Tips for buying online

brianj

After reading multiple posts on confusion and worry about buying a plasma or LCD display online, I've decided to let everyone in on all the secrets - Feel free to add more..

1) If the price looks too good to be true - IT IS. Found a brand new 50" plasma on ebay for $2K? Don't buy it - you've been warned.

2) Get EVERYTHING in writing. Nuff said.

3) Ask if shipping AND insurance are included. TRUE scenario: Inquired about a 42" plasma..got a killer price. Found out that it cost 2x normal amount to ship (ground shipping - 2 weeks...not the 3-5 day shipping most other reputable dealers offer) and that insurance was not included...and MANDATORY...for another $300.00. The result? The plasma was actually 80$ MORE than some of the other online stores.

4) If purchasing a 'commercial' display - particularly Panasonic (TH-42PWD7UY and the like) and they say that it ships with NO CARD or NEEDS a card to function (Other than stating that it needs a tuner - this is true), then HANG UP and go to another dealer. There have been reports of some online dealers taking out the cards that ship with the display and reselling them so they can mark down the plasma itsself and recoop the cost through the 'neccessary' card sale. Commercial Panasonic dislays DO NOT need an additional card to function properly. They only need a tuner - cable box, satellite, whatever.

5) If I hear that plasma displays need to be refilled with gas one more time, I think I'm going to puke. They don't. Period.

6) Use a credit card...If they don't offer this as a payment option then go somewhere else.

7) Check them out with the BBB or their local Chamber of Commerce. If neither place has heard of them go somewhere else.

8) Check them out on www.resellerratings.com or another REPUTABLE, NONPARTIAL rating site.

9) Warranties. Some people like 'em others don't. It's your choice and only YOU can decide if its worth it. For a 42" display: If you pay more than $300 for a RepairMaster or $500 for a Philips warranty - you paid too much.

10) When calling in to inquire about a puchase, ask questions. If you feel rushed to get off the phone, or you get an agressive salesperson that is trying to push you into a particular model, go somewhere else. You would'nt put up with that crap from a car salesman, would you? Then why put up with it now? This is just as big a decision - we are'nt buying a hammer here, people.

11) Authorized dealers - tell them to PROVE it to you. A reputable company will fax you proof within minutes.

12) You actually DO reap what you sow. If you treat the salesperson on the other end of the phone like trash, then don't expect to get the red carpet treatment. Yes, the customer is always right...to a point. And if that point is made TACTFULLY.

Well, this is just what was at the top of my head. Hope it helps.

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Cass

Well said, great advice

RMCK104

OLD SAYING,YOU GET WHT YOU PAY FOR,AND THEN SOME RMCK104