Pros And Cons Of Buying Musical Instruments Online

Purchasing your first musical instrument can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not extremely knowledgeable about different musical brands and stores. The first thing you’ll need to figure out is whether to shop online or in a brick-n-mortar casino.

Which is the better option? What are the advantages and disadvantages of both? Is it all the same? How to decide? What to look for in an instrument? In this article, we’ll discuss this topic in detail to help you make the best out of your purchase!

So, without any further ado, let’s get right to the bottom of it!

The advantages of online shopping for musical gear

1. Effortless and convenient

One of the biggest advantages of buying your instruments online is that it provides extra convenience and time efficiency. All you need is a couple of clicks for your order to be on its way. You won’t have to drive to a store, wait in line, nor choose between a limited, disappointing range of options: you can shop from the comfort of your home instead.

The added convenience is probably what attracts people to online shopping the most. If that’s something of importance to you, consider purchasing your new instrument online.

2. You’ll have access to quick reviews and ratings

Online shops and stores provide quick product reviews and customer testimonials to help you choose the right musical instrument for you. These can be extremely helpful for a newbie to the world of musical gear, as they’re usually non-biased and realistic. While you shouldn’t believe everything you read (some customers can be quite difficult), overwhelmingly negative reviews shouldn’t be ignored either.

Besides that, when you’re shopping online, you won’t have to interact with the vendors directly. Sometimes, sellers use some dodgy tactics to make you buy a product of insufficient quality, especially if they notice you’re not very knowledgeable about the instrument. You can avoid this altogether by conducting your own research online instead.

3. You’ll have a wider range of options available

Every store has a limited inventory. Once you start searching for the perfect new guitar or piano, you’ll quickly realize that you’ll have to drive to many different stores before you’ve found something that suits your needs and preferences. This is not only time-consuming, but it can also be quite expensive. While online shopping has the costs of transport as well (shipping), it’s far from what you’d spend on gas, especially if there aren’t any viable musical shops nearby.

When you’re buying an instrument online, you’ll have an unlimited range of options in front of you. You’ll quickly find something that fits your playing style, preferences, and your budget.

4. You can find other instrument enthusiasts willing to sell to you

Let’s be realistic: musical instruments can be incredibly expensive. Buying a used one may be the only solution for you depending on your budget. Luckily, there are companies such as Duesn that act as middlemen to help you find a reliable seller.

This can be incredibly important for anyone working with a limited budget, as finding a reliable seller on your own can be quite difficult.

The disadvantages

1. You won’t be able to see nor hear the instrument prior to the purchase

The biggest disadvantage of buying musical instruments online is that you won’t be able to try out the instrument before purchasing it. In this way, you’re at risk of getting deceived and potentially buying a faulty instrument from a sketchy seller. However, as long as you do your research, the chances of this happening to you become minimal. Remember to check if the vendor offers a reasonable return policy and always read all the available information and reviews.

Lastly, some online shops offer a sound demo to allow you to hear your new instrument before making your purchase. If that’s something of significance to you, look for web shops offering that option.

2. You won’t be able to get advice from the sellers

Every well-trained staff member at the musical store knows their instruments. You can get incredibly helpful advice from them if you’re shopping at a high-quality store. Their input can be a valuable asset in your search for the perfect musical instrument!

However, as we’ve mentioned before, not all vendors are worth your time nor trust. Ensure you’re shopping at a popular store that’s known for its customer service before you rush into making a purchase.

Besides, if you’re shopping at high-end stores, you can always contact the suppliers directly for any questions you may have.

3. Shipping can quite pricey

If you’re planning on ordering your instrument from overseas, you’re up for an unpleasant surprise. Transportation of something as delicate as a musical instrument requires specific protocols, which can be expensive.

Of course, it all depends on your specific location and the method of shipment the vendor offers. If you’re in a hurry to get your instrument, expect to pay a higher price.

Lastly, remember to examine their return policies carefully before ordering. If an item gets damaged during shipment, some companies won’t let you return it. It’s a risk not worth taking, so be mindful of it when choosing a vendor.

4. It can be a bit time-consuming depending on the supplier

The most frustrating part of online shopping is waiting for your order to arrive at your doorstep. If you’re not ready to wait for a few weeks, either buy your musical gear locally or look for online stores that are not far from your city.

The bottom line

Buying musical instruments online has its unique pros and cons. In our opinion, the pros outweigh the cons, but at the end of the day, it all boils down to your expectations and preferences.

If you prefer shopping from the comfort of your home, then online stores are for you. Either way, you should always do your research to ensure you’re getting the quality you deserve: no matter if you’re shopping online or in a local store near you.