WARNING: Don't buy a generator online until you read this

Remember the days when shopping for a petrol generator meant trekking from store to store comparing prices and models? Trying in vain to find an expert who could tell you the difference between this generator and that generator? Those days are long gone. Thanks to this fang-dangled thing called the Internet, today the most convenient way is to buy a generator online.

With the internet, you have the biggest range of generators for sale at your fingertips. You can do research whenever you like, and from the right sources you can get tips from the experts, read reviews from fellow generator users, check out the features that best suit your application and much more.

For many generator users, the best advantage to shopping online is access to the best deals and bargains. That's because online retailers don't typically carry the overhead costs that bricks-and-mortar stores have. They can make sure the generators for sale are at the lowest prices you'll find.

Another great thing about buying a generator online is the expertise available; you can find out the ins and outs from the experts and those who already own the generator - something that's often not available in a retail store. You can spend hours watching videos on portable generators, viewing an inverter generator from every angle, and reading blogs and user guides (if that's what floats your boat)...Quality online stores also have the convenience of live chat and phone chat with experts to help you with your queries. Whereas in a physical store, you're more likely to feel rushed into buying a generator you're not quite sure about simply because some store assistant needs to make a sale.

And when you find out that generator isn't the one for you, what then? You have to trek back down to the store with the generator and negotiate it return. This is something you don't need to worry about when buying from a quality online store - returns are much easier and the right online retailer will go above and beyond to meet your needs.

Sound too good to be true? It's not - so long as you consider this one warning before buying online:

Be careful who you purchase your generator from!

Not every online business is reputable and you need to make sure you are buying your generator from one that is. So the big question is, how do you know who is reputable and who isn't?

The first and most important thing to look for is customer service.

Many online sellers are focused on making the sale, and nothing else. That means after the sale, you hear nothing more from them, as if they've dropped off the planet. They will lure buyers in using a price-beating offer, but then they cannot afford to provide any customer service. So if anything goes wrong after the sale, with the delivery or the product etc, you're left to pick up the pieces (and foot the bill).

Secondly, there are many sellers online (including those on auction sites such as eBay) who make claims about the product that are completely false!

We've tested generator units that claim they deliver over 4000watts and in fact struggle to deal with 3000watts! So ensure you only purchase with reputable retailers that sell quality products they are happy to stand by.

My Generator, being the leading online supplier of generators in Australia, has a highly experienced customer service team who is not only able to share all the necessary information with you to choose the right generator in the first place, but we are here to help you use the generator. We are also here to ensure you don't get stitched up by buying a cheap no-name unit that will only let you down!

In fact, My Generator started as a result of the very experience we try so hard to prevent. Our owner purchased the wrong generator, as a result of poor advice. Left with a heap of damaged electrical equipment and a broken generator, he learned the hard way that there is nothing more valuable than expert advice and information at every stage of the buying process. There's no such thing as a bargain if it's the wrong bargain!

So check out what kind of customer support is offered by the online retailer. Do they offer phone, email and live chat support? After sales support also? What kind of testimonials are being left by customers and are they legitimate? Do they have a quality shipping partner to ensure your item will arrive safely? Do they stand by their brands and service? Will they help facilitate any warranty or servicing issue with the manufacturer?

Because while low prices are important, the long life of your generator depends on this...Don't become a statistic!

 


DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.


3 thoughts on WARNING: Don't buy a generator online until you read this

Hamish Dunstan says:
3 December 2014
With regards to warranty, I have noticed that some generators state that they are under a "domestic warranty" - is it safe to assume that if I am using my generator for regular camping purposes that I am properly covered under a the stated domestic warranty time frame? Thanks for your help.

My Generator Response
Hi Hamish - Yes, a domestic or consumer warranty would definitely cover recreational/camping type use. The owner's manual lists the full details of the warranty which you can download on the product pages on our site. Thank you.

Shane Abery says:
20 November 2014
Is it best to just avoid the Chinese stuff all together and go for more reputable brands?

My Generator Response
G'Day Shane, Chinese manufacturing has come a long way in many cases – in fact that even some premium brands are using parts manufactured in China and Taiwan nowadays. However, not all Chinese Generators are made equal - there are some reliable brands and some not so reliable. Lectron is a Chinese manufactured brand that we have tested and our customers have good experience with...we like two main things about them: Firstly they actually deliver the power output as stated (many Chinese brands on eBay claim they produce 4000 watts, when they actually struggle to put out 3000 watts!), and Secondly they come with a 2 year warranty, which is better than most other Chinese brands which are only 12 months (or less). Ultimately, some Chinese made brands like Cromtech have their place; good value for money option for infrequent use or as a back up option in case ( they also are backed by a national service network). If you plan to use the generator more frequently, then go for a premium brand like Yamaha. Yamaha is built to handle frequent use and comes with a longer warranty and a comprehensive national service support.

Dominic Bridgeland says:
20 November 2014
Hi guys, I've been stitched up before on eBay and was pretty filthy about the lack of service I received when the genny wouldn't work... I don't want to be burnt again, so what will you guys do for me if I need help after buying? Cheers, Dom

My Generator Response
Hi Dom - sorry to hear you've had some bad luck mate; we've heard plenty of similar stories! Probably the best thing to do is to give us a call on 1300 400 122 - we can talk you through getting the right generator and make sure you are happy with the purchase. In terms of after sales service, we pride ourselves on having expert Australian customer support that will answer any queries you have immediately... no delays in emails or getting connected to overseas call centres. Hope this helps - looking forward to having a chat with you and making sure you get the right quality genset. Cheers!

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