The Pros and Cons of Buying Assembled Cabinets Online Versus In-Store

by Samanth Rose

The process of upgrading your kitchen or bathroom involves careful consideration of various factors, and one of the most crucial decisions is choosing the right cabinets. Cabinets are not just functional elements but also major design components that can significantly impact the overall aesthetics of your space. 

When it comes to finding cabinets, there are two primary options: buying cabinets online or purchasing them in a brick-and-mortar store. 

We will explore the numerous advantages of opting for the online option while acknowledging some of the drawbacks of the in-store experience. Buying cabinets online is often the superior choice.

Advantages of Buying Cabinets Online

1. Convenience and Accessibility: One of the most apparent benefits of buying cabinets online is the unparalleled convenience it offers. At RTA Wood Cabinets, you can shop from the comfort of your home, at any time that suits you, without the need to travel to a physical store. This accessibility is particularly advantageous for those with busy schedules or limited mobility.

2. Endless Variety: Online retailers like RTAWoodCabinets.com often boast a vast selection of cabinet styles, finishes, and sizes. This extensive variety allows you to easily find cabinets that match your specific preferences and the unique aesthetic of your space. In contrast, physical stores may have limited floor space, restricting the range of options available.

3. Detailed Product Information: Online shopping platforms provide comprehensive product information, including detailed descriptions, specifications, and high-quality images. This wealth of information enables you to make informed decisions and ensures you are getting cabinets that meet your exact needs.

4. Customization Options: Many online cabinet retailers offer customization options, allowing you to tailor cabinets to your exact requirements. Whether you need specific depths, finishes, or features, online shopping makes it easier to create the perfect cabinets for your space.

5. Competitive Pricing: Online retailers often have lower overhead costs compared to brick-and-mortar stores, which can translate into more competitive pricing for their products. Savvy shoppers can find high-quality cabinets at affordable prices online.

6. Customer Reviews and Ratings: Online shopping provides access to customer reviews and ratings for each product. This valuable feedback from previous buyers can guide your decision-making process, helping you select cabinets that are well-received by others.

7. Convenient Shipping and Delivery: Most online cabinet retailers offer convenient shipping and delivery options, making it easy to receive your cabinets right at your doorstep. This eliminates the need for arranging transportation and handling logistics, which can be a hassle when purchasing cabinets in-store.

8. Eco-Friendly Options: Online retailers are increasingly conscious of eco-friendly practices. You can find options for sustainable and environmentally friendly cabinets more easily online, as many online retailers prioritize offering such products.

9. Time-Saving: Shopping for cabinets online can be a time-saving endeavor. You can quickly browse through options, compare prices, and make a purchase without the time-consuming process of visiting multiple physical stores.

10. No Pressure Sales Tactics: Online shopping provides a pressure-free environment. You can take your time to explore your options, ask questions via chat or email, and make decisions at your own pace without the pressure of a salesperson hovering nearby.

Disadvantages of Buying Cabinets Online

1. Lack of a Storefront: Some buyers want an in-store experience so the lack of a storefront can be a drawback. However, many online cabinet companies like RTA Wood Cabinets offer sample doors so you can enjoy a similar experience as shopping in a store and see how your cabinet doors will look and feel before making a purchase. 

2. Multiple Online Options: The number of options available online can make it difficult to choose a vendor. Customers should consider reviews of the online store as well as years of experience before deciding on a final choice for a vendor. Other considerations are the product variety, warranties, shipping times and costs. 

Advantages of Buying Cabinets In-Store

While there are some advantages to buying cabinets in a physical store, it's essential to note that the online option often outweighs these benefits, offering even more convenience, variety, and cost-efficiency. Here are a few advantages of buying cabinets in a physical store, with a focus on how the online option can be a superior choice:

1. Seeing and Touching the Cabinets: In a physical store, you can see and touch the cabinets, which can provide a tactile experience and help you assess the quality. However, online retailers now offer high-resolution images, detailed product descriptions, and even the ability to ship a sample cabinet door, allowing you to examine cabinets closely from the comfort of your home.

2. Immediate Gratification: Purchasing cabinets in a physical store provides immediate gratification as you can sometimes take your cabinets home the same day. However, online retailers offer expedited shipping options, ensuring that your cabinets arrive quickly, often within a matter of days. The convenience of having cabinets delivered to your doorstep can outweigh the need for instant gratification.

3. Face-to-Face Customer Service: In-store shopping allows for face-to-face interactions with sales representatives who can provide guidance and answer questions. Nonetheless, online retailers invest in responsive designers and customer support teams that are just a phone call or chat away. These teams are often well-informed and dedicated to helping customers make informed decisions, replicating the in-store experience.

4. Personalized Assistance: In physical stores, you can receive personalized assistance from staff who can guide you through the selection process. Online retailers, recognizing the importance of personalization, often offer chat support, phone consultations, and even virtual design assistance. These options allow for tailored guidance while shopping online.

While there are advantages to buying cabinets in a physical store, the online option offers numerous benefits that can surpass those of brick-and-mortar shops. 

Online retailers provide an extensive selection, convenience, cost-efficiency, responsive customer support, and the ability to make informed decisions from the comfort of your home. 

As technology and e-commerce continue to evolve, the online option is becoming increasingly attractive, providing a superior shopping experience for those seeking quality cabinets for their homes.

Downsides of Buying Cabinets In-Store

While there are certainly advantages to buying cabinets in-store, it's essential to acknowledge some of the downsides, especially when comparing them to the benefits of online shopping.

1. Limited Selection: Physical stores often have limited floor space, which can restrict the variety of cabinet styles, finishes, and sizes available. This limitation can make it challenging to find cabinets that precisely match your preferences and space requirements.

2. Higher Prices: Brick-and-mortar stores generally have higher overhead costs, which can result in higher cabinet prices. You may end up paying more for the same quality of cabinets compared to what you can find online.

3. Inconvenient Hours: Physical stores have set operating hours, and shopping within these time constraints can be inconvenient for individuals with busy schedules. Online shopping offers the flexibility to browse and make purchases at any time of day or night.

4. Travel and Transportation: Shopping in-store requires you to travel to the location, which can be time-consuming and may involve additional transportation costs. Online shopping eliminates the need for travel and associated hassles.

5. Limited Product Information: In-store displays may not provide as much detailed product information as you can find online. This lack of information can make it more challenging to make an informed decision about your cabinet purchase.

6. Limited Customization: While some physical stores may offer customization options, they may not be as extensive or flexible as what you can find online. Online retailers like RTA Wood Cabinets often provide a broader range of customization choices.

7. Potential Pressure from Salespeople: In-store shopping can sometimes involve interaction with aggressive or pushy salespeople who may try to upsell or persuade you to make a decision quickly. This pressure can be stressful and uncomfortable for some buyers.

Conclusion

When it comes to purchasing cabinets, the advantages of buying online far outweigh the drawbacks of buying in-store. Online cabinet shopping offers unparalleled convenience, a vast selection, detailed product information, customization options, competitive pricing, and eco-friendly choices. It also allows for easy access to customer reviews and ratings, stress-free shipping and delivery, and a pressure-free shopping experience.

While physical stores do have their merits, such as the ability to see cabinets in person, they often fall short in terms of variety, pricing, convenience, and customization options. When you're looking to upgrade your kitchen or bathroom with high-quality cabinets that meet your specific needs and preferences, choosing the online option, like RTAWoodCabinets.com, is the smarter choice. Embrace the future of cabinet shopping and experience the countless benefits of buying cabinets online.

RTA Wood Cabinets is here to help you find the perfect set of cabinets for your home. With sample doors, a generous warranty on each product, responsive customer support, and a range of cabinet options, you’re sure to find the best choice for your needs without having to shop at a brick and mortar location.