On line or Retail?

[PMA]

I need some guidance for my first large FP TV. I believe I have settled on the Sharp LC-45GD7U but am not sure how to verify the on line sellers of the product. Hopefully, I am not breaking any rules here but the differential between on line and retail is significant. Retailers are also warning that Etailers can't offer extended warranties and even may void the manufacturer's warranty if they are not authorized.

Bottom line, any recommendations on how to proceed?

Thanks,

Paul

[Ed54]

Be skeptical of the buyer ratings at places like Bizrate and Amazon. A couple of the online sellers offer rebates to customers who give them a good rating.

[steuert]

"Retailers are also warning that Etailers can't offer extended warranties and even may void the manufacturer's warranty if they are not authorized."

Lies, lies, and more lies. Even if you do eventually decide to buy from a B&M store, I would avoid whoever told you this crap.

If anything, online dealers often offer better extended warranties than B&M stores. And AFAIK, only Fujitsu, Pioneer, and maybe LG, refuse to honor their warranties for online purchases - IMO, good reason to avoid these brands.

There are many very reputable online dealers, such as those who support this Forum and are mentioned favorably by members, who will be able to confirm the exact type of warranty coverage provided for a given brand of TV. IMO you can buy from them with little or no risk vs. B&M stores and usually save hundreds of $ to boot.

[RCbridge]

My only concern with online purchase of such items is, if the item is DOA or damanged those additional shipping costs usually fall on you ( some vendors will pay but you should ask about this) and the waiting time!!

[plasmalvr]

[QUOTE=PMA]I need some guidance for my first large FP TV. I believe I have settled on the Sharp LC-45GD7U but am not sure how to verify the on line sellers of the product. Hopefully, I am not breaking any rules here but the differential between on line and retail is significant. Retailers are also warning that Etailers can't offer extended warranties and even may void the manufacturer's warranty if they are not authorized.

Bottom line, any recommendations on how to proceed?

Thanks,

Paul[/QUOTE]

If you buy from an Authorized Online Internet Dealer the warranty is covered by the manufacturer. You'll save money by doing this. Confirm from the manufacturer that the online dealer you decide to purchase from is on their authorized list. Don't buy from the ultra cheap internet dealers that aren't authorized. You risk getting ripped off, never getting your tv, or having a long delay in receiving it.

[parksar]

Having purchased from both, the big issue in my mind is the return policy. For example, I recently purchased a Toshiba plasma through a reputable on line retailer. They have a no return policy, and I knew that when I ordered.

Unofrtunately, there is an issue with my set and I can't simply just bring it back to them, like I could have done had I purchased it at best Buy or Circuit City. I am required to go through Toshiba customer service and will have to fight it out with them.

So, if you are willing to live with the risk with the money you'll likely save online, then go for it. If you are very risk averse, and also want the option to just bring it back if it's not everything you hoped for, I would say spend a couple of hundred extra for peace of mind knowing that you basically have a 30 day or longer option period to decide if you made a good choice.

As for me, I will likely make the major purchases locally.

Good luck.

[edouble]

Return policy is huge for me. I bought my old 25" tube Sony online and it had major geometry issues, but the online retailer was really stingy about restocking fees and shipping. Unless the price difference is huge, personally I prefer the peace of mind with a B&M store .

[optivity]

[QUOTE=PMA]On line or Retail?[/QUOTE]Buying on-line may save you some money and hopefully your TV won't show up looking like this:

http://home.nycap.rr.com/nessus/damaged.JPG

[VooDooAddict]

[QUOTE=optivity]Buying on-line may save you some money and hopefully your TV won't show up looking like this:

http://home.nycap.rr.com/nessus/damaged.JPG[/QUOTE]


Eek! Who was the shipper on that?