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Price

If you know exactly what you are shopping for it is easier to compare the price of the product between equestrian shops. For example, if you are looking for a ‘Black Sabre Bridle’ you can compare this exact product between several retailers.

You also need to take account of the delivery costs as some retailers may seem to have the cheapest product listed but may charge a higher delivery price. Equine Compare allows you to compare the product price and delivery cost side by side so that you can clearly see what you will be charged.

Quality of the product

The quality of the item will normally reflect the price, particularly if the item is a premium brand. If you are looking for a high quality item, go for a brand that has a reputation for high quality equestrian products. To save time, you can enter the brand name into the Equine Compare product search box.

Delivery charges and service

Don’t be stung by high delivery costs when you get to the checkout! Compare the delivery cost for each retailer before you commit to buy, using the compare feature on Equine Compare. If you are in a hurry for the product you can usually upgrade to a faster delivery service such as ‘Next Day’ delivery, at an extra cost.

Customer service

Using a retailer that offers good levels of customer service provides a more enjoyable shopping experience. The level of customer service will be especially important if for some reason you have to return the item.

When you receive a product from an online retailer you must take care not to damage the packaging too much and to keep the packaging in case you need to return it. Many retailers will only accept returns if customers return the item back to them in its original packaging. 

Online retailers are required by law to follow ‘Distance Selling Regulations’ and these state that customers who buy online are entitled to a ‘cooling off period’. This gives the customer a maximum of 7 working days from receipt of the item purchased, to inform the retailer that they want to return the product. Customers should then receive a full refund within 30 days. The retailer may or may not refund the postage cost for returning the item, but if the return is down to their error, rather than the customer simply changing their mind, the retailer ought to reimburse the customer for the postage cost.

On-line security

In the past the potential security risk of entering your credit or debit card details online has deterred people from shopping online. However, most websites now use technology to ensure the safety of their customer’s payment details. Here are some things to look out for to ensure the site you plan to buy from is secure:
* Check to see if the retailer displays their contact details including postal address and landline don’t rely on just an e-mail address or PO Box address.

* Check if there is a security icon on the page where you enter your card details. This is normally shown as a small padlock. This icon shows that the retailer uses encryption technology to ensure your details are secure.

* If you have doubts, give the retailer a call before you buy or offer to post a cheque for payment.

Whatever you need to buy for you or your horse, use the Internet to your advantage and compare retailers to get the best deal for you. Equine Compare makes comparing equestrian products on-line even easier by showing you products side by side – so go grab some equestrian bargains!