Local Dealers vs Manufacturers Websites: What’s the Best Value for Money?
Window Tints: Should You Buy from a Website or a Local Dealer?
Many people opt for window tints to stylize their cars or for privacy. When looking for window tints, you generally have two purchasing options: buying from an online manufacturer or from a local dealer. Let’s break down which option offers better value and services.
Why Do People Lean Towards Websites to Buy Tint?
Before diving into which option is better, let’s explore a common trend. Many buyers lean toward purchasing window tints online, attracted by the lower prices. However, what they often overlook are hidden costs that can make the overall price much higher than buying from a local dealer.
Location
For example, looking online for a tint installer you might find a Manufacturer website which claims to be in that area. However, on closer inspection you are really just filling out a form and they will search for the closest in-network shop. That could be 20+ miles away. So while they claim to be “local”, are you really saving anything with the extra time and travel and runaround? It would appear not.
Shipment Costs
When buying window tint online, you often face shipment delays and high shipping fees. These costs can sometimes be quite significant, making the total price of window tints far higher than purchasing directly from a local dealer.
Wrong Products
Without experience in window tinting, buying the correct product can be tricky. Tints vary in shade, size, and type, which can be confusing for first-time buyers. Moreover, different car models require specific tints, and many buyers unknowingly order the wrong product.
Additionally, there are local regulations that dictate which shades of window tints are legally permitted. Buying from a website can lead to purchasing a product that doesn’t comply with these regulations, leading to unnecessary hassle.
Complex Installation
Installing window tints is not as easy as it may appear. Watching a professional install tint makes it look simple, but doing it yourself increases the likelihood of mistakes like wrinkles or bubbles, which can ruin the tint altogether.
Warranty Issues
If the product you receive is different from what you expected or arrives damaged, warranty claims can become complex. The long distance between you and the manufacturer means you’ll need to ship the product back, wait for a replacement, and often incur additional shipping fees. This process can turn into a time-consuming hassle.
The Advantages of Buying Window Tints from Local Dealers
All the disadvantages of purchasing window tints from websites are reversed when you buy from a local dealer. Let’s explore the benefits:
No Shipment Wait
When you buy from a local dealer, you don’t have to wait for your product to ship. Dealers typically stock a wide range of tints, so you can pick up your tint and have it installed on the same day. If one dealer doesn’t have what you want, there are always other local dealers to check.
Expert Advice
Local dealers are familiar with the local laws governing window tinting, so they can help guide you toward the legal shades. Their experience ensures that you buy the right product for your car and avoid potential legal trouble later.
Professional Local Installation
Most local dealers offer professional installation services. Their expert teams can install window tints quickly, often within a few hours, ensuring the job is done perfectly without bubbles or wrinkles. You can start using your vehicle again right away.
Hassle-Free Warranties
In case the product turns out to be faulty or different from what you expected, claiming a warranty through a local dealer is much easier. They can quickly replace damaged products, saving you the time and cost associated with returns and exchanges.
Ongoing Support
One major advantage of local dealers is their continued support. If you ever need to replace or upgrade your window tints, they are there to help, providing advice and service whenever needed.
Conclusion
Buying window tint from an online manufacturer might save you a little money upfront, but the hidden costs and potential headaches make it less convenient, especially for those unfamiliar with window tinting. For a stress-free experience, expert advice, and quick installation, local dealers offer a much better value.
If you’re looking for a hassle-free, high-quality installation process, it’s best to trust a local dealer who can handle everything from product selection to installation.
The Disadvantages of Buying Window Tints from a Website
As a customer, it’s important to understand the disadvantages of buying window tints from a website:
- Additional shipping fees and wait times
- Risk of ordering the wrong product
- Difficult and potentially faulty self-installation
- Complex warranty claims
Looking for premium window tinting right here in Fullerton? OC Tintz is your trusted local expert, serving Orange County with top-quality automotive, residential, and commercial tinting. Support your local dealer and enjoy the best in tinting solutions—call now for a free quote or reach out via the Fast Quote section on our website!
