Entertainment Center: TVs, Stereos, VCRs and DVDs - buying big screen digital tv's online advice

hello

we want to purchase a rear projection, dlp or lcd tv. what do you think about ordering one from an online vendor?

we have visited stores in the area and they don't compete with some of the prices we have seen online.

any advice is appreciated and any experience you have to follow or avoid, is great.!

thanks

You really have to be careful. If the price is too good to be true, it usually is. ie) it is either a) last years model, or b) refurbished.
Plus you need to consider shipping costs.
The above applies when comparing the same brands. If they are not the same brand, then you really need to check out the brand(s) before making a purchase.

On all of them, consider the return policy.

Finally, some stores will indeed match internet prices if they can. But they will only do it on the same model numbers. Its not enough that the brand is the same.

I agree with Bob. When you're making a "large" purchase spend a few bucks and wait for a sale at least. At least you know what you're buying. If you buy one from online, once they ship it, you're stuck w/it. Even if they offer a return policy, do you really want to pay for the shipping to return it? My two cents. :wall:

Give your local vendors some love. Of course they can't compete with the internet, they have actual employees, insurance, buildings and inventory. They will also sell you brand new product, answer the phone if you have questions, and back the product if it fails.

......and yes, I'm in the business :)

you must have a price point at which you are willing ot take the "risk" of buying on-line. cartianly make sure you are comparing the exact same models. if you buy on-line make sure you understand the return policy and the warranty. also will get get an actual receipt? (will need to purchase exteneded warranty if desired). other things: if youpurchase on-line you may be able to not pay sales tax....... although you are supposed to when filing your taxes.

i recently purchased on line through ebay and used paypal so i was "protected" on my purchase. in the very least use a credit card and make sure you know their policy on fraud in case you need to get your money back.

for me, i saved about $500 on a $1,700 - a big enough percent savings to purchase on-line. this may not be correct but the way i see it i got what i wanted for a great price (not sure how they did it - of course my family thinks it was 'hot').

in the end if you visit your local retainler a few times just keep offering an acceptable price and see what they do. likely they will not match on-line prices but you will not know unless you ask. . . repeatedly.

also research the on-line store - are they part of their local BB, do they have a retail store? a phone number (call a few different times to see if they answer).