Shopping online is now an accepted way of making the buying dollar go that much further. There is no doubt that buying motorcycle apparel and riding gear online offers much more choice, generally better prices and the convenience of being able to make a purchase from the comfort of your own home.
But all this is of little value if the online order does not meet expectations. So what is the best approach to minimizing the risk of not getting the right product?
The first step is to be clear on the following three points.
1. Budget - this is stating the obvious, but have a dollar limit in mind. When setting the budget, it is best to keep in mind that generally you get what you pay for. Quality motorcycle gear provides both superior comfort and safety on the road.
2. Type of riding - this is based on whether the primary riding is touring, off-roads or sports. All major manufacturers of motorcycle gear provide products that serve the needs of each type of riding. If the gear is being bought for general commuting, then mid-range touring gear is just fine.
3. Seasonal considerations - this is basically how hot, cold or wet the expected riding conditions will be. All good motorcycle jackets, for example, support the concept of layers; where the rider's comfort is controlled by removable liners and related under garments.
The next step is to go to online motorcycle retailers and build up a shortlist of gear, whether it be for helmets, jackets, pants,gloves or boots, that would satisfy the three criteria established above.
One of the more important steps is to then start doing some research. By using online motorcycle gear review sites, member forums and buyer feedback start to establish the pros and cons of the gear that you are considering buying. The best way is to enter the brand name and model name followed by the word "review" or "reviews" into a search engine. This will then list a number of sites that can provide valuable information on the quality and value for money of the gear that's being considered. It is best not to be swayed by any one review, but to form an opinion based on several reviews. What are the major pluses and minuses with the gear.
Once the decision has been made on the exact make and model that would suit the riders needs, then it's time to find the best price. During the review process above, very often independent affiliate marketers will provide valuable information on a product that does include links to a vendor offering competitive prices.
But price is not the only consideration when it comes to parting with your hard earned dollars. When you are ready to buy the gear, the following points need to be established for the online seller.
1. Price guarantees - Is the seller offering any form of lowest price guarantees? Price is one of the major determinants of who the gear is bought from. A seller may offer superior delivery conditions, but not the best price. A lowest price guarantee can allow the buyer to get the best of both.
2. Refund and returns policy - One of the major problems is if the gear doesn't fit. When shopping for motorcycle gear online you can't go into the change room and try it on. The seller needs to offer a no-hassles returns policy.
3. Shipping - A lot of reputable online sellers offer free shipping on orders over a certain dollar amount. This is worth a lot, so check it out.
4. General appearances - this is more about the general professionalism of the sellers site. Does it look like they are in the business for the long haul? Do they have a clearly stated privacy policy? Is it easy to find out who they are and are their contact details showing both telephone and online support?
There is some work involved in following the process outlined above, but it will minimize the risk of buying something that doesn't fit the needs. You can confidently go ahead and get your discount motorcycle gear online, knowing you're getting the best value for your budget at the time.
But all this is of little value if the online order does not meet expectations. So what is the best approach to minimizing the risk of not getting the right product?
The first step is to be clear on the following three points.
1. Budget - this is stating the obvious, but have a dollar limit in mind. When setting the budget, it is best to keep in mind that generally you get what you pay for. Quality motorcycle gear provides both superior comfort and safety on the road.
2. Type of riding - this is based on whether the primary riding is touring, off-roads or sports. All major manufacturers of motorcycle gear provide products that serve the needs of each type of riding. If the gear is being bought for general commuting, then mid-range touring gear is just fine.
3. Seasonal considerations - this is basically how hot, cold or wet the expected riding conditions will be. All good motorcycle jackets, for example, support the concept of layers; where the rider's comfort is controlled by removable liners and related under garments.
The next step is to go to online motorcycle retailers and build up a shortlist of gear, whether it be for helmets, jackets, pants,gloves or boots, that would satisfy the three criteria established above.
One of the more important steps is to then start doing some research. By using online motorcycle gear review sites, member forums and buyer feedback start to establish the pros and cons of the gear that you are considering buying. The best way is to enter the brand name and model name followed by the word "review" or "reviews" into a search engine. This will then list a number of sites that can provide valuable information on the quality and value for money of the gear that's being considered. It is best not to be swayed by any one review, but to form an opinion based on several reviews. What are the major pluses and minuses with the gear.
Once the decision has been made on the exact make and model that would suit the riders needs, then it's time to find the best price. During the review process above, very often independent affiliate marketers will provide valuable information on a product that does include links to a vendor offering competitive prices.
But price is not the only consideration when it comes to parting with your hard earned dollars. When you are ready to buy the gear, the following points need to be established for the online seller.
1. Price guarantees - Is the seller offering any form of lowest price guarantees? Price is one of the major determinants of who the gear is bought from. A seller may offer superior delivery conditions, but not the best price. A lowest price guarantee can allow the buyer to get the best of both.
2. Refund and returns policy - One of the major problems is if the gear doesn't fit. When shopping for motorcycle gear online you can't go into the change room and try it on. The seller needs to offer a no-hassles returns policy.
3. Shipping - A lot of reputable online sellers offer free shipping on orders over a certain dollar amount. This is worth a lot, so check it out.
4. General appearances - this is more about the general professionalism of the sellers site. Does it look like they are in the business for the long haul? Do they have a clearly stated privacy policy? Is it easy to find out who they are and are their contact details showing both telephone and online support?
There is some work involved in following the process outlined above, but it will minimize the risk of buying something that doesn't fit the needs. You can confidently go ahead and get your discount motorcycle gear online, knowing you're getting the best value for your budget at the time.
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