Fitness Equipment

Have you ever noticed how many treadmills are being sold at a discount prices? Of course
that is part of commercialism. For example
when was the last time you paid list price for a car or jewelry?

What motivated me to write this article is the fact that “Discount Treadmill” is a very popular search term. People are looking to get the best deal possible when they purchase a treadmill. That makes sense
since even a moderate priced treadmill can run from $1
0
- $2
0


So how do you tell when a treadmill is being sold at a discount?

First
by comparative shopping. You find a particular model that satisfies your needs and you shop around. Depending on the quality of the treadmill
you compare prices at the various mass retailers
large sporting goods stores
specialty fitness stores and online.

In addition
you look for special offers like free shipping
added accessories and extended warranties. Regarding shipping
some businesses may drop off a treadmill on your curve
while others will bring it into your house
set it up and remove the packaging. Considering the weight of some models
that can add considerable value.

Discounts from Buying Online

More and more people are going online to purchase a treadmill. Are they really saving money? Yes and no. Yes
you can save money from not having to pay sales tax if you purchase from a business that is not located in your state. You can also find discounts online that are better deals than you would find in retail stores. Also
several manufacturers sell direct on the Internet
thus cutting out the middleman.

In contrast the large sporting goods stores generally sell for the same price online as they do in their store. Furthermore
many treadmill manufacturers set a minimum price that any and all dealers cannot go under
regardless whether they sell online and off.

Discount Prices vs MSRP

Regarding the manufacturers suggested retail price
that is a number that has nothing to do with reality. It is deliberately inflated in an attempt to make the real selling price less intimidating. Both manufacturers and retailers play serious games with their prices.

For example
one online retailer that sells private labeled treadmills lists the MSRP at double the real selling price. They attempt to suggest you are saving as much as 50%. But in realty their private label treadmill is sold for the same price as the manufacturer’s models. Another popular treadmill sold online promotes discounts at 15%-40% off.

With all this slight of hand with prices how do you determine the real value?

First
you decide how you are going to use the treadmill
and determine what features would satisfy your fitness goals. For example
if you plan to use the treadmill for walking and want the machine to last for more than 90 days
you want certain minimal features. If you plan to use it for running
than you need upgraded features. Here are some of the features you want to compare:

Motor size

Deck size

Roller size

Electronics

Console

Programs

In addition
you want to compare the warranties. The warranty says a lot about the overall quality of the machine and the components. You also want to research the reputation of the manufacturer. You want to buy from a company that is synonymous with quality. You also want to do business with a company that stands behind their treadmills.

When buying a treadmill do not get caught up in marketing hype of discount prices. Instead look for the best value in your price range.