Online Concerns

Q: I’d like to use the Internet to shop for lighting fixtures. Is there anything I need to be careful of?

A: Buying your lighting fixtures online can be risky. Troubles can range from simple annoyances to potentially dangerous situations that can result in fires…or worse.

Safety is always the first concern when buying fixtures from sources you don’t know. Foreign countries have different electrical standards than the US, and while many are UL-certified or have passed similar safety tests, that doesn’t necessarily insure that quality control standards are scrupulously enforced. And even if they are, you need to be sure that the voltage and grounding specifications are compatible with US standards.

Beyond that, be sure that you understand the payment, shipping and return policies of your online source. We’ve had several customers complain that they were charged the same day they ordered but didn’t receive the merchandise until several weeks later. This may be an innocent case of slow service, but it can also be a tactic used by some merchants to get the use of your money for free.

Be sure, too, that if the merchandise arrives damaged or if it isn’t the color or finish you expected, you can return it for a full refund. Some companies charge restocking fees, and you may have to pay for the shipping yourself. They may not even offer cash refunds, limiting you to “store credit” that is basically useless if you don’t want to buy something else from them.

Q: If there are compatibility and safety concerns, how do I make sure that I’m getting something that will work the way it should?

A: The best way is to only deal with US-based distributors that are subject to US laws and regulations. It gives you some recourse if the deal goes sour, but doesn’t necessarily prevent it from happening. And unless the distributor opens and checks every item for defects, the only way you’ll know you have a problem is when you’ve already paid for and installed it. That could be risky, according to Allstar president Gary Stone. “Given the poor records of some of our foreign ‘trading partners’ I’d be very leery of how carefully they address safety concerns in manufacturing electrical fixtures. It’s not worth the risk to my home and family for the sake of saving a couple of bucks.”

Q: Is there a way that I can get the benefits of online shopping and still be sure I get products that will be what I want?

A: There sure is. Allstar Electrical Services offers a simple solution. They have partnerships with local lighting fixture companies that allow customers to shop a huge variety of products on their web sites and, once they have narrowed down their choices, get a hands-on evaluation at local stores. That way they can be assured that the colors are right, the metallic surfaces are what they want, and, by engaging Allstar’s award-winning installation services, the fixtures will actually work when they’re installed. And at prices that are comparable to other online buying sources.

Q: How do I take advantage of this service from Allstar?

A: “We want to make the process as easy as we can for our customers,” Stone says. “All they have to do is contact us and explain their project and we’ll direct them to one of our showroom partners that’s close to them. The staff at the stores will help them select the right fixture for their needs, passing our contractor’s discount through to them.” Then it’s a simple matter of scheduling the installation at a time that’s convenient for the customer.

Allstar offers extensive residential electrical remodeling services that can transform your home into a showplace while keeping costs under control and guarding you against costly and dangerous mistakes. It may not be quite as fast as clicking a mouse, but it’s a whole lot safer and can save a lot of time, money and aggravation in the long run.

Allstar Showroom Partners

Lamps Plus
1547 S. Colo. Blvd., Denver and 7375 W 88th Ave., Westminster
www.lampsplus.com

Foothills Lighting
1383 S. Santa Fe Dr., Denver
www.foothillslighting.com

Q. I’ve heard there are environmentally superior fixtures I can use in my home remodel. In fact, I’ve seen some fixtures online that look attractive. I’m just worried though because what if they don’t look right when they are delivered.

A. Ask any internet devotee if they’ve made a purchase online that they later regretted and chances are you’ll hear a resounding YES. The bigger question has to do with online store’s policies regarding returns or exchanges.

We have been made aware of some online retailers who only allow exchange for “in-store” credit. If the light fixture isn’t what you want, chances are you will want your credit card to be credited so that you can purchase another fixture elsewhere.

That’s not to say that all online lighting retailers are a bad option. If you live in a major metropolitan area like Denver, there are many reputable lighting stores to chose from. Some of them sell their product online too. Some retailers are exceptional when it comes to handling your product complaints, even paying for the shipping to return the unsatisfactory item to them without charge to you.

Bottom line: be sure you read the online retailers’ exchange policies before giving them access to your credit card.

The important thing is for you to know that the lighting fixture(s) you are selecting to be installed in your home or office will properly light the area you are intending to fix by installing better, improved lighting. A visit to a lighting store can ensure that the light you are considering is appropriate. Often lighting stores have the lights on display and electrified so that you can actually see it turned on.

Q. I am in a rush to select a fixture and don’t have time to waste. What should I do?

A. Rethink your plan. Often even local stores will need to special order lighting. That can take as long as three weeks or more. Even if a store has a light on display, that doesn’t mean that they have as many of the lights as you need on their warehouse shelf. The lighting of your choice might be on backorder, which delays your installation even longer.

We seriously recommend that you don’t rush to have a fixture installed that will need to be changed out any time soon. Our service fees at Allstar Electrical Services are competitive and affordable, but no one wants to spend extra installing and reinstalling light fixtures.

The right fixture installed correctly should be an investment that lasts 5 to 10 years before you even consider changing the “look” of your lighting again.

Q. I heard that some electrical repair services have their own lighting resources. Does Allstar Electrical Services?

A. Allstar Electrical Services has relationships with quality lighting stores that allows us to access lighting for clients at a discount IF we are the electrician installing the lighting fixture for that customer. Call us for a free estimate and to schedule repairs. Our number is 303-399-7420.