Pet parents today have more options than ever before when it comes to buying pet supplies, including where they choose to buy their pet’s food and treats. Whether you shop online or at a brick-and-mortar store, it’s crucial to buy only the best products for your four-legged family member and that goes double if you’re shopping online.
To make sure you find the best place to buy pet supplies, look no further than this comprehensive guide on how to find the best online pet store for your furry friend.
Examine their information pages
One of the best ways to find a great pet store is by taking a look at their information pages. This can be found in different areas on their website, such as at the top or bottom of each page.
These pages will give you a snapshot of what they’re all about and highlight some of their best products. These details could also include contact information, shipping info, warranties, return policies, payment methods accepted, and shopping cart options.
Is the return policy clear?
Return policies are vital in figuring out whether or not you’ll be able to get your money back if there’s an issue with your purchase. It can also help you weed out stores that charge a restocking fee, which is especially annoying when you’re shopping online and don’t want anything shipped back.
Lastly, it’ll help you figure out if the store has a consistent refund policy or if they change their tune depending on what they feel like. A quick scan of their website might do the trick!
How do they package things?
Packaging is key because it tells you what you are buying. Items may come packaged in different quantities, be individually wrapped, or be placed in a resealable container. A re-sealable container is handy if you want to buy something, store it in your house, and then take it back with you on your next trip to purchase some more of that item.
Consider how quickly the product will spoil if not properly refrigerated and look for items that are vacuum sealed. What are their customer service hours?: Customer service hours should reflect the times you need them most, such as after work hours or during weekends. If they don’t have customer service hours listed, contact them by phone and find out.
Returns can vary depending on the company. Some companies will allow you to return an item within 30 days while others might offer 15 days; many stores only allow items to be returned within seven days of purchase and charge a restocking fee plus shipping costs.
Live chat support is convenient when it comes time to ask questions about products before making a decision. It also makes ordering easier if one needs help filling out information about themselves for order fulfillment such as address or credit card information.
Do they have a good warranty?
When you purchase a pet product, such as food or grooming supplies, you want assurance that it is safe and of high quality. After all, your furry friend’s health depends on it. A good warranty can help assure customers that if any issues arise with their product, they will be taken care of.
They may have an exchange policy as well as a return policy for products that are defective or unsatisfactory in some way. With these kinds of policies in place, you can feel confident about your purchase.
Are there any product reviews?
Reviews give you more details about the product, which might make your decision easier. Plus, they let you know whether or not a store offers fast shipping and good customer service. Â Comments may include a user’s experience with specific product lines such as dog beds or cat litter boxes, helping you decide which is best for your needs.
If a shopper only bought one thing from an online pet store, it’s likely that the product was not satisfactory. Reviewers often mention those brands specifically when giving feedback on products other than what they purchased.
Can you get discounted shipping on larger orders?
One thing that most online pet stores offer is a discounted shipping option if you buy more than one item. For example, in exchange for buying 3 items, they might give you 5% off of your total order or they might just provide free shipping.
The decision really comes down to what is available and if it is a better deal than not getting a discounted shipping rate at all. What are the costs associated with their warranty?: Most good pet stores will have a 1-year warranty on their products which covers defects or faulty pieces as well as any manufacturing errors.
However, many will also include some form of customer service guarantee where they either refund money back or send out another replacement product. You should always read through the return policy before purchasing from an online store to make sure you are not being scammed by hidden fees.
Where are their products coming from?
Some pet stores offer products from overseas while others will try and buy locally when possible. You’ll want to make sure that the place you choose is environmentally conscious and treats its employees fairly.
Oftentimes, you’ll find most online pet stores will claim they’re coming from sources near you, but don’t be fooled by this as it may just be a tactic to charge more in shipping costs. And you really won’t know until after it’s too late when your package arrives!
It can be hard with companies such as Amazon or eBay who will ship anywhere in the world without specifying where they’re coming from. If there are issues with shipping, customer service may not care if it isn’t their fault, so stay vigilant and do your research before ordering from anyone.
Does your ideal online pet store exist?
The pet industry is massive, as evidenced by the $44 billion generated in 2014. And with statistics like that, you know there are plenty of online pet stores. But what separates the ones worth your time from those that are not? With no offense intended to any existing companies, I’d like to share a few tips on how to spot an excellent store.
A reputable site should have high-quality customer service. In other words, they shouldn’t make you wait days or weeks on end just to get some basic information and answer one simple question–nor should they require you to go through a dozen automated prompts before you reach a live person’s voice.
Conclusion
After reading this post, you now know how to find the best online pet store for your furry friend. Hopefully, these tips were helpful and that you and your cat are enjoying their new toy. If you liked this post and want more, be sure to subscribe.