[E=mc2]

I am considering the purchase of a new Television. I see the online stores selling TVs for a very competetive price (i.e. Best Buy online, Amazon.com), where the price is lower, the shipping is free and there may or may not be associated sales tax. I see stores in the smaller 'boutique' stores - selling 'service' and competitive prices and lower installation costs. Then there are the large retailers, like Best Buy and Circuit City.

Financing is not an issue since I will pay with my American Express (I pay it off monthly and I get another year on the warranty through Buyer's Assurance program).

Where is the most ideal place to purchase a TV?

Is there really a pitfall from ordering online? If there is a problem with the TV after it is opened, are you in for a major inconvenience? Who eats the cost in shipping for a defective item? I see "White glove" deliivery - is that a scam?

[GeorgeAB]

If you can afford the luxury of dealing with a local specialty retailer, that's the best solution. You will get better service and advice over time.

[Eric Samonte]

I have bought 3 TVs from Onecall.com, 2 RPTVs, 53" and 65", and a 42" plasma from them. Curbside delivery on 2 while whiteglove on the 65". The prices are very much lower than B&M stores even with delivery factored in. Only problem I saw with ordering online was the waiting. Unlike whne u buy at BestBuy, u can take it home right away. Online, u have to wait for it to come in.
Check the delivery box, anything busted on it, u can just refuse it. They now have this fancy device on the box outside. It changes color or something when the box have been jarred too much or received some unwanted trauma. Makes it easy to see and it also makes the trucking guys take more care of it.

[Dan Driscoll]

On-line is the way to go, IF you already know what you want. If you need to check each set out yourself and play with them in a showroom, buy from a local B&M specialty dealer. But don't waste the local dealers' time by doing your research in their stores and then buying the same thing on-line. That's not fair the your local retailers.

[Parker Clack]

Amazon is a great place to order through as they often have their own supply and then they deal with others like One Call, Vann's, etc. I would recommend some sort of extended warranty on top of the one you get with the set and your AMX.

[E=mc2]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parker Clack

Amazon is a great place to order through as they often have their own supply and then they deal with others like One Call, Vann's, etc. I would recommend some sort of extended warranty on top of the one you get with the set and your AMX.

I went with Circuit City Online for the return policy. They had 10%off and a 10% off online coupon. The price was equivalent to Onecall but I don't know if they charge sales tax which would have saved a little more money (enough to buy 4 Bluray movies, I suppose).

I did look into onecall who has a good reputation through the Better Business bureau and they are a member.

Amazon would have take 1 - 2 months. Amazon Marketplace etailers have a no return policy on TVs >32".

[Eric_L]

I bought from Sears and I purchased the 5yr warranty. Convenient as online is - there is NOTHING like brick and mortar for service. Sears will come to my house and pick up or fix my tv. They will leave a loaner if I need.

Sure, it cost me a little extra up front, but I have already reaped the benefit when the bulb burned out. Sears was right there with a new one, and the even sent a spare. had I bought it online I would have been stuck with a 3rd party warranty, shipping costs on a heavy unit and other nonsense.

Brick and mortar - totally.