Buying a TV Online Vs Big Retailer in Person
 

I'm looking to a buy a new big screen TV. I was looking at online retailers (there are many) including big companies like Buy.com and BestBuy.com. There are smaller retailers, many of which in the NY area that seem to have cheaper than life prices. If I bought my unit at the local Best Buy, it would be about 3600 with Tax (not sure about shipping).

If I buy from 1 of the smaller retailers, I'd be about 2600 bucks with tax and shipping. With that being said, has anyone done this before. I've read some of the reviews, and some are great, others are horror stories. I've never purchased anything this large online, and was just wondering if anyone has had any major problems with these retailers if they've used them.

A 1000 dollars off is a whole lot of money percentage wise, and if they are worth the risk, I'd definitely buy online. Anyone?

This is the unit and price from pricegrabber.com

http://www.pricegrabber.com/p__Samsu..._Projection_TV,__19233815/promo_id=27/clt_id=38

Re: Buying a TV Online Vs Big Retailer in Person
 

go to Costco. you'll get a good price, and a free implied lifetime warranty if something goes wrong with the set. this is worth hundreds, and they don't charge you.

the downside is that the selection is limited.

returning/dealing with repairs with an online retailer is at best a PITA

Re: Buying a TV Online Vs Big Retailer in Person
 

There .com site has a similar tv to which I like (65 inch Mitsubshi 1080p). Will see. Thanks.

Re: Buying a TV Online Vs Big Retailer in Person
 

I bought my 52' DLP from www.onecall.com. I was a little scared about purchasing such an expensive item online, and having it shipped cross country, but I saved hundreds compared to a local store.

Everything worked out great. TV arrived when they said it would, in perfect condition.

Re: Buying a TV Online Vs Big Retailer in Person
 

I have bought quite a few things online from smaller cheaper retailers (my tv and fridge being the most expensive) and never had a problem, I think as long as you go via pricerunner etc type sites you are more likely to be ok.

Over here if you pay by credit card then you have a bit of protection via the card companies insurance, I assume the same in the US?

For my TV the guys unpacked it and let me inspect it before signing, so if there had been a problem they would have took it back with them.

Re: Buying a TV Online Vs Big Retailer in Person
 

I just bought this TV from Tigerdirect.com, and had no problems.

LINK

Re: Buying a TV Online Vs Big Retailer in Person
 

I've been looking to do the same thing and in the same dilemma. I'm leaning towards not going with the lowest price, but from a site that has some sort of reputation. Someone mentioned Tigerdirect, and they didn't have the best price for the TV I want but I know of them and have ordered computer hardware through them without a problem.

Also, came across this site that was originally focused on camera dealers on-line but includes electronics. Take from it what you will, but the one for powersellernyc was a little disturbing since they get good reviews on pricegrabber. Good luck!

Sketchy Stores

Re: Buying a TV Online Vs Big Retailer in Person
 

Don't forget that brick and mortar stores negotiate. Don't be afraid to take that advertisement in to Best Buy and ask them to match.

Re: Buying a TV Online Vs Big Retailer in Person
 

Buy from a decent store. Do this. "Save" $1000.

Edit:

[ QUOTE ]
Don't be afraid to take that advertisement in to Best Buy and ask them to match.

[/ QUOTE ]
Best Buy will never match a price that's $1000 lower.

Re: Buying a TV Online Vs Big Retailer in Person
 

don't forget to use retailerratings.com if you do decide to go with an online store.

i'd also suggest keeping an eye on fatwallet.com for deals

Re: Buying a TV Online Vs Big Retailer in Person
 

But other stores may...

In Wisconsin, there are a few big retailers who will match ANY advertised price guaranteed.

The question is whether or not they would accept an online advertisement. But if you find it in a paper or a magazine, they'll honor it.

Don't be afraid to lowball them, folks.

I import stuff like this... they don't pay even half of the $6000 price tag for that big TV you guys are looking at. Or $3000 or $1600 or whatever... That's why you can get floor models and stuff for more than half off.

Re: Buying a TV Online Vs Big Retailer in Person
 

I saved about $500 by buying my an LCD TV online, and I wish I hadn't. I'm just not thrilled with the pitcture, for the amount of money I spent, and wish I could return it for a different model.

Re: Buying a TV Online Vs Big Retailer in Person
 

It's also worth doing some internet research to search for off-brand names.

For example, in the HVAC industry, Goodman is an off-brand name made by the highest quality manufacturer in the industry.

A new brand-name 95% efficiency unit with the brand name on it could run you $2000+ MORE than the exact same thing without the brand name on it.

The EXACT same machine... $2000 lower sticker price just because it doesn't have the brand name on it.

Same thing with replacement windows. Brand name window = $550

Exact same window with their off-brand insignia = $225

I have never looked into electronics though, so I wouldn't be able to give you any leads. But the concept will carry over.

Re: Buying a TV Online Vs Big Retailer in Person
 

c,

A number of people I know have bought expensive TVs online in the last year or two with no problems.

Re: Buying a TV Online Vs Big Retailer in Person
 

i just bought a 32 inch htdv from buydig.com.

it worked out very well, and it was 600 bucks cheaper than best buy.

Re: Buying a TV Online Vs Big Retailer in Person
 

price check vanns.com too.

Re: Buying a TV Online Vs Big Retailer in Person
 

Gimmick ruined.

Re: Buying a TV Online Vs Big Retailer in Person
 

[ QUOTE ]
c,

A number of people I know have bought expensive TVs online in the last year or two with no problems.

[/ QUOTE ]

Same here. We bought from rapidplasma.com. $3500 tv at best buy for 2200. Got free cables, power converter and a cheap surround sound system at the same time. No sales tax. Much better way to purchase big ticket items.

Re: Buying a TV Online Vs Big Retailer in Person
 

[ QUOTE ]
Buy from a decent store. Do this. "Save" $1000.

Edit:

[ QUOTE ]
Don't be afraid to take that advertisement in to Best Buy and ask them to match.

[/ QUOTE ]
Best Buy will never match a price that's $1000 lower.

[/ QUOTE ]

Incorrect. You find a lower advertised B&M price and they'll hook you up, doesn't matter.

Best Buy has different prices online than it has in their stores. Hence, you probably (99.999995%) won't get the discount if you take it to the store.

Re: Buying a TV Online Vs Big Retailer in Person
 

You buy an HDTV online you are going to save hundreds in sales tax. Plus it will at least it will usually be lower than retail. Unless its a huge rear projection hdtv, the shipping should not be that horrible. Now any hdtv set you want a warranty to cover it. Now you can buy independent warranties on ebay, or maybe the place you bought it off of. Buying any TV on ebay will always be cheaper, but can you trust the buyer, even with all the positive feedback?

You could always buy it off crutchfield.com, now the price would probably be around retail price, but at least from a major company like Crutchfield, if anything happened they would easily fix/replace the TV.

Re: Buying a TV Online Vs Big Retailer in Person
 

wonderwes, you say "now" a lot