Should I get my bathroom suite from a showroom or online?

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Are you wondering whether to buy your bathroom suite online or from a showroom? It's a question I hear almost daily, and the answer isn't as straightforward as you might think. While online shopping has revolutionised how we buy almost everything, bathroom suites aren't exactly the same as ordering a pair of shoes or your weekly groceries.

Is shopping online really the money-saver it seems?

When you're planning a bathroom renovation, it's natural to want to keep costs down where possible. Online retailers often advertise eye-catching prices that can be 20-30% lower than showrooms. But the thing is, there's usually more to the story.

I had a customer in Stafford last year who came to me after ordering a complete bathroom suite online. She was thrilled with the price – nearly £800 less than the local showroom quoted. But when everything arrived, the reality hit hard. The bath was slightly warped, the toilet cistern had a hairline crack, and the basin taps weren't compatible with her water pressure system. By the time we'd sorted replacements and additional parts, she'd ended up spending more than the original showroom quote, not to mention dealing with weeks of delays and frustration.

The important thing to understand is that price differences often exist for good reasons. Let me break down the real considerations:

Online shopping benefits:

• Generally lower initial prices due to lower overheads

• Convenience of browsing from home at any time

• Wide selection of products from multiple manufacturers

• Easy to compare basic specifications

• Often have customer reviews to guide you

Showroom advantages:

• Physical inspection of quality and feel before purchasing

• Expert advice tailored to your specific requirements

• Compatibility guidance for your home's plumbing system

• After-sales support and accountability

• Often have established relationships with installers

What you're really paying for at a showroom

When you visit a bathroom showroom like Plumbits or Easy Bathrooms (two I often recommend to customers), you're not just paying for products. You're paying for expertise and peace of mind.

The showroom staff know the products inside out. They can tell you which taps work with your water system, which shower enclosures are higher quality, and what potential installation issues might come up with your chosen items. This knowledge isn't something you can easily Google – it comes from years of experience.

I remember a couple who came to me after spending hours researching online. They'd created what they thought was their perfect bathroom on paper, but when I looked at their choices, I spotted several potential problems. Their chosen shower system needed higher water pressure than their home could provide, and the bath they'd selected wouldn't fit through their narrow hallway! A good showroom would have identified these issues immediately.

When online shopping makes perfect sense

That said, I'm not completely against online shopping. For certain customers and products, it can be the right choice.

If you're experienced with bathroom installations, know exactly what you want, understand the technical specifications you need, and are comfortable handling any issues that arise, online can be a good option. It's also great for accessories and finishing touches like mirrors, towel rails, and cabinet handles once the main elements are sorted.

The hidden factors most people don't consider

Whether you're leaning towards online or showroom, there are some crucial factors that often get overlooked:

Compatibility and measurements

One of the biggest challenges with bathroom products is ensuring everything works together. Modern bathrooms have complex plumbing requirements, and not all products play nicely together.

When you buy online, you're usually on your own to figure out:

• Whether your water pressure is sufficient for certain taps or showers.

• If the waste pipe positioning will work with your chosen toilet or basin.

• Whether the dimensions will physically fit your space correctly.

Showrooms can measure your space or check your measurements, ensuring what you buy will actually fit and function properly.

Quality assessment

Photos can be deceiving. I've had customers who bought what looked like high-quality products online, only to be disappointed when they arrived. The finishes weren't as advertised, materials felt flimsy, or the colour was different from what they expected.

In a showroom, you can:

• Feel the weight and solidity of fixtures,

• See true colours and finishes under normal lighting,

• Check the smoothness of moving parts like drawer runners,

• Test the comfort of baths and shower trays.

Returns and troubleshooting

This is where many online purchases fall apart. If something arrives damaged or incorrect, the return process can be challenging. Large items like baths and shower enclosures are difficult and expensive to return, and you might find yourself stuck in customer service limbo.

With showrooms, there's a physical place to take your concerns, and they typically have established processes for handling issues. Many even offer guarantees on products they supply, which can save massive headaches down the line.

The hybrid approach I recommend to most clients

After years of experience, I've found that a hybrid approach often works best for most of my customers at CSI Bathrooms.

Here's what I typically recommend:

First, visit showrooms to see and feel products in person. Take note of brands, models, and features you like. Ask lots of questions and get expert advice on what would work best for your specific bathroom.

Next, do some online research to compare prices and read reviews of the products you're interested in. This gives you a better understanding of potential issues and long-term performance.

Finally, make your decision based on the complete picture, not just the price tag. Factor in the value of expertise, support, guarantees, and peace of mind.

A real customer success story

One of my favourite project outcomes involved a customer in Newcastle-under-Lyme. She initially wanted to order everything online to save money. Instead, we spent a morning visiting two local showrooms, where she fell in love with a particular vanity unit she hadn't even considered before. The showroom staff suggested a matching shower enclosure and toilet that complemented it perfectly.

She ended up spending about 15% more than she would have online, but the result was a cohesive, high-quality bathroom that worked flawlessly from day one. Two years later, she still texts me photos when she makes updates to the space, and she's referred three friends to me since then.

Important considerations for specific bathroom elements

When deciding between showroom and online purchasing, some bathroom elements deserve special consideration:

Shower systems

These are technically complex and need to match your water system. Pressure requirements, thermostatic controls, and compatibility with your plumbing make showers particularly risky to buy online without expert guidance. Digital showers especially benefit from showroom advice, as they need to match your exact requirements to function properly.

Baths and large items

Physical size matters enormously. I've had to tell customers their online-purchased bath simply wouldn't fit through their door or up their stairs. Showrooms can advise on access issues before you buy, potentially saving you from an impossible situation.

Tiles and wall panels

Colours can look dramatically different online versus in person. What looks like a soft grey on your computer screen might be much darker or have different undertones in reality. Showrooms let you see true colours and textures under normal lighting conditions.

Making your final decision

If you're still torn between online and showroom shopping, ask yourself these questions:

• How confident am I in my knowledge of bathroom products and technical requirements?

• How important is being able to see and touch products before purchasing?

• Am I prepared to handle potential returns or issues with online purchases?

• What's my real budget, including contingency for potential problems?

• How much do I value expert advice and after-sales support?

For most of my customers, particularly those investing in premium or accessible bathrooms, the support and expertise of a good showroom prove invaluable. The slightly higher initial cost is usually offset by fewer problems, better compatibility, and a smoother installation process.

Key takeaways

When deciding between online and showroom purchasing for your bathroom suite:

• Consider the full cost, not just the initial price tag

• Value expert advice on compatibility and technical requirements

• Remember that seeing and touching products helps avoid disappointing surprises

• Think about after-sales support and how issues will be handled

• Consider a hybrid approach for the best of both worlds

At CSI Bathrooms, I've seen hundreds of bathroom renovations, and I've found that the most successful projects usually involve some level of showroom guidance, even if not all items are purchased there. The expertise and support can make the difference between a stressful renovation with compromises and a smooth project that results in your dream bathroom.

What's next?

If you're planning a bathroom renovation and weighing your purchasing options, I'm happy to provide specific advice for your situation. 

Many of my customers find it helpful to have a consultation before making any major purchasing decisions, as this can save significant time, money and stress down the line.

Want to discuss your bathroom project and get personalised advice on the best purchasing strategy for your specific needs? 

Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation and quote, call on 01785 596001 or email hello@csibathrooms.co.uk. We can discuss your bathroom dreams and provide a realistic timeline tailored to your specific project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it always more expensive to buy from a showroom? Not necessarily when you factor in returns, replacements, and compatibility issues. The initial price may be higher, but the total project cost can often end up lower due to fewer problems.

What items are relatively safe to buy online? Accessories like towel rails, mirrors, and cabinet handles are generally safe online purchases once main fixtures are sorted. Simple replacement items where you know exact specifications can also work well.

How do I know if a showroom is reputable? Look for established showrooms with good reviews, manufacturer partnerships, and knowledgeable staff who ask detailed questions about your specific requirements rather than pushing for a quick sale.

Can showrooms help with installation as well? Many showrooms have relationships with trusted installers or can recommend professionals they work with regularly. At CSI Bathrooms, we can handle both the product selection and complete installation for a truly seamless experience.

If I find something I like in a showroom, is it okay to then look for it cheaper online? This is common practice, but consider the value the showroom provided in helping you make your selection. Some showrooms offer price matching or can explain why their product might differ from what appears to be the same item online.