You might have seen the images of pro-studios on the Internet and TV, or even had the pleasure of being a witness to the DJ playing at your favorite club. The truth is, there's a substantial amount of sacrifice and effort (not to mention cost) involved with buying music equipment.
In the past decade, technological advancement in the economic sphere has seen increasingly more companies adjusting to fit in with the trend. In this day and age, all you need is a steady internet connection and a computer, and your musical device will be delivered to your preferred destination.
However, shopping online for shoes, clothes, and groceries is far from shopping for musical equipment. So before you click-to-order the new Novation Launchpad Mini MK2 for your home studio, or the Electro voice zlx 15p loudspeakers for your club, here are a few things you should consider.
Factors To Consider Before Buying Online
1. Know what you need
Focus on your goals. Think about your needs and what you would like to accomplish. Only then will you be able to determine what equipment you have to buy. This is a vital step to help you decide the features you require in the audio device. Ask yourself and answer questions like is your set-up permanent, or will you be moving between places occasionally? And how many microphones will you be using? For instance, if you are in a band that does a lot of live outdoor performances, the Roland Cube Street EX combo amp may be a perfect fit. It is great for live gigs, home recording, and busking as it guarantees a powerful punch for guitar and vocals. Not to mention, it comes in a portable package making it convenient to carry around.
2. The store
The majority of online stores will have a physical address that you can visit or call. Be wary of con artists posing as legitimate online sellers. That being said, you must conduct sufficient research prior to picking a store. Ask around for reviews and experiences from friends and family. Compare different stores to choose one that caters to your needs.
Contact the store and inquire about their delivery process. Do they use an insured courier? Investing an extra buck in insurance will give you peace of mind.
Note that several musical and audio equipment manufacturers sell online. Take say, if you are in the market for a Roland Piano Digital, what better way than to purchase from the Roland company's website?
3. Return Policy and Warranty
An online store that stipulates a guideline for the reasonable return of goods is sure to lure prospective shoppers. A return policy helps when you buy the wrong instrument or due to a change of mind. Contact the seller and familiarize yourself with the regulations around their return policy. Additionally, find out if there is a warranty on the item. For example, investing in a Focusrite scarlett 2i2 studio pack 3rd gen for your start-up studio is substantially costly; therefore, you should be able to fix it free-of-charge if it gets damaged.
Take Away
Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur with a decent home recording studio or a newbie looking to venture into the music entertainment industry, the stress and headaches that come with gearing up can be draining. Visit a credible online store and have your audio equipment delivered quickly and conveniently.
