Buying a TV Online Vs Big Retailer in Person

[capone0]

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

[Kneel B4 Zod]

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

[capone0]

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

[Perplexity]

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.

[daveymck]

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.

[rohjoh]

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

LINK

[MoFoKid]

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

[jjp]

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.

[Mason Hellmuth]

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.

[z28dreams]

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