Hello folks:
We have decided to purchase a Gorilla brand play set for our children. Given the size of our yard, we have narrowed it down to three: the Outing III at Home Depot, the Rio from Costco, and the Encore at Walmart. The sets look strikingly similar, with seemingly minor differences, but the Rio is $100 more than the Outing III, and the Encore is $300 more. Anyone know why this is the case (other than, perhaps, just the fact that stores price things differently)?
Thanks - and if you are directly familiar with one of these three sets. I would be grateful if you let me know.
Hi again folks - just to clarify, the options on all three sets are nearly identical (same number of swings, rock climbing, size, etc.) with seemingly minor design differences. I have already checked the reviews and the specs of each and I've e-mailed the manufacturer with this question (just this weekend, so no response yet). So my question really is - does anyone know from experience why these three very similar sets by the same manufacturer are priced differently? Thanks!
Find out what materials are used to make it. Some playsets made of wood attract termites and weather quickly, while some made out of plastic-like materials will fade or put off harsh chemicals.
Also, look at the play options.
And lastly, read some reviews online. Just google 'encore playset reviews' and find the real people giving real opinions from firsthand experience.
Best of luck!
Usually the difference in pricing for play sets is based on where you are buying it and the accessories that come with it. You would not believe how much difference there is in accessory pricing-swing vs climbing wall vs monkey bars. The Outing III has a pretty good rating on it, 4 1/2 stars, from what I could see. Which one would your kids play with most? That is what I would base my decision on, and of course the materials used.
Without having looked at the sets specifically, I would go with the one from Costco. If you have any problems with it, you can return it. For only $100 more than the one at Home Depot, you're still getting a good deal. I wouldn't buy from Walmart.
Chances are, the three are basically the same but tweaked so the different stores can sell them at different prices.
Any product will cost different amounts at different stores, which is why it is always good to comparison shop. Go with Costco.
I would cross Walmart off the list from the get go. Walmart is known for sucking the suppliers dry and suppliers cutting quality on all of their products. I avoid anything related to Walmart because of their business practices.
That said,,, we had a Wooden Swing set for our daughter. It was quality wood and was not soaked in bug killers and toxic substances. I wouldn't be too concerned with the plastic pieces either and they too are not soaked in toxic substances.
We are in the raw materials industry and a lot of what you hear is just hype.
Hopefully you will get feedback quickly. If you can't get through to customer service, call the marketing dept. I used to be in the corporate salty snack food industry in developing brands and we were glad to help anyone with questions.
