topic Re: when buying electronics in Community Chat

when buying electronics

traveler — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 20:37:52 GMT

such as tablets, computers and tvs I am more inclined to purchase locally. Don't need to pay s&h, can see it in person to ask questions and easier returns. Do you have a preference?

Re: when buying electronics

kdgn — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 20:56:53 GMT

We buy tvs locally but with the tablets, e-readers, etc. we've been buying online. He's been able to get a better deal and if all else fails, he can read the directions or get ahold of online/call center support.

TWC just sent out new modems. We couldn't go locally and pick one up and they were not sending techs out to install them. Same with the digital adapters for the tvs-it arrived via the front door and install it yourself. Call if there are problems.

I was surprised at both-in the past we would have had to pick them up.

Re: when buying electronics

madzonie — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 21:23:30 GMT

Depends on a number of things:

Familiarity with product

Discounts?

Free shipping?

No sales tax?

Reputation of online merchant

(for instance, I'd buy any Apple product online through the Apple Store anytime!)

Re: when buying electronics

Lucibee — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 21:36:36 GMT

I go to the Apple Store for iPhones, iPads, Mac, and accessories. I go to Amazon for Televisions, blu Ray players or things like that.

Re: when buying electronics

Marienkaefer2 — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 21:41:09 GMT

I buy many electronics at Costco. But I've also bought tablets and phones on Amazon. Those two places are where I've found the best prices. I usually know what I want, and I have a general idea of the cost range.

Re: when buying electronics

kdgn — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 21:42:26 GMT

Phones we buy at brick and mortar stores. They set them up.

Re: when buying electronics

Luv2Decorate — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 21:42:30 GMT

I get everything from Best Buy. I receive rewards (gift certificates) to use on later purchases.

Re: when buying electronics

deepwaterdotter — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 21:42:48 GMT

On 11/28/2014 Marienkaefer2 said: I buy many electronics at Costco. But I've also bought tablets and phones on Amazon. Those two places are where I've found the best prices. I usually know what I want, and I have a general idea of the cost range.

Same for me.

Re: when buying electronics

chickenbutt — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 21:43:49 GMT

I'm not big on store shopping, so I do it online. But usually with bigger stuff you can get free shipping and deals. I have accounts with some of the manufacturer sites, so I get discount emails all the time. They also all offer 6-12 payments without interest, so that's nice.

I used to buy some things at Best Buy but have gotten away from that, even online, because I've gotten some that were 'made especially for Best Buy' models that had problems because of it. If I do look at something on their site I would make sure that the exact model number is available elsewhere.

I would definitely AVOID purchasing 99% of electronic items from shopping networks. They usually get nearly obsolete models and tack on a bunch of useless qrap so they justify the fact that they are charging so much. If that weren't enough, you end up having to wait much longer to get the products. While they play the money, under the ruse of telling customers that the manufacture is actually making your computer just for you (such b s), you are waiting on the other end often for 2-4 weeks.

Re: when buying electronics

brewhaha — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 21:44:12 GMT

If I need it right away, then I'll get it locally.

Re: when buying electronics

Lynnj — Fri, 28 Nov 2014 21:45:52 GMT

It depends on what I am buying. If I don't need to talk to someone, and I know exactly what I want and why, I would buy online.

My iPad I bought at the Apple store because I never had one before. Wanted someone to talk me through everything and help me make a selection based on my needs.

My Mac I bought online, directly from Apple. I know what I wanted and configured it myself online.

My iPhone I bought at the Verizon store, because I did the trade in/upgrade, and I had questions about the data plan charges, etc. plus they set it up for me so I was up and running when I walked out of the store.

Not sure I would buy a TV online, I've never done it that way before, but doesn't mean I never will. I think I'd be afraid of how shippers might handle it during delivery to my house. Yes, there padding and packaging in the box, but if you've seen that way some UPS/FEDEX people handle packages, I don't think Id trust them with a TV.

So as you can see, I buy in places (at store/online) based on my needs.