How do you make your purchase?

[JeanCoughlan]

For products like these, do you buy online or instore? Or visit instore first and then buy online? How important is testing the product itself to you?

I'm researching the topic so any responses would be hugely helpful!

I looked instore, first time I actually purchased secondhand for a tenth of the price and second time around I looked instore again to get a feel for what I want and what actually looks good/right heights etc and then bought it online for way less.

Obviously if I could’ve got it instore cheaper I would’ve, same with second hand. I couldn’t justify £800 over £80 just because no one else’s baby’s bum had been in it.. it’s not like a newborn has a mad party lifestyle lol. This time it’s a double so locally they were either ones I didn’t like (baby in the basket tandems) or bugaboos still priced at £700 used so I went for a mountain buggy for £500 with the extra pack to use as a single or a double, was that or the baby jogger it was on offer on amazon but it felt really high to me.. but I am a short arse

I read reviews and bought an ex-display off eBay, although wouldn't of had a problem with secondhand which is what I was originally looking for!

Drove to mothercare, had a look at the different prams, ordered one at the till and they delivered it.

I did some research then went to Mothercare and m&p to try them in person. Then went to the baby and toddler show and bought there as they had a good deal on. I could also have seen most of the prams at the show so if you can make it work time/location wise I would certainly recommend a show like that.

I would really advise trying them in store. Get a demo where they put them up and down, in al the different configurations, test how easy they are to fasten and unfasten (my DM has arthritis in her hands, some she couldn't manage). Lift it to see how easy it is to put in the boot. Put the rain cover on (some are woeful). Then feel free to order it online!

We went to John Lewis (Horsham Branch), they were great, very helpful staff and they even let us take the buggies to the car to check how easily they fit!