Is visiting a caravan shop near me a good idea?

Owning a caravan or motorhome comes with the need for all manner of equipment and accessories for life on the road and in the great outdoors. The impulse many new caravaners have is to dash to their local accessory supplier right after they've purchased their new home on wheels. 'That caravan shop near me is the perfect place to shop and mingle' is the first thing that comes to mind when you're a new caravaner.

Yet, whether you generally shop in-store or on-line, when it comes to the parts and accessories you need for a caravan or a motorhome, the nearest supplier isn't always the most convenient option. Ditch that 'caravan shop near me' mentality and embrace the advantages of buying online as you read this list, handy but by no means exhaustive, of reasons to get with the times.

Established Online Shops are One-Stop Shops
Online shops stock different types of caravan accessories, from dinnerware to security supplies to caravan stabilisers. Whether you're a new owner or a seasoned caravaner, you'll need new equipment and supplies every tourist season. Wheel chocks, jack pads and spirit levellers are essential for setting your caravan up for long stays, keeping the vehicle static, stabilising it so the corner steadies don't sink into the ground, and ensuring a constant supply of energy to your electric appliances.

Brick-and-mortar shops rarely stock more than a few brands at a time, and it can take them longer to replenish their stock once something's sold out. Many online caravan shops, however, rely on software that notifies them when they need to restock, so that they never even run out. For all things caravan, you'd also be better off buying online, where the variety of products is simply unbeatable. Wheeled grey water carriers, gas bottles, leisure batteries, bedding, toilet chemicals, melamine dinnerware, camping equipment, and all sorts of equipment is readily available for online buying.

Buy Cheaper from Efficient Caravan Shops
If you thought 'that caravan shop near me looks massive' and thought that's an indication of product diversity, then think again. Brick-and-mortar shops tend to have fewer suppliers with high demands and higher running costs, so they sometimes have no choice but to place large orders. This means they inefficiently stock large quantities of very few items and charge you more than the online shops that consistency order fewer units but more items from their suppliers.

Keep Up to Date with Caravanning Trends
Word of mouth is important because it helps caravan owners bring their caravan gear up to date and enjoy the best products on the market. Having other motorhome enthusiasts compare and assess products as soon as they're available on the market can save you money and help you keep up with the trends. So, sometimes reading product reviews on a caravan shop's product page helps you more than hearing about caravan accessories from a neighbour or a friend, because you get a wider perspective on these products, as well as tried and tested tips. You may also come across advice you didn't know you needed, such as when people mention in a spirit level review that new motorhome owners should fit one to the A-frame to make sure the caravan is level so the fridge is always operational.

Buy Only What You Need from Online Shops
When you're in-store, you're sometimes tempted to buy more than what you came in for, occasionally realising you could have spent less online. If you've ever thought 'that caravan shop near me seems to have all the essentials', and ended buying half the store, you'll know what we mean. You will need loads of accessories for your caravan, and it's hard to keep track of your budget when you don't have the list of items and the total price in front of you.

Water is a basic necessity, for example, and if you don't have an onboard water tank, then you will need to find a way to store water, like a container that can be replenished at the on-site standpipe. You will also need chemicals and additives for your caravan toilet to break down the waste and control odour. Melamine crockery, cooking utensils and pots, tiered steamer, stackable tupperware, collapsible camping chairs, a torch and basic repair tools. When you look for these online, you can keep track of your budget using your shopping basket, choosing the most worthwhile products and leaving others for a later time.

No Travelling
Like many new motorhome owners, you're probably thinking 'I'll pop down to the caravan shop near me' and buy that battery my neighbour found on sale. But buying in-store involves spending time and resources getting there, browsing, and comparing. Considering many of the UK's caravan shops are spread across the coastline and around the major cities, it's oftentimes more convenient for those in more remote areas to just pop into their office and order on line.

Not to mention the fact that they'd be saving petrol money, especially since many online suppliers offer free shipping. In fact, why not avoid rush hour traffic altogether and order online for next day delivery? Of course, larger parts and accessories may be cheaper to transport by yourself, and there may be some equipment you'd like to buy in-store or perhaps try it out on your caravan before you buy. But certain accessories, such as awnings and security systems, only work with specific caravan models and designs, so you'd have to call up the store in advance to check that they have a specific product to avoid the disappointment of not finding them in stock. If you're going to make a phone call, you might as well turn your computer on and order online.

Pooling Orders Together
When you buy online, you have the added advantage of being able to pool orders together for the whole family and your friends, without having to step foot in the shop together. You can compare your selection online, enjoy larger discounts and complimentary products, keep track of orders placed throughout the years, and build up your profile on some websites. Enjoy instant access to sales and special events, and never worry that the store may run out of stock before you get there.