You can buy pretty much anything on the web these days – including rope.
No longer do you have to rush down to the nearest DIY store to pick up a coil of blue polypropylene, or search for shops in the local area that might sell cotton rope for your latest macramé project. Just head online and you’ll find thousands and thousands of products, all available to purchase – with just a few clicks of your mouse.
However, like anything, it’s not advisable to shop at the first website you come across.
If you’re looking to buy rope online, here we explore a few things to consider – to ensure you select a reputable rope supplier and purchase the right product for your needs.
1. The product on offer
Buying rope online can be a bit of a gamble, as you can’t see the product in person.
That’s why, to order with confidence, it’s so important to take your time and do a little research. Start by carefully reading the product description. Double-check the details of the technical specification. See if there’s any additional information that may help with your purchase.
Consider the quality of the product itself.
Does it say if it was made in-house by the supplier, or by a trusted ISO-certified manufacturer? Does it meet relevant quality and safety standards? Was it designed with durability in mind?
Also, is it in stock – with enough availability to meet your specific needs?
Try not to get sucked in by a ‘sale’ or ‘limited time offer’ and buy a product that isn’t quite right, just because it seems to be available for a bargain. Reliable online stockists will continuously offer the highest quality products, at the best possible price – without the need for these marketing techniques. It’s usually just a case of looking around and finding the right one
2. The price it’s available for
Does it seem like a fair price for the product?
Is the price inclusive of VAT?
Will you need to pay for shipping separately?
To ensure you’re getting the best deal, it’s always worth doing a quick comparison across a few different rope suppliers – cross-referencing the price tags and assessing the average costs.
Plus, a great tip is to look for an exclusively online stockist. Without a physical store, it’s much easier for these businesses to save on expensive overheads – and pass those savings on to their customers. Which means they can often offer the highest-quality ropes at amazing prices.
3. The buying process
Convenience is key here. Buying rope online should be quick and straightforward. So before you start the purchasing process and head to the virtual tills, it’s worth asking yourself:
– are the products easy to navigate and priced clearly?
– can you easily add products to your basket, view chosen items and adjust quantities?
– is the checkout system easy to use and navigate?
– are there different payment methods to choose from?
– can payment be made securely (e.g. using a debit/credit card or via PayPal)?
– has any information been provided to help with your decision (e.g. product guides)?
– is their customer service team accessible and easy to reach?
We also advise checking the turnaround and delivery options available.
Of course, this may vary depending on several factors – such as the type of rope chosen and where it needs to be delivered. But if you need the product asap, be sure to find the supplier’s guidance on expected timeframes and take a look at some previous customer reviews. These are often a great way to assess the ‘buyer experience’, particularly in relation to delivery times.
RopesDirect – a failsafe online rope supplier
Still not sure where to start?
To set you on the road to successful online shopping, we recommend taking a look at RopesDirect.
As a long-standing family business, they tick all of the boxes of a fantastic online rope supplier – with thousands of high-quality ropes available for an affordable price, and thousands of glowing 5* testimonials. When it comes to buying rope online, they’re certainly a reliable go-to.
So why not head over to the website? Browse their extensive collections and see if they have the right product for you.