Online or physical music store: what to choose?

Online store or physical store: each option has its advantages and drawbacks. Here is the direct answer: the online store offers choice, price and delivery; the physical store offers trying, advice and immediacy. The best strategy is to combine both. Here is how to decide.

Online or physical music store: what to choose?

The online store wins on choice (a huge catalogue), price (competition, second-hand, refurbished) and home delivery. The physical store wins on trying (touching, playing the instrument), personal advice and immediate purchase. The best compromise: try in store, buy online for the price, or buy online with easy returns and try at home during the 14-day withdrawal period.

What are the advantages of buying online?

The advantages: a huge choice (all brands and models), competitive prices (competition between sellers, second-hand and refurbished items often cheaper), easy comparison (spec sheets, reviews, videos), home delivery, right of withdrawal (14 days), accessibility (open 24/7). The drawbacks: no trying before buying, delivery times, sometimes costly returns for large instruments.

What are the advantages of buying in store?

The advantages: real trying (you play the instrument before buying), personal advice (an expert salesperson who listens to you), immediate purchase (no waiting), easy exchange (return in person), on-site tuning and setup. The drawbacks: a limited catalogue (the store cannot stock everything), often higher prices, travel and opening hours.

Is it more expensive to buy in store than online?

In general, the same instrument costs 5 to 15% less online (lower store overheads, stronger competition, second-hand and refurbished items available). But physical stores often offer included services (setup, tuning, advice) and discounts negotiable face to face. The final price depends on the model, the period (sales) and the included services.

Can you try an instrument bought online?

Yes: the 14-day right of withdrawal lets you return an instrument bought online, even if it has been tried (in reasonable condition). You can therefore order, try it at home and return it if the instrument does not suit you. Check the seller's return policy (possible fees, deadlines) before ordering.

What is the best choice for a beginner: online or in store?

For a beginner, the physical store is ideal if you have one nearby: an expert salesperson guides you through the choice, you try several instruments and leave with a set-up instrument. Online, choose a specialised retailer with good customer service and easy returns. The most important thing: a comfortable instrument that fits your budget, whatever the source.

How to combine online store and physical store?

The winning strategy: 1) try in store the instruments you are interested in (note the exact model), 2) compare prices online (second-hand, refurbished, promotions), 3) buy where the price and warranties are the best, 4) take advantage of the after-sales service (tuning, setup) in store for online purchases if possible. Many musicians do this.

Which instruments to buy online or in store?

Online: everything standardised and well described (guitars, keyboards, microphones, software, accessories, second-hand and refurbished items, often at better prices). In store: everything that requires trying (drum kits for comfort, violins for tone, pianos for touch, vintage instruments for their actual condition). For major purchases, trying in store reduces the risk of disappointment.

FAQ - Online or physical store

Online or physical music store: what to choose?

Online for choice and price, physical for trying and advice. The best strategy: combine both.

Is it cheaper to buy online?

Often 5 to 15% cheaper online thanks to competition and second-hand/refurbished items, but physical stores offer included services.

Can you try an instrument bought online?

Yes, thanks to the 14-day right of withdrawal: order, try, return if needed (in reasonable condition).

What is best for a beginner?

The physical store with expert advice if available, otherwise a specialised online retailer with easy returns.

Are physical stores more expensive?

Often slightly, but they include services, setups and advice, and prices are negotiable face to face.

Can you buy second-hand online?

Yes, on specialised marketplaces with buyer protection, with more caution than for new items.

And there you have it! We hope this article helped you choose between the online store and the physical store. All you have to do now is browse Green Musicians to find the instrument of your dreams at the best price.

We offer a complete catalogue of musical instruments featuring brands from all over the world such as Fender, Gibson, Yamaha, Roland and many more. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced musician, our marketplace is designed to bring you the best of music.

Green Musicians is also the music marketplace where everyone can buy or sell music gear with confidence: new, refurbished and second-hand instruments, as well as software, plugins, sheet music and samples.

For any question or comment about this article, or if you would like to suggest an article topic, feel free to leave a comment below.