The Pros and Cons of Buying Plantation Shutters Online

With the convenience of online shopping, buying plantation shutters online can seem appealing. But is ordering shutters online the best approach? There are pros and cons to consider when deciding where to purchase quality plantation shutters. This article examines the advantages and potential drawbacks of purchasing plantation shutters online versus going through local showrooms and installers.

Pros of Buying Shutters Online

There are some legitimate benefits that attract homeowners to purchase shutters online:

Wider Selection and Availability

Online retailers have access to far more plantation shutter product lines, brands, materials, colors, sizes, and configurations than any single physical showroom could stock. You are more likely to locate specific items that local stores may not carry. Rare or custom shutter elements are also more accessible through expanded online options.

Potentially Lower Prices

Online plantation shutter sellers can offer discounted pricing by reducing overhead costs associated with maintaining physical retail spaces. Savings get passed on to customers through lower prices that undercut local showroom prices for identical items.

Convenience and Accessibility

Shopping for shutters online means selecting products at your own pace and convenience rather than having to accommodate retailer showroom hours. Those with limited mobility can more easily shop for shutters online. Live chat, email communication, and other digital customer service options also provide accessibility.

Efficient Comparative Shopping

Shopping different online shutter retailers allows easy price, feature, and specification comparisons in one place. No driving all over town or flipping through multiple brochures. The ability to efficiently window shop online helps land better deals.

Reviews and Recommendations

Product reviews by other buyers help guide purchasing decisions by spotlighting quality products and red flagging problematic ones. Expert articles and recommendation sites also assist buyers with decision making. This degree of peer input isn’t available at individual showrooms.

For certain buyers, advantages like price, selection, and ease of online shutter shopping outweighs any negatives.

Cons of Buying Shutters Online

While online shutter shopping offers benefits, some significant drawbacks exist:

Inability to Physically Inspect

Unlike at a showroom, you cannot see, touch, and operate plantation shutter samples firsthand when buying online. Important details like precise color hues, wood graining, craftsmanship flaws, hardware action, and feel of the actual product cannot be fully assessed. You must rely solely on product descriptions and images.

Challenges Getting Accurate Measurements

Without an installer visit, a buyer must measure all their own window dimensions when ordering online. Inaccuracies or mistakes in even minor measurements can result in poorly fitting plantation shutters. Professional measurement expertise is lost.

Lack of Customization

Online shutter options are almost exclusively off-the-shelf standard sizes and configurations. There is little ability to request custom modifications for unique windows and needs unless paying premiums for full custom shutters. Local pros offer more tailored options.

Wait Time For Shipping

While some online retailers promote fast shipping, delivery of bulky shutters still takes time. Having to wait days or weeks once ordered likely exceeds lead times from local fabrication. Shutterless windows for an extended period can be annoying.

Difficulty Resolving Problems

Quality concerns, sizing problems, missing/incorrect items, and damage claims are harder to resolve with online sellers versus local showrooms. Shutters may have to be shipped back at your own cost for any issues. Response is slower.

For certain needs and situations, the limitations and uncertainties when buying shutters online give pause.

Considerations Choosing Online vs Local

When deciding where to purchase plantation shutters, weigh your specific priorities:

• Will you require any unusual sizes or custom modifications? This favors local retailers.
• How important is being able to see and feel samples in person before purchase? If critical, lean towards showrooms.
• Are you comfortable measuring windows yourself with precision? If not, professional measurement is advisable.
• Do you need shutters within a narrow timeframe? Quicker local fabrication may become necessary.
• Does easy access to professional installation services hold importance? Local providers offer this built-in benefit.
• Are budget savings from online discounts a prime factor? Significant savings swing the pendulum toward online.

Honestly assessing needs makes clear which purchasing approach has more pros than cons.

Mitigating Cons Through Professional Partnership

Seeking out qualified local shutter installation and measurement experts to partner with during the online shopping process helps minimize potential pitfalls. Pros can:

• Handle all measurement duties for you using precision tools and expertise.
• Provide technical guidance selecting products suited for your specific windows and architecture.
• Validate your product choices by reviewing item specs and construction quality.
• Inspect shipments for any defects and assist with returns if issues arise.
• Test shutter fit upon delivery and exchange any improperly sized units.
• Offer professional installation and adjustment services after delivery.

The right local pro helps online buyers sidestep common plantation shutter purchasing problems.

Direct Professional Buying Benefits

Working directly with established local shutter design specialists provides advantages in many buyer situations:

Personalized Service

An expert devoted to your project provides guidance on product options customized to your needs, budget, timeline, and aesthetic. Virtual customer service can’t match this personalized touch.

Quality Assurance

Reputable local providers stand behind their products and fabrication rigor. Local presence provides accountability. Many strictly sell shutters above a certain caliber threshold.

Exact Sizing

Precision measurement and custom fabrication ensures perfect window coverage and fit. Online standard sizing lacks this exactness.

Speedy Installation

Coordinated fabrication and installation means shutters are hung as soon as possible. No shipping wait times.

Handling of Any Issues

Local teams readily address any problems, replace defective products, and adjust items not fitting correctly during and after installation.

When expertise, quality, and service are priorities, purchasing directly through trusted local shutter professionals brings confidence and satisfaction.

Get the Best Fit and Value

Don’t assume the online buying route is automatically your best bet for obtaining quality shutters. Nor is buying locally right for every buyer situation. Once you understand your needs, priorities and options – you can determine whether ordering online or purchasing through local shutter experts makes the most sense for your circumstances. We’re here to provide personalized guidance tailored to your exact project requirements. Contact us today!