Cheap Trampoline

As I’ve said here before my father would often tell me “if you buy cheap you buy twice” and that is as true with trampolines as anything else.  These words came to mind recently when a lady I was talking to said she buys a cheap trampoline every year and only expects it to last that long (see my blog article on trampolines and sustainability below for more on this).  Her son is 6 years old and she is now looking to buy her third trampoline!   She told me the cheap trampoline was all she could afford but I had to point out to her that paying slightly more to get a good quality trampoline in the first place was more economic.   She might pay £120 for a cheap trampoline from a catalogue retailer that lasts for one year but if she does that each year for the next ten years that will be £1,200, probably more as prices rise due to inflation.   By paying perhaps 50% more in the first place she could get a trampoline from us that would last at least five years and probably ten years with some care.  We have many trampolines that we supplied seven years ago still giving very good service to the families who own them.

A big advantage from buying a trampoline from us is that if it does get damaged perhaps due to severe weather or riotous behaviour then you can buy all the parts from us individually to keep the trampoline in tip-top condition for years to come.  Most of the retailers who sell cheap trampolines have no interest in selling you parts as they just want to sell you another new trampoline next year.

The initial price is one thing but you need to consider how long it will last.

So why do cheap trampolines not last as long?  There are many ways in which the trampoline manufacturer can cut corners or use inferior materials which simply do not stand up to frequent use or the harsh weather conditions.   For instance, the frame can be made out of thin steel that is not as strong and will not be fully galvanised to protect against rust.  All Atlantic Trampolines are hot dip galvanised to protect against rust on both the outside and the inside of the tubing.  The frames carry a five year guarantee against failure due to rust.   Usually the enclosure netting on a cheap trampoline if very poorly made with minimal stiching meaning it will easily get damaged by wind or the children pulling at it.  For the spring padding on an Atlantic Trampoline we use a high quality vinyl or polyester that stands up to sun light but on cheap trampolines they use a PE material that quickly breaks down in strong sunshine.   Our trampoline mats are made out of A grade Permatron Polypropylene which is UV resistant, sewn with heavy duty UV resistant thread and using galvanized v-rings.  I could go on and on……

Remember too that all the Atlantic trampoline and enclosure sets come complete with an access ladder and a weather cover, neither of which usually come with a cheap trampoline.  Both these items together would usually cost about £60.   And we do not compromise on service either, all our products are sent out on a next day delivery service which is free for UK mainland addresses – you pay no extra.  With cheap trampolines you will need to pay a delivery charge on top and even then it may take days to arrive.

Our freephone Trampo-line 0800 032 5879 is always available to give advice before buying a trampoline.  Most of the cheap trampolines are sold by retailers who sell lots of different products and the staff have no specialist knowledge to help you in the buying process.

So a cheap trampoline might be tempting but I urge you to consider if it is actually the best investment when you consider that an Atlantic Trampoline will last for many years and prove the cheaper option in the long run.

Author: Bob Bounce