If you are reading this article, you probably want to know how to buy a fireplace online safely. Then you have come to the right place. We explain how to make a safe purchase from a vetted seller, how to choose a fireplace or stove online and how not to go wrong with an online purchase.
There are plenty of reasons why you might not be able to visit a fireplace showroom in person: distance, health, lack of transport, or simply because there is no such shop in your town. Fortunately, we live in the age of the internet, and everything can be found there — including buying a wood-burning fireplace online.
How do you choose a fireplace online safely?
At first glance buying a fireplace online looks easy: a few minutes on a website or marketplace and you have found what you need. But online purchases always have pitfalls.
You need to be careful not to run into fraudsters, to buy an appliance that was officially imported or manufactured, and to order a fireplace with a manufacturer's warranty, documents and complete, undamaged equipment. So before you buy a fireplace, we recommend the following:
The best option is to buy from the online shop of a vetted manufacturer or its official representative. When you land on a site or a social media page, find out who it belongs to: the manufacturer, or an official representative? Is there proof that the dealer really is official? Is the company registered? Does it provide a receipt and a warranty?
Make sure the goods sold by the site are neither contraband nor counterfeit. The simplest way is to ask the manager by phone or in writing for evidence that all goods were imported or manufactured officially. Such fireplaces and stoves always come with a manufacturer's warranty.
Pay attention to the site itself. Look for the seller's contact details, browse the range and the catalogues, read the blog. Conscientious manufacturers and sellers keep their websites properly.
Another marker of a good online fireplace shop is what other people say. Look at the comments, read reviews and ratings. The best way to find out whether a seller is good is to trust the experience of their customers.
What should you pay attention to before ordering?
Choosing and ordering a fireplace online should be done carefully and without haste. First work out what exactly you need: an insert, a stove, or perhaps an electric fireplace? And if an insert — which kind? Convection or with a water jacket? There are many types, so it is worth reading a few useful articles first, for example on what a convection fireplace is and which lining suits your case.
Once you have settled on the type and model (say, a corner steel wood-burning insert), look at what different manufacturers offer. Compare the output, efficiency, dimensions and other characteristics against the parameters you actually need.
If that is difficult to do on your own — and it usually is — it is better to rely on professionals. As a rule, every online fireplace shop offers a free consultation by phone or message.
So that the consultant can select the best option for you remotely, be ready to answer these questions:
- Do you live in a house or an apartment (and on which floor)?
- What is the purpose of the fireplace — a main heat source, a supplementary one, or decoration?
- What floor area should the fireplace heat?
- Do you have a flue (and if so, what is its diameter and where is the connection point)?
- What minimum and maximum dimensions would suit you (remember that the surround takes up space as well as the appliance)?
Before ordering, be sure to clarify: the fuel type, the possible positions, the materials of the insert or stove, the output and efficiency, the dimensions, and the appearance and design.
Also find out whether the seller provides installation services for the fireplace and the flue. Ask how delivery works and how long it takes; whether the item is in stock or has to be ordered; whether there is a warranty and for how long; and whether the shop undertakes warranty and post-warranty service.
It is also very important to learn about the payment terms. A fireplace is not a cheap item, and nobody wants to risk a large sum. That is exactly why it matters to choose a vetted shop and to know that the specialists have selected precisely the appliance you need.
What are the advantages of buying a fireplace online?
Some people are firmly convinced that the best purchases are made in person — go to the showroom, look at the goods, talk to the seller. But we are sure that modern options give the online buyer a number of advantages. Buying a fireplace online means:
- enjoying a wide choice of both brands and models;
- watching video reviews and seeing real photographs of fireplaces in interiors;
- being able to compare different models, their specifications, prices and design;
- reading ratings and reviews from other fireplace owners;
- learning a great deal that is useful from specialist blogs and articles;
- making a considered, well-judged choice without haste or pressure;
- saving money — online sellers often offer discounts, seasonal promotions, free delivery and a free site visit by a fitter.
If you are ready to start choosing, the range is in the straight inserts, corner inserts and steel fireplace stoves sections — and the nearest authorised representative is in the where to buy section.