When shopping for awnings, whether for home or commercial use, it helps to understand all of your options to get the highest quality awning for your dollar, while also ensuring warranty, awning service and repair availability long term.

THREE AVENUES WHEN PURCHASING AWNINGS

WHOLESALE TO RETAILER

When purchasing from a retailer of wholesale sun control products, installation is not always included or warranted by the manufacturer but by the retailer. The retailer may offer a limited warranty but must often rely on materials from overseas suppliers and external wholesalers. While the initial cost may be low, additional costs may arise for repairs or replacement parts, and availability can be uncertain.

MANUFACTURER TO INSTALLER

This tier offers standard reliability and quality, although, with little or no awning customization and remains indirect, still requires a middle man to complete the job.

MANUFACTURER DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER

When you purchase an awning direct from the manufacturer, as with Accent Awnings, you’re getting the best of both worlds: awnings made to order (in California) using materials of the highest quality and installed by the same manufacturing team. Plus, the peace of mind that comes from a comprehensive warranty on both manufacture and installation, as well as long-term support from a trusted company.

Now that we understand the different avenues of purchasing awnings, let’s take a closer look at all the many advantages of buying manufacturer direct.

10 REASONS WHY BUYING DIRECT IS BEST PRACTICE

SHOPPERS CAN INTERACT DIRECTLY WITH BRANDS.

Think about the difference between reading a book and meeting the author. Once there’s a personal connection, you’re not only more likely to buy the product but to even encourage others to do the same. 

BUYING DIRECT RELIEVES THE ANXIETY ABOUT BEING SWINDLED BY A KNOCK-OFF DISTRIBUTOR.

A major footwear manufacturer decided to stop selling on Amazon, citing the inability to prevent companies from selling low-priced knock-offs and diluting the brand’s reputation with lower-quality products. 

By going directly to the manufacturer’s website or store, shoppers can be sure their money is going to the purchase of authentic, quality products.

BRANDS CARRY EVERY PRODUCT; RETAILERS TYPICALLY DON’T.

This is especially important to customers already familiar with a brand. If you already trust a product, you’ll want to find out what else is available. Where better to access an entire line than the brand’s direct website?

BRANDS CARRY EVERY COLOR, SIZE AND STYLE.

Manufacturers stock the most popular sizes and colors. By purchasing directly from the brand, you can shop the entire selection and have more options for personal customization. This factor is especially important to those who are looking to avoid standardization. 

DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER (DTC) SHOPPERS GET DIRECT ACCESS TO THE MOST ACCURATE INFORMATION AND BRAND SUPPORT.

Shopping on the manufacturer’s website or storefront gives you access to people who work directly with that brand and know it inside out. Shopping on a retailer’s website gives you access to 

people who may know very little about the brand itself. Information gleaned directly from the company site or customer service team is more likely to be accurate and dependable.

BRANDS ARE MORE LIKELY TO STOCK WHAT YOU NEED.

Spending time searching for the right product can turn frustrating when you get to checkout and discover the item is out of stock – or worse yet, you place the order and then get notified of a backorder. Your chances of getting what you need, with transparent delivery times, are normally better when you go to the source directly, and each order is custom-made for you. 

REPLACEMENT PARTS ARE EASIER TO FIND ON THE BRAND SITE.

When the retailer stops selling the particular model you purchased, it may be difficult to find replacement parts and repair services. The manufacturer will typically stock parts longer than any other outlet. They may also be able to sell them without an exorbitant markup.

ADD ON ACCESSORIES ARE EASIER TO REQUEST AND INSTALL.

By shopping with the manufacturer, you can more than likely access accessories made especially for your product that are directly compatible and installed exactly as they should be. 

DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER (DTC) CUSTOMER SERVICE ISSUES ARE OFTEN BETTER HANDLED.

When you complain to a retailer about a purchase, they may return your money and take the product back based on their specific retailer returns policy. When you buy from the brand directly, it is likely there is much more incentive to settle the issue as appropriately as possible to keep you coming back.

THE GENERAL CONSENSUS OF CUSTOMER SENTIMENT IS THAT BRANDS ARE MORE LIKELY TO “DO THE RIGHT THING.”

If a retailer sells a product made by someone else, they can always pass the customer’s issue to the manufacturer. If a manufacturer sells you a product sourced in-house, all issues are handled in-house. Consumers can feel a sense of comfort dealing directly with manufacturers because there’s no room for buck-passing.