These home cardio machine tips will help you get the best deal, warranty, assembly, and delivery so you can feel good about your purchase and get on with burning calories at home.
Warranties & Extended Warranties
A 90-day warranty is pretty common with lower grade equipment. An example of a good treadmill warranty would be lifetime on the frame, 5-15 years on the motor, and 1-2 years parts and service. A good elliptical or bike should be warrantied for 1 full year. Some retailers offer extended warranties which are a good idea if you plan to move the machine in future or if the machine will be used heavily by several people in the home. Service calls usually run around $100 not including parts so be sure to think about the type of usage and opt for the extended package if you feel you may need it.
Delivery & Assembly
In some cases retailers have stock of the display product and if you have your own truck or large suv you can take the product yourself. Non-commercial machines usually weight under 300 pounds so if you are not strong by all means pay for the delivery. Assembly is also an option that many retailers offer. It runs anywhere from $50 to $100. If you are not strong or mechanically inclined by all means get it. Machines are bulky and not always easy to put together. If you opt to put it together and you damage the wiring or any other piece you will be responsible for new parts. Not a great way to start your home fitness program.
Floor Models and Closeouts
The end of the year is the best time to buy equipment. This is when all the new machines are being released and all the old inventory is reduced by hundreds of dollars. Some machines are even reduced to half price. A close out machine means they will no longer make that model but there are still new ones available in inventory. A floor model is a display model that has been used by anyone working or visiting the store. Warranties on these are usually voided or reduced to 90 days so be sure to get an extended warranty. Some floor models are fairly new even at the end of the year but others are not and have seen heavy usage from both guests and employees so it's better to be safe than sorry.
Getting the Best Deal
Most stores will price match or reduce the cost of delivery and assembly to get the sale but be aware that you are also paying for customer service. How that store will treat you after you've bought your machine is just as important as the "deal" they're offering you when you're buying. If you buy from a store where the sales people are not informed or know little about the delivery, assembly, and service you may not be getting as great a deal as you think. Stick to the retailer who has the best prices and the best service and you'll be the most satisfied in the long run.
Get results from your home cardio workouts with TreadFit: 9 Weeks to Your Ultimate Body Using a Treadmill or Elliptical
