when buying electronics

traveler · ‎03-09-2010

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?

kdgn · ‎03-09-2010

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.

madzonie · ‎03-10-2010

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!)

Lucibee · ‎03-19-2010

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.

Marienkaefer2 · ‎03-09-2010

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.

If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.--Marcus Tullius Cicero

kdgn · ‎03-09-2010

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

Luv2Decorate · ‎03-12-2010

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

deepwaterdotter · ‎03-09-2010

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.

chickenbutt · ‎03-09-2010

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.