There are many places from which you can purchase a tent to go camping, both new and second hand.The internet is a goldmine of information and advice on buying a tent, from sources such as camping blog, retailer and manufacturer’s own websites. With a heady mix of facts supported by images and video, it is feasible to select and purchase your tent online without ever seeing it for real in a camping environment.
However, you should always try to view a ready assembled tent at a retail camping site, where you can not only get a sense of the size and space available, but also the quality of manufacture and the ability to try out regular operations such as opening/closing of doors and vents. When we were selecting our first tent, we visited many camping displays and my wife took the opportunity to test the operation of basic items such as the zippers on the doors. Lying down in the bedrooms also gives a good sense of what it would be like as a sleeping space. It is also worth examining how the display tents are bearing up to daily exposure to the weather, just as it would out on the campsite.
Our first tents were purchased direct from the camping retailer’s shop where we were given personal advice. However, once our knowledge grew we were confident enough to buy a bargain tent online, based on specification and our experience with other tents from that camping manufacturer. In terms of accessories we buy most items online to get the best deals but will also buy from our local camping retailer if we need to try the item or get some advice.
Ideally, whether you buy your tent online or offline, it is always best to see an assembled tent before making a decision to purchase, even if you end up buying it elsewhere to get the best price.
Below are some of the more popular places to buy a tent:
Camping Retailer Showrooms
Specialist camping dealers, including nationwide retailers, with tents pitched on display in a showroom or outdoors are an ideal place to buy. You should expect to get a good deal (with possible price matching) and expert advice. And if something goes wrong you have a local person and business that you can turn to for assistance. Personal recommendation is a great way to identify who to buy from and online forums may be a good source of recommendation.
Online Camping Retailers
Many camping retailers have showrooms and an online presence, so it is possible to view tents at the showroom and make a decision to buy later at home, concluding the purchase online. Some camping retailers give you the choice of having the tent delivered by courier to your home or collecting the tent in person from the retail showroom.
Other camping retailers have only an online presence, which due to lower overheads may occasionally mean lower prices. However, due to the fact that they have no offline presence, particular care should be taken to ensure that the online retailer has a track record of good service and satisfied customers. Again, searching online forums may highlight both positive and negative feedback on the seller.
eBay
eBay can be a good source of new and second hand tents. Private sellers and camping retailers sell tents on eBay and it is possible to find very competitively priced items.
However, care should be taken to avoid buying faulty or fake goods by checking out the feedback on the sellers.
We have bought and sold on eBay, selling an excellent tent to a couple who collected from our home and buying a tent from a specialist camping retailer at the lowest price available online – so it is possible to buy a quality bargain tent via eBay if you do your research and take care.
Camping Exhibitions and Shows
These can be a good opportunity to see the latest range of tents and view them on display. Apart from national exhibitions, local retailers may run outdoor shows at the beginning of the season. At the end of camping these events, display tents are often sold off at bargain prices.
Boot Sales
Local boot sales can be a source of real bargains. However, if you buy the tent and later find problems with it, you won’t be able to take it back. So again, if at all possible try to inspect the erected tent before parting with any payment.
Classified Adverts
Tents, are advertised for sale in the classified sections of local newspapers, specialist camping magazines and classified advert publications. Ideally you should try to inspect the erected tent before handing over any payment.
Click Here For The E-Guide To Get Ready For Camping In 12 Easy Steps!
