Retail versus Internet

We all appreciate the convenience of online shopping, allowing us to leisurely browse various stores without leaving our sofas. One of the main attractions is the potential to save money; after all, we all want to get the best deal, and often, it’s the same product, right? Without delving into issues of counterfeit goods and fraud, many times, the products are indeed identical—same brand, same color, same size. So, why should we buy from a physical store and pay more for the same item? It seems illogical, doesn’t it? No one wants to feel ripped off or taken advantage of, so let’s explore the real differences you get for your money.

In our industry, there are many individuals I refer to as “sofa sellers.” These people operate from a home office, do not carry any stock, and simply pass your order to another company for processing and delivery. Typically, you will be required to pay in full upfront, as they do not offer any credit facilities. Because they have no overhead costs such as rent, rates, payroll, or transportation, they can operate at a lower margin and undercut businesses that maintain physical premises. This may seem advantageous for consumers, but it has its nuances.

Ultimately, whether this is a good thing depends on what you are buying, your expectations for the product or service, how long you are willing to wait for it, and any after-sales support you may need. At Meridian, we offer high-quality branded products accompanied by excellent guarantees. We maintain a stock of 5,500 square meters and can provide same-day delivery on 90% of our products (subject to terms and conditions). Our showroom allows you to view and feel the quality of our products, take home samples, and gather additional information. Most importantly, our knowledgeable staff, with years of experience, are available to help you make the best choices for your project. We collaborate with top manufacturers, and in the rare event that you encounter a problem with a purchased product, they are willing to conduct site inspections to verify the quality of both the product and its installation. So, when you choose us, you are not just paying for a comparable product; you are also paying for our inventory, our transportation fleet that can deliver on the same day, our staff’s knowledge, time, and expertise, as well as excellent after-sales service. We ensure that your issues will not be ignored, and reputable businesses can also benefit from a 30-day credit option.

Next time you think, “I can get it cheaper online,” consider whether you are truly comparing like-for-like products and services. We do sell online as well, but not at lower prices, as we provide the same level of service online as we do in-store. This ensures you have the best experience, regardless of how you choose to make your purchase.

For more information on Retail versus Internet talk to Meridian Building Plastics