Buying Flat Screens On-Line

[doylehargraves]

Anyone done this ? Such better deals when factoring in no sales tax and free delivery. I would guyes think the manufacturer will cover the warranty with local service, so that should be fine. Any issues with doing this?

 

[someone]

amazon.com

 

[DieUCLA98]

Manufactures don't always cover warranties when the product is bought online... This is definitely true of most audio products, not really sure about TVs. I would check the manufacturers website first and make sure that is the case.

 

[LHB parent]

I got my 50" panasonic plasma from amazon and everything worked great - when it was delivered I unpacked and plugged it in to make sure everything worked before I signed for it.

 

[jcazes]

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[DCLonghorn]

There are tons of good online retailers. Be sure to check ResellerRatings and the manufacturers website to be sure the retailer is an authorized e-retailer. Amazon is very good but be sure that you're buying from them directly. Here's some other good places:

Visual Apex

Plasma Concepts

Invision Displays Ask for Alex.

Cleveland Plasma

 

[autohorn]

Got a 42" Sharp LCD from Costco. Great experience and better deal than their in-store price.

Make sure you're there when it's delivered. Open the box and inspect the screen while the delivery man is still there. If there's any damage, don't accept it.

 

[LosIllini]

Just bought a Samsung LCD from Onecall- free shipping/ no tax. Great price/ no problems. Just make sure you're not buying from a fly-by-nighter. Also, use your best credit card- and you will likely double the warranty.

I know a lot of people who feel better about buying a tv at a big-box store- if I can get close to an online price- I will gladly spend with the local business. However, to me it's not much different than buying a $1-$2k pc/ laptop from Dell/ Apple/ etc. online. (assuming you're dealing with a reputable place).

(btw- check on avsforum.com if you are dealing with a particular retailer- there will likely be some buyer commentary.)

 

[axle hongsnort]

what iilini said. i also had a great experience with onecall when i got my 50 inch panny plasma.

they ship the TV with these little "glass-vial-dye pack - ink-break-if-jarred" thingamiggies attached to the outside of the box when it ships, so if it shows up broken, just don't sign for it.

i was also wary of buying online. i got burned years ago by a crappy "web-store". be careful of ANYTHING out of brooklyn, there is a whole cottage industry / white collar mob based there. they switch names when their repuatation catches up and they get exposed. apparently elliot spitzer was after them at some point.

check out ripoffreport.com before buying anything.

 

[mrteabiscuit]

My g/f just bought a 50" Samsung DLP off of Amazon and it was really easy and super cheap. Big and beautiful!

 

[jcazes]

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[bluto]

got mine through abt electronics online. tried going through amazon but they were FULL of **** w/ the customer service. abt had a price match and free delivery and the best customer service i have EVER experienced. one of the few times i actually felt encouraged to ask questions or call for shipping updates etc.

 

[BNB]

I bought a refurbished 26" Westinghouse off of Buy.com for $285 and have had zero problems.
I constantly check slickdeals and fatwallet for deals, so I can get a 50" plasma or lcd. I've read memorial weekend is the time to buy.

 

[LongIslandIceSIP]

I bought a 56 inch atThe Link

It's been great and it was waaaay cheaper than the same TV at Best Buy, I saved over $600.

 

[LongIslandIceSIP]

also my dad bought a big TV off amazon.

buying online is pretty safe