finding a reseller online. If you are looking for a specific item, you should be able to find it online in a short space of time.
Most reputable online marketplaces have a variety of different products. Leading marketplaces often have thousands of different audio devices available, so finding one that suits your needs won’t be hard.
Pros: DIY Audio Equipment
During the pandemic a lot of folks have found themselves getting bored. To avoid wasting time, many have decided to take on DIY projects. Lots of folks have been building speakers, amplifiers, mixers, etc. from scratch.
Very few traditional stores sell the equipment needed to make audio devices, but there are several online stores like ICEpower that stock lots of different bits and pieces needed to make audio gear. Manufacturers who sell top of the range audio equipment are known to charge their customers a lot of cash, which is one of the reasons so many have decided to take on these DIY projects at home. Many audio enthusiasts have spent the last few years making top-notch audio equipment at home. Without these online stores, many wouldn’t have been able to access the products needed to build these devices.
Pros: You can buy Second-Hand
Most traditional stores only sell brand new audio equipment. However, there are plenty of online auctions that allow people who own audio gear the opportunity to sell their products second hand.
Although most of these products don’t come with a warranty, you might be able to save a lot of money in comparison to buying a brand new model. People who have registered an account with these online auctions will be able to communicate with the seller before purchasing the product. If you need more information, don’t hesitate to contact the seller.
You can read reviews published to the site to get an insight into what it is like to deal with the seller. Previous customers might have posted information about their experience with the seller, and information on the product they bought.
Cons: Shipping
When you walk into a traditional store, you can walk out a few minutes later with the product in your hand. When shopping online, you will have to play the waiting game, and if the product is being shipped from overseas, you could be waiting for a long time.
The cost of shipping might put you off, especially if you are buying cheap audio equipment. Keep an eye out for products that include free shipping. The seller should be able to provide you with the date the product should arrive at your door, but don’t be surprised if there is a delay. Online stores rely on a third-party to ship and deliver their products, which is often why there are no guarantees on the exact date it will arrive.
Cons: Can’t try before you buy
When it comes to audio devices, most consumers would prefer to try the product out before buying. Although you should have no problem finding lots of information about the product, including videos, reviews, etc. you won’t be able to see or listen to it until it arrives at your door.
If you buy a speaker online, and it doesn’t sound as good as you thought it would, it’s unlikely the online store will refund you. This is the risk that online shoppers all around the globe face. However, if you see a speaker for sale in a traditional store that you like, consider checking the prices online before buying the product. This way, you will know the speaker’s quality, and you might be able to save money by purchasing it online instead.
