Buying Rugs Online or in a Physical Store, Which One is Better for You

	Online shopping	Physical store shopping
Quality	Can be high quality but hard to judge.	Usually high quality but not always.
Selection	Very wide selection from around the world.	Limited selection. Can find unique rugs.
Price	Easy to compare for best price.	Depends on the store. Expert can give advice.
Convenience	Very convenient. Shop anywhere anytime.	Less convenient. Need to travel to store.
Service	Reviews available. Often free delivery.	Expert advice. Lenient return policy.

 

Which offers better quality?

Both Camille and my granny agree that quality is very important for any product. So the first thing we need to compare is the quality of rugs bought online or from a physical store.

When shopping for rugs in-store, you can see and feel the rug before making a purchase, which can be a significant advantage. You can see the color, texture, and quality up close, which can help you make a better-informed decision.

On the contrary, one of the main disadvantages of online shopping is that you cannot physically see or feel the product before buying it. Although online retailers often provide high-quality images and detailed descriptions, it can be difficult to judge the color, texture, and quality of the rug without seeing it in person.

Our grandma seems to win the "battle" when we consider quality. Indeed, she always uses this advantage as her "sharp weapon" to convince Camille. However, I have to point out that she only bought quality rugs from her favorite physical stores sometimes. When I was 10 years old, I remember she brought home a classic rug that she claimed to be soft and durable from a local store. It is soft. That's true. But she had to replace it after about three months, which means it's not durable at all.

So even if you can see or feel the product in a physical store, you cannot guarantee all qualities, such as durability. In many cases, reliable online stores endorsed by trustworthy organizations can provide rugs of higher quality.

Here I recommend RugItAll, a website that sells washable non-slip backing rugs. The startup company uses Cling Effect® technology to produce quality rugs, and it received compliments from organizations such as House Beautiful, Living Cozy, and Popsugar.

Therefore, in terms of quality, it's more likely to purchase rugs of higher quality from a physical store, but it's not foolproof, and sometimes you can give reliable online stores a chance to let them shine.

Which offers a wider selection?

For a good reason, online shopping has become increasingly popular in recent years. The internet provides a vast selection of rugs worldwide, making it easy to find the perfect rug that matches your style and budget. Taking RugItAll as an example, it offers rugs of nine colors, eight styles, and eleven sizes.

Camille seems to win when we talk about selection, but there is one thing you may ignore. Purchasing rugs online means we are exposed to various rugs popular almost anywhere in the world. But it also means it's challenging to find something unique.

My granny really like that Rugitall Midnight Garden Red & Burgundy Rug my mom gave her on her 50th birthday, but the rug was ruined by her dog last year. My mom bought it from a local store, but it took me a year to find a carpet with a similar unique pattern.

Therefore, in terms of quality, online stores offer a wide range of colors and patterns and it's an excellent place to find the rug that goes with your home. But sometimes, in physical stores, you may encounter rugs with unique designs.

Which is better for your wallet?

Buying rugs online offers convenience, selection and price tracking.  However, in-store shopping allows seeing and feeling rugs up close with expert advice.
Key online benefits include:

• Accessibility: 24/7 shopping from anywhere.
• Huge selection: Wide range of rugs from all over the world to compare.
• Price matching: Easily compare prices across websites for the best deals.
• Key benefits of shopping in stores:
• Visualizing rugs: No substitute for seeing rugs in person—assess quality, color, texture.
• Advice from experts: Salespeople can recommend colors, thicknesses, materials based on your space and needs.
• Immediate gratification: Take your rug home today—no wait for shipping or returns.
• Flexible returns: Stores typically have more lenient return policies if there are any issues.
• Supporting local businesses: Keep money in your local community and economy.

In summary, both online and in-store rug shopping have compelling benefits.  For some buyers, seeing and feeling rugs in person wins out. For others, convenience and selection trump in-person shopping.

Each buyer has unique priorities—try exploring both options to find the approach that suits you best for any given purchase. And consider rug quality, uniqueness, and local business support when making your final choice. While the accessibility and deals factor in, choosing a rug is an investment—don't compromise too greatly on other important attributes. With some research, you can reap the rewards of however you decide to shop.

Which is more convenient?

This question is not difficult to answer since one good reason for the popularity of shopping for rugs online is that with just a few clicks. You can compare prices, read customer reviews, and deliver the rug to your doorstep.

Shopping in-store requires you to travel to the store, which can be time-consuming, and if the rug is oversized, you also need to think about how to take it home with your small car.

So definitely, shopping for rugs online is more convenient.

Which provides better services?

1) Review

One good thing about online shopping is that you can read other people's reviews. We don't believe in advertisements because it's just a trick of merchants to promote their products. But we believe comments left by ordinary consumers like you and me.

It's almost impossible to know how consumers feel about the product you want to buy in a physical store, but most of the time, comments about the rug you want to buy online are available. Moreover, the review also functions like a supervising mechanism because merchants know negative thoughts will reduce sales, so they must provide qualified rugs. Therefore, considering review services, Camille wins.

2) Delivery and return policy

Delivery can be problematic if you intend to buy a rug as large as 275*365. After you purchase it from a local store, you have to take it home in a car with enough capacity.

You may need to pay extra money for the delivery. Things are better when it comes to online stores. For example, RugItAll offers a free delivery service to consumers in Austria, so there's nothing to worry about after placing an order. Regarding returning policy, different companies may have other policies, be they online or offline. Stores typically provide a specific period when customers can return products, usually within 14 to 30 days of the purchase date.

Therefore, in terms of services, online shopping often offers more complete services. Reviews are available; delivery can be free; the return policy is reasonable. Of course, some physical stores may also provide necessary assistance; all you need to do is ask.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my sister and my granny's debate about buying rugs online or in a physical store ultimately depends on personal preference and the specific rug you are looking for. Both options have advantages and disadvantages, and it's essential to consider all factors before purchasing.

If you're still unsure, why not try both options and see which works best for you? Remember to prioritize quality, selection, price, and convenience, and you'll find the perfect rug for your home. I don't have recommendations for local stores, but I do recommend a trustworthy online store. Go and visit RugItAll now! Happy shopping!

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