Spend Wisely: 7 Important Considerations When Buying an Artificial Christmas Tree Online

Nov. 20, 2008 - PRLog -- Alpharetta, GA  -- For cost reasons, more and more families are choosing to invest in artificial Christmas trees instead of real trees. A recent study published on the American Christmas Tree Association (ACTA) website explains that over a ten year period the cost of replacing a live Christmas tree every year is three times the cost of purchasing a single artificial Christmas tree (which can last up to 10 years or more). With the popularity of artificial Christmas trees on the rise, budget-conscious consumers are going to the internet to save money and gain access to greater product catalogues.

But how can any consumer be certain that they're buying a quality tree from a dependable company? With this in mind, Christmas Lights Etc. (www.christmaslightsetc.com), one of the largest U.S. suppliers of premium Christmas trees, decorations and holiday lighting for homes, commercial decorators and businesses, provides 7 important factors for customers to consider before purchasing an artificial Christmas tree online this holiday season:

1.   CONSIDER THE LENGTH OF THE COMPANY'S WARRANTY
A tree's warranty can tell you a lot about the overall quality and expected longevity of the tree. Some companies offer only short-term, 3 or 5 year warranties. Protect your investment by buying a tree that is made to last and protected by a longer term, 10 year warranty.

2.   CONSIDER THE HEALTH OF THE COMPANY BEHIND THE WARRANTY
As important as the length of a tree's warranty is whether or not the company you buy it from will be around to honor it. In today's volatile business climate, considering the health of a retailer is important before making long-term purchases. Prior to buying an artificial Christmas tree online (http://www.christmaslightsetc.com/artificial-christmas-tr...), review the company's history to see if the business has stood the test of time and as such, may be more likely to be around should you need them in the future.

3.   CONSIDER THE COMPANY'S EXPERTISE
Buying a Christmas tree is a selective process that requires careful consideration based on many factors. Customers are challenged with choosing a tree that meets their height limitations, spending budgets, style preferences and delivery requirements. Getting it right is important because purchasing the family tree is different than most regular purchases in that a decision is made one time and the product is relied upon for years thereafter. To get it right, buyers should consider purchasing artificial Christmas trees (http://www.christmaslightsetc.com/Tree-Finder.asp) from companies where artificial trees are their primary business, and ones that provide knowledgeable customer service people to help customers choose the right tree for them.

4.   CONSIDER THE COMPANY'S EXPERIENCE
As a customer, you expect to receive the Christmas tree you order on-time and in good condition. But busy holiday seasons often place strains on order processing systems as retailers are flooded with requests. So, what happens when orders get backed up, products get mixed up, trees ship late or are damaged in route? In these cases, experienced, high volume retailers are more equipped to handle order spikes and shipping problems with their higher capacity systems, deeper inventories and refined resolution processes. Having adequate experience fulfilling a high number of Christmas tree orders online over a long period of time can be a good indicator that a company is poised to handle these types of challenges should they impact your order.

5.   CONSIDER THE REPUTATION OF THE COMPANY
How do you know if a company is accountable to its customers and whether or not it has a record of complaints and abuses? One good way to find this out is to check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB). The BBB records any complaints and arbitration associated with a company or its products when a company chooses to register with them. Companies that choose not to register with the BBB limit their customer's options for recourse when problems arise. Another way to get a feel for a company's reputation is to perform a Google search using the company's name next to the word, "complaints". This type of simple search can often reveal a number of negative reactions. Note that when reviewing random search engine results, buyers should carefully consider the source of the critique before making final judgments about the information.

6.   CONSIDER THE COMPANY'S CUSTOMER RATINGS
Often times a good indicator of a company's confidence about its own products and service is its willingness to be openly and independently rated and reviewed by its customers. Ratings provide a kind of scorecard to understand a company's strengths and weaknesses. Reviews offer insight into positive or negative trends in quality, service or fulfillment. This crucial information can help buyers avoid needless frustration, disappointment, even loss.

7.   CONSIDER THE COMPANY'S PARTNERS
An indication of a company's priorities can often be determined by how it chooses to use its website real estate. If the saying is true, then you may certainly be able tell a retailer by the company they keep (or the partners they associate with). On their website's, certain retailers make a point of highlighting relationships with advertisers or fellow merchants seeking to make additional money off of the customer. Instead, retailers like Christmas Lights Etc. choose to focus on more meaningful relationships like those with environmental partner, Energy Star or consumer protection partners, the BBB and McAfee (for information security). Amidst other important considerations, buyers are wise to scrutinize how retailers focus their website in order to avoid doing business with companies that may not have the customer's best interests in mind.

For peace of mind in choosing the right artificial Christmas tree, visit: http://www.christmaslightsetc.com or call 866-962-7382.

Contact:
Aaron Hassen, 866-962-7382, Ext. 5016
Email: media(at)christmaslightsetc.com

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Nationwide leading online retailer of premium Artificial Christmas Trees, Christmas Lights, Decorations, and Christmas Ornaments. Products have been featured by the CBS Early Morning Show, Smart Money magazine, Wall Street Journal, and HGTV.