Shopping Online For Retractable Awnings

It's hard to believe, but online shopping has only beenawning assemblers cost about 35% less than a store.
around since the mid-1990s. Originally limited to booksPart of the price markup is the visual and tactile
and music, online stores have expanded toexperience of shopping in person. Especially with large
encompass everything from classic car parts to hauteitems, it can be hard to cross the threshold to buy
couture sunglasses - including retractable awnings andsomething sight-unseen, and seeing a floor model
sun protection systems.takes some of the worry off. However, some online
However, web stores aren't one great big monolithassemblers offer 3D rendering or artist's drafts of
with the same options and the same prices. There isretractable awnings based on real pictures of your
even bigger variety online than in stores, both inhome with the retractable awning style, scaled to your
products and in companies, and that's as true forspecifications, to give a relevant and exact image of
retractable awnings as it is for books and DVDs.what your new retractable awning will look like. That's
What's the Difference between a Manufacturer,a service that almost no retailer can provide and goes
Assembler, and Store?far beyond a display model in helping make your
For sun protection systems, there are three differentselection. In addition, a good online retailer will send
"levels" of stores:o Manufacturer, the company whoframe samples (for quality and color) and fabric
actually produces the goods from raw materials.osamples.
Assembler or fabricator, a company which combinesAssemblers, because of the direct contact they have
different components from one or several differentwith the product, are also experts about retractable
manufacturers and combines them into the finalawnings and other sun, wind, and rain protection
product.o Retail store, which is very much comparablesystems. If there are ever any questions about the
to a physical store; they simply buy a completedretractable awning or if there's a need for a
product from an assembler (fabricator) or otherreplacement part, the assembler's support system is
"middle man."able to assist immediately. Retail stores, on the other
For retractable awnings, each component (the frame,hand, change suppliers frequently, so finding someone
the fabric, the motor) almost always has a different,familiar with your retractable awning or being able to
specialized manufacturer. This means buying atrack down a replacement part or new accessory is
complete retractable awning from a manufacturer isnearly impossible.
unlikely. In addition, manufacturers only sell to otherAnd then there are the advantages of shopping online
trade companies, not directly to the public.in general: the ability to browse; easy comparison
Assemblers are a kind of intermediary manufacturer.shopping; coming back as often as you need, without
As the name implies, an assembler or fabricatorpressure from salespeople. It's all part of the
doesn't manufacture the core parts; they select theexperience.
retractable awning elements and then assemble theWhat to Look for Online:
final retractable awning at a warehouse orA good online retractable awning assembler is an
manufacturing center. Assemblers have significantexpert on retractable awnings, and they will make as
direct influence over the design, quality, andmuch information available about their product as
accessories with the final retractable awnings becausepossible. When deciding what retractable awnings to
they interact with manufacturers and can select frompurchase, first look for quality:o Kevlar® straps in
a variety of different dealers to mix and match thethe arms instead of steel cables, which will rust.o
best components.Minimum of a 25-year warranty on retractable awning
Online retailers are frequently simply extensions offrames, which is the expected lifetime of
brick and mortar stores, usually with the same priceselectrostatically powder-coated aluminum frames.o
and selection. In some instances, they may have betterCertifications, especially from Eurolab and TÜV;
selection and pricing, but it's inconsistent.the highest quality manufacturers are in Europe, and
Compare the Shopping Experience for Online or atthe European testing labs have the most stringent
Stores:standards.o Solution-dyed acrylic fabrics, which have a
The most obvious advantage of assemblers overlifetime of 10-15 years, up to 500% longer than other
retailers is the initial cost. Assemblers don't haveretractable awning fabrics and vinyl.o Tenara® UV
intermediate markups from middlemen the way thatresistant sewing thread, which has a lifetime warranty
retailers do. Additionally, the average minimum retailagainst seam separation.
markup is anywhere from 40% to 60%, partly forAnd if you have any questions, call the assembler and
profit and partly to cover the overhead of large stores,ask in person. Good retractable awning assemblers,
staff, and other expenses.even if they're online stores, will have some kind of live
The price is impacted in other ways, as well. Onlinesupport available.
assemblers charge shipping costs, but this is more thanTaking advantage of online assemblers won't only
offset by the fact they don't charge sales tax (exceptsave you 35% on your retractable awning. Shopping
for orders within the state where the company isonline will get you a better quality and a more beautiful
located). Sales taxes alone can be up to 10% of theretractable awning, which happens to also be 35% less
cost of a retractable awning. All told, online retractablecostly than retail stores.