Did you know that 85% of homeowners would prefer to visit a bathroom showroom in person rather than relying solely on brochures or online descriptions?
This might seem like a very high percentage in a world where we’re used to being able to view and buy pretty much anything we want online.
However, there are some very good reasons why going to a showroom still remains the retail experience of choice for so many.
In the guide below, we’re going to look at the benefits of visiting a bathroom showroom and how this measures up in comparison to shopping online.
To see the bathroom in action
One of the top reasons that consumers prefer to use showrooms when refurbishing their bathrooms is to see the full bathroom suite in action.
Okay, so not quite in action because it won’t be usable, but visitors will be able to see the layout, the colour, the size and other important features in person, rather than relying on a photograph online.
This can make all the difference, as while they might be able to get a reasonable idea from a picture, when the goods could arrive they could look different in reality. For example, they could arrive and be a slightly different colour, or perhaps lower quality than they looked and sounded in the description.
So, at least if you have seen the suite with your own eyes there will be no nasty surprises.
To think about functionality and design
Following on from this another great reason to visit a showroom is to get a better understanding of the functionality of each item in the bathroom suite. This way, you can determine not only whether it will fit in your space, but whether it will work in your space as well.
Think about it, these displays are designed by experts to show you what you can do in your own bathroom, as well as how each fixture and fitting go together to add style and function to the room.
Seeing this can help you to design and create your dream bathroom.
To find storage solutions and inspiration
Bathrooms are notorious for lacking storage space, particularly if you’ve only got a small bathroom. However, if you go to the showroom you’ll be able to take a look at examples of storage solutions, seeing how these work with different suites and getting some inspiration for your own home.
Not only this, but because the showroom displays are often smaller than the average bathroom, they tend to scale everything down. This means you can see how these storage solutions work in smaller spaces and how you might wish to use them to maximise the space in your own bathroom.
Of course, you don’t get this online as although you might be able to see pictures of helpful storage solutions, you can’t see how these fit in reality and whether they’ll be the right size and shape.
Therefore, you could end up buying furniture or storage that is too big or small for your room by accident. While that’s not the end of the world, it is a bit of a hassle to have to send it back if you can’t use it.
To check out lighting options
Much like storage and accessories, showrooms also give you the perfect opportunity to look at aspects like lighting and light fittings. Often bathroom lighting can be harsh or unflattering, and if you get this wrong it can make or break the design of your room.
So while you’re at the showroom you can look at the different lighting options and get some inspiration. You might even find lighting solutions or fittings that you would never have considered before if you saw them on the internet.
In many showrooms there will even be a dedicated lighting section to show you what’s available.
Ask advice
Last but certainly not least one of the biggest benefits of going to a bathroom showroom is that you can speak to real people and ask for advice.
Sure, lots of websites have live chats but in many cases these are AI and you don’t actually get to speak to a real person. This can be very unhelpful and frustrating.
Whereas if you go to a physical showroom you can speak to the staff there and ask any questions you might have.
You can also ask them for advice or design inspiration so you can create the perfect bathroom design for your property.
Why consumers might buy a bathroom online
So with all these benefits of visiting a showroom, why would anyone still decide to shop for a new bathroom online?
Well, there are several reasons for this. Often, one of the biggest reasons is that they can secure a better deal if they buy online, which is important if you’re on a budget. Not only this, but if you’re short on time it can be a real life-saver simply browsing the web, making your selection and waiting for it to be delivered.
Finally, you can view thousands of options in one day when you go online which you can’t do in a showroom.
That being said, you don’t get to view the items in real life or speak with the knowledgeable team. This can leave room for error and means you have less control over the design, function and outcome of the room.
Keeping all of that in mind, it seems that even in the era of the internet and online shopping, bathroom showrooms still reign supreme. With so many benefits to visiting a store and taking a look at suites as they should be, the large majority of consumers will continue to do so.
So, if you’re trying to decide whether to get out and stop by the showroom or just browse the web from your sofa, we know what we’d recommend!
