Buying your aluminum fencing online is a great way to save money, but be sure you’re buying from a reputable source!
In the 21st century, almost anything can be purchased online, meaning that the products you need are just a few clicks away. However, with this ease does come the risk of con artists, cashing in with false advertising and sub-par products.
With this in mind, in this article we’ll be exploring some top tips when it comes to purchasing your aluminum fence panels online.
Too Good to be True? Pricing Matters
Price Point
In general, aluminum fencing is a highly cost-effective fencing solution, costing a mere fraction of steel or wrought iron panels.
However, when searching online for your panels, avoid those sellers whose prices seem too good to be true – because sadly, they probably are. Suspiciously low-price tags usually mean either a scam, or low quality or defective products, which are likely to fail fast and cost you more in the long run.
In a similar vein, paying expensive price tags for your fencing doesn’t guarantee a superior product, and likely there is a far cheaper comparative option which is just as good.
As a general rule of thumb, a price that is in the middle of the spectrum will usually guarantee a good quality and long-lasting product.
Postage and Taxes
A website may seem to have amazing prices at first, but you should always check whether taxes has been included in this price, as it may not be as affordable as it seems.
As you are ordering online, you should also check the company’s postal policy. Some sites will offer complimentary shipping with your order, but others may charge, and with some the costs might be hefty – meaning you may not have found such a great deal after all!
The Online Storefront
Online Presence
When considering a website to purchase from you should always check the company’s online presence. Do they only have a website, or do they also have social media accounts? What is their ‘contact us’ section like? Is it fully fleshed out with phone and email contact?
If the company’s online presence seems spotty at best, then it is probably better to seek out a company with a more established website and social media presence.
This will help ensure that, should you have a question or there’s an issue with your order, contact with the supplier is easy to achieve.
Reviews
Does the website you’re considering have section for testimonials or reviews? If so, be sure to read through them! Don’t rely on this solely, however, as some websites will only place positive reviews on their website.
To find a more unbiased view, search for the website on review sites such as Yelp! or Google. You’ll be surprised what skeletons a general search can dig up, and you may be surprised at the pitfalls of your frontrunner!
Blog
This isn’t necessarily a guaranteed sign of a great aluminum fence provider, but in general is a good indication that the company in question is passionate about their product and supporting their customers.
A blog can show the knowledge of the team behind the company, as well as show their commitment to their business. It can also be a great way for you to learn lots of handy hints and tips!
Activity
Give the website an overall check to ascertain the last time posts or changes were made. The internet is a great place for companies to advertise, but the ease of posting, as well as the changing financial market can often mean there are a fair few ‘dead’ websites out there.
An inactive website can also indicate that the company is lackluster in their online presence, and may not provide the best customer service or support.
If the website doesn’t have a blog or a dated post feature, it can be difficult to figure out if the website is active. A great tip is to scroll to the bottom and check the copyright date of the company or business.
If it is dated either for this year or last year, then the site should be a good option – but any older and it might be worth contemplating alternative options.
Clarity
When browsing the company’s website, is there a degree of clarity? Are sizes and heights of fence panels clear displayed, and are there pictures not only of the panels themselves, but also in photos? If selecting the correct fencing for you is difficult and confusing, then it may be best to explore a different site, as while aluminum fencing is an affordable fencing option, it can still constitute a large investment, and you want to be sure that what you are buying is exactly what you need.
If you consider all of the points listed above, then selecting your stunning aluminum fence should be a simple process, allowing you to focus on preparing for installation, meaning that in no time, you can enjoy the style and protection that aluminum fencing gives to your property.
