Greetings,


I'm getting ready to buy a new TV and it seems like they are much cheaper if you purchase them online. I shop online quite a bit but I never bought anything that big and that expensive. In the other thread you listed reliable websites and I will probably go with one of them but what about delivery? Do they give you a specific date when the item will be delivered? Also, do they usually set it up? Is it included in the delivery charge?


If you could share your experiences, I'd really appreciate it.

 

Depends on the retailer

 

Each retailer has their own method. Some include setup, others just bring the box into your house. Check with the website before buying it.

But yes, buying online is generally cheaper. We'll be buying our projector online for sure. Just can't beat some of those prices. For the other TVs, I've gone to places like Best Buy. Sure, it costs a bit more... but when you add in the awesome financing, plus gift certificates you get with the Reward Zone, in the end, you're only saving a small amount of money verses buying it online. Plus, if I need to return it (which I have done-... I returned a 60" Sony LCD last November) I have 30-days to do it and it's as easy as driving to the store. Not sure how I would have returned that TV if I bought it online....

 

The first thing you need to do is pick a reputable retailer that is authorized to sell whatever TV you are looking for. You can get this information at www.avsforum.com. It's best to pay a little more and find a retailer that the user community is happy with. Keep in mind that returning something to an online retailer is more difficult than a brick and mortar store. Most will not take back a set because of a bad pixel. If they do take it back they will most likely charge a restock fee. Keep that all in mind as you shop. Be sure you understand the stores return policy before you buy.

You want to be at home when the TV arrives. Do not accept the delivery if the outer box has obvious physical damage. You should also be sure to open and physically inspect the TV within 24 hours of receipt to ensure its not damaged.

I just purchased a NEC plasma from Cleveland Plasma. I picked him because all the people in the NEC thread at AVS were having good luck with him. The unit shipped freight via. www.newpenn.com. The TV arrived overnight in the local newpenn warehouse with a tracking status of "need to setup appointment". I called them and setup a 2 hour window for it to arrive. I was amazed to see a 18wheel truck pull up in front of my house. It was his last stop of the day. The driver was great. He took the display off its skid and brought the TV in my house. The box was in perfect condition. The box had a tip detector on it that showed no signs of mishandling.

There is definitely more risk involved going mail order. You have to decide for yourself if the savings is worth it.

I have had remarkable luck buying stuff online, which is why I continue to do it. Remember to buy from an authorized dealer. Call the mfg if you aren't sure of the dealer's status. If you buy from an unauthorized source you have no idea if what you are getting is new. You may also have problems getting warranty service.

 

I agree with you. I worry that if I ever have to return it, I might not do so (unless it's not working or has other defects). I'm looking at TVs 50" and up and it might become a hassle to ship it back.

Some stores do have great financing, I will have to look into that.

 

It is worth to pay the extra to have the "white glove delivery"--set the TV up and make sure it works before signing the dotted line.

 

Ooops, meant to say "in the end, you're only saving a small amount of money by purchasing it online".

 

I've purchased several electronic items online- the two largest being a 5K plasma and a 1K receiver. They were through different retailers who had strong ratings/personal referrals so I felt good.
My suggestion on buying a display (big purchase) online is to use a place that is reputable and mentioned here or on AVS (don't forget visualapex.com and ask for Candi) and make sure that you call and or email them to get a better feel of what you're getting. My delivery was two guys off of a big ass truck and bringing my plasma in. They waited while I opened it (I gave them a twenty plus a 12 pack of beer) and checked the display. My display also had that tip sensor but I wanted to use my own "visual sensors"!

Good luck!

 

Just to add to Kegs great advice....

Go to local stores and inspect the TV you're interested in. Before I buy a projector, I'll be reading like a mad-man on AVSForum.com, plus I'll be searching the local shops (both chains and higher end local places) for someone who actually has the projector. That way I can see it in action and make 10000% sure I like it before I order it online. The more homework you do... the more likely you'll love the TV and won't need to return it b/c it didn't meet your expectations....

 

Excellent advice- go to the stores and research, research, and research some more. I'm a big fan of going to a true a/v store and seeing what they have- their stuff is usually calibrated a bit better and they usually feed a better signal to their sets. Be careful though b/c you're walking an ethical line by using a B&M store to research a purchase, knowing that you're not going to buy it there. I always told the sales staff that I was just looking and admiring for a far away (time-wise) purchase. Some sales folks would leave while others would stay and interact with me. I did feel better b/c I have made several larger (>1K) purchases at my two local a/v stores.