Is it worth it?

Is it worth it?

by Paul30a Aug 26, 2008 4:01AM PDT

I did a quick search on the forum and was unable to discover a thread pertaining to the advantages vs. disadvantages of buying big items at online stores. The big items that I am referring to are TV?s. Am I just as ?safe? buying online as I am buying from a chain like Mediocre Buy? If there are other threads in regards to this subject you can either redirect me to those threads or post your opinions. And by safe I am referring to warranties and brand service as well as retailer service. I would appreciate your thoughts and experiences.
Paul

Discussion is locked

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It depends

by bevillan Aug 26, 2008 4:12AM PDT

Online shopping for electronics is kind of a gray area. If you stick to the most reputable online retailers then you can rest easy.

The only big online retailers I will buy from are:

Crutchfield
Vanns
J&R

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YES SOME MAIL ORDER / ONLINE STORES ARE VERY GOOD...........

by Riverledge Aug 26, 2008 12:07PM PDT

I AGREE WITH CHOICES ABOVE, AND ADD TWO MORE,

ONE CALL (SEATTLE)

B + H PHOTO (NYC)

COSTCO is a very good alternative PRICE-WISE, but really a high-tech

haven.

Best shopping and best wishes,

River.

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yes there are

by givemeaname Aug 26, 2008 4:33AM PDT

some threads somewhere....

Depends, I have bought speakers, receivers, bluray player & 3 tv's online, for the most part fine but I did buy from authorized dealers (but for 1 receiver).

Some electronic companies want you to buy from an authorized online dealers ONLY or they will then NOT honor their warranty. Sony is not one of them, they honor their warranty no matter who you get the electronic from as long as it is new & you register it.

For a tv, just make sure someone else is home to help you move the tv into the house, some online places will just drop off at the driveway & you have to move the tv up any stairs. Most of the time the delivery people are nice & will help you move it up 2 or 3 steps to the door, but it is normal that just one person is delivering, so it helps to have a 3rd person if the tv is 50"+

Also check the online stores return policy!!

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May I suggest looking seriously at Costco because of their

by NM_Bill Aug 26, 2008 5:45AM PDT

competitive price but even more so because of their great customer service. Buying from them automatically doubles the warranty, for instance. Easy return policy also.

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thanks

by Paul30a Aug 26, 2008 6:20AM PDT

I think that costco might be the way to go, next best thing to an online dealer. Thanks for your time everyone.

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But take into account for delivery charge though.

by ahtoi Aug 26, 2008 6:03PM PDT

At Fry's, sometime they offer free delivery.

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Good for customers that buying at Costco automatically

by NM_Bill Aug 28, 2008 1:05AM PDT

doubles the warranty. Being volume oriented as they are, the breadth of selection might leave something to be desired, but & was there yesterday & was thrilled to see among the 1080 sets that they have a perfectly fine 42" 720 Panasonic plasma for $799. Nice progress considering how much a set like that cost just two years ago. More affordable for more folks. Why overbuy?

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Sam's Club

by bevillan Aug 28, 2008 1:07AM PDT

Does Sam's Club have the same or similar warranty offerings for electronics as Costco does? I'm a Sam's Club member and just recently moved to a city where Costco's are too. I might switch if Costco is the better place for the warranties on electronics.

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Sam's orientation is more towards those small restaurant

by NM_Bill Aug 28, 2008 1:38AM PDT

operations using those large flat carts to pile up mass quantities of food raw materials on the cart frequently. That said, I figure the average customer doesn't really see the difference between the two. Company policies to differ in that Costco is highly selective in hiring to promote the idea that their team of associates, which get paid around $16 per hour rather than get by with all they can draw in while minimizing pay. Other than the more personal attention at the returns counter, the general environment can not be said that all the employees you see are supercharged with assertive customer service.

The blend of merchandise to differ a bit, but not in major degree of difference. They both cover most all the basics in common. One can find certain things that we shop for specifically, where either store provides more emphasis on selection. For instance: I need to shop Sam's or more choice in computer paper, but Costco for more depth of stock for vitamins/ nutritional supplements.

Take a look see as a guest to see if, for instance, the TV selection of Costco may indeed be better variety of selection as far as you are concerned personally. I guess it turns out to be a close call in any event. Happy shopping.

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A visit is due

by bevillan Aug 28, 2008 2:00AM PDT

I guess I should goto the customer service counters of both and ask them what their return/exchange policies are for say a HDTV. I have a feeling Costco will give me a better warranty deal, but I will check it out soon here.

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