The Jogging Stroller...

When my husband and I had our first child we purchased a jogging stroller by Dreamer Design at an EBAY store. This stroller was used often and both of us really liked it. The baby enjoyed being able to see everything and we were able to take the stroller on the beach, grass, up curbs, etc. Something I highly recommend. That is why we purchased the 16" wheels with the fixed front wheel. I also use the stroller to go rollerblading. The extra stability of the fixed front wheel is a good thing for that.

Now with a baby and a toddler the Dreamer Design stroller (a single) wasn't cutting it. Taking 2 strollers when we went walking was not working and became cumbersome rather quickly. As a result a double stroller was required.

And the fun began... After doing a google search I found a website called Joggingstroller.com. Once I entered this site I was amazed. They not only carried more jogging strollers than I knew existed but they have the website designed to assist you in choosing a stroller based upon your needs and wants. Well that was all it took. I was playing with that website for hours.

After an exhausting search of jogging stroller models over the course of a couple weeks. And after discussions with my husband (comparing features, price, accessories, warranties, etc.) I chose the BOB IronMan Dullie. The main reason for this over the Dreamer Design double stroller was the fact that the BOB has a car seat adapter which works with our infant car seat. The price for both the Dreamer Design and the BOB strollers was about the same (around $460-$480) the warranties for the DD stroller were much better but the BOB won out in the end. It took 2 months before making the purchase because we couldn't afford it on one salary. Fortunately my mother-in-law was kind enough to give us a wonderful Christmas present...this stroller & accessories.

We purchased the accessories we wanted from Joggingstroller.com and received them very quickly. We ordered the car seat adapter, handlebar console and the sunshade. Shipping was free so that was a bonus. The prices were the same as other online stores, including REI, Ebay and others. So I figured we would give joggingstroller.com a try. Turned out to be a smart move. They are really on the ball. Not only did I receive everything quickly, but their customer service is incredible!

The package came with a return label in case I needed to return anything. My car seat adapter was scratched and I didn't want to use it for fear that the salt water at the beach would prematurely corrode it. In addition my baby at 3 months has decided that sitting up is the way to go and the infant car seat isn't much fun for that.

When I called the phone number on the label I left a message on the voice mail. Risky I know but I took the chance. Who wants to wait on hold on a Saturday morning with children running around? As it turns out they not only called me back quickly, but they listened to the detailed message I left and were more than happy to assist me. They offered me a 10% credit if I kept the item, as an option but when I chose to return it the woman I spoke with was more than accommodating. She assured me that my account would be credited the day the car seat adapter arrived. When I called back to let her know the original box, which I was returning the car seat adapter in, was in really bad condition (the way it arrived at my house) she made note of it in the computer so it wouldn't count against me. She asked that I do what I could to repair it enough to make the journey back to them in Michigan (I live in So. California). I'll keep you posted but since this happened today, I haven't had a chance to send the car seat adapter back.

The jogging stroller I chose to purchase online at EBAY due to the cost being $100 less than everyone else. Now I know why. The individual/store I dealt with had great ratings but it turns out that many of his shipments are damaged. Funny, it just sounds like he can't keep up with demand and doesn't want to say anything. After 3 weeks of exchanging emails I asked for and received a full refund. Now it was time to purchase the jogging stroller from someone I could trust. I chose REI only because I'm a member and with the discount I would receive at the end of the year it was a better deal. Turns out my local REI store had 2 in stock and I purchased the stroller that day. If it weren't for being an REI member I would have purchased my jogging stroller from Joggingstroller.com. They have more than proven that my business means something to them!