Note: This is a special bonus article in our 7-part series intended to give readers a closer look at Precor’s new line of ellipticals and treadmills.
Part 1. Part 2. Part 3. Part 4.Part 5. Part 6.
When shopping for fitness equipment, many consumers base purchase decisions solely on the sticker (or retail) price of a particular machine. These folks are chiefly concerned with how much cash they’ll have to part with right now in order to get this treadmill or that elliptical off the showroom floor and into their home.
But because this approach doesn’t take into account the various factors that make up the total cost of ownership, it can backfire in a big way down the road. So instead of letting the numbers on a price tag be the primary influence when buying home fitness equipment, be sure to step back and examine the larger picture before making a final decision.
Defining the ''cost of ownership”
In terms of exercise machines, the cost of ownership may be defined as a ballpark estimate of the amount of money required to operate, maintain, repair, and replace parts on the product during its lifetime. This amount should also include non-monetary expenditures, such as time spent calling customer service centers to troubleshoot problems; scheduling repairs; and taking time off work to wait for service technicians.
Relationship between sticker price and cost of ownership
Broadly speaking, sticker price and cost of ownership are inversely related. Thus, the lower the sticker price for a treadmill or elliptical, the higher the total cost of ownership, and vice versa.
The reason for this inverse relationship is pretty obvious. Manufacturers that offer cheap equipment must keep costs low by cutting corners and using inferior components that are not designed to withstand long-term use. Consumers who buy these cheap products subsequently incur additional ownership costs due to ongoing service, maintenance, and replacement issues.
On the other hand, manufacturers such as Precor and other top brands (found in leading health clubs) use premium parts, state-of-the-art technology, and innovative engineering processes to ensure flawless operation and product longevity. This results in a higher initial sticker price, but much lower total cost of ownership.
Other Precor advantages
In addition to the general points mentioned above, buying a Precor fitness machine yields a lower total cost of ownership because of the following Precor-specific features:
- Commercial grade motion controls, touchscreen components, and plastics for unparalleled durability even with daily use
- Acrylic face cover to protect the 40 console from sweat and other potentially corrosive materials
- Sleep mode on the 40 console to save power, improve energy efficiency, and extend the lifespan of the LCD screen
- System information/error log to track the results of self-diagnostic checks and help service techs quickly pinpoint problems
- Comprehensive warranties on the frame, parts, console, and labor
Learn more at Push Pedal Pull
If you’re interested in learning more about the cost of ownership benefits linked to buying Precor home fitness equipment, stop by a Push Pedal Pull store today for a free consultation and demo.