Buying LCD/Plasma TV Online??

[bnorthro]

I'm getting ready to buy a new tv, probably a 46" Samsung or Sony LCD. I'm a little leery of buying a tv online because they're pretty fragile and I'd hate to receive a damaged set then deal with returning, etc.

Has anyone here ordered a large LCD/Plasma tv online? Did it arrive safely?

Thanks.

[Dids]

Yes.

There's stuff to worry about wrt buying TV's online (I dealt with one place that put the payment through before shipping and then the TV was delayed for like a month and eventually I yelled at them and got my money back) but this isn't one of them.

When you buy, make sure to read all the available reviews for the merchants.

[gusmahler]

I bought a DLP from Amazon.com. Mine arrived with no damage at all.

Apparently, if it is damaged, the shipper will take it back right then. You won't have to ship it yourself. (Of course, this only helps if the damage is immediately apparent. For me, I plugged it in, they saw it power up, and they left.)

[El Diablo]

b,

Most people I know w/ plasmas/LCDs have bought them online. I got mine from Amazon.

[gusmahler]

There are several advantages to buying on-line. First off, unless you own a pickup, you're probably going to have to pay for shipping anyway from Best Buy, etc.

Second, no sales tax.

Third, better prices. I bought my TV for $1999 from Amazon. I saw the exact same TV for $2599 at Sears and $2799 at Best Buy.

Fourth, Amazon offers free shipping.

Including shipping and tax, I saved about $1000 (over the Best Buy price) by buying from Amazon.

[bnorthro]

Thanks for the feedback. I like the price advantages of ordering online, and it sounds like shipping is pretty reliable. I guess they have to ship the panels to a B&M store anyways, so I'm sure they're packed well.