BUYING A PLASMA TV ONLINE

How to Shop for a Plasma TV, LCD TV, or Projector Online

There are many things to look for to assure that you are purchasing your new plasma television from an authorized, legitimate dealer. Purchasing from an authorized dealer will assure that you are getting a new product with a manufacturer’s warranty. If you purchase a used unit from an individual your warranty isn’t valid according most manufactures policies. They will ask to see your original receipt and serial number off the unit. They will also ask for identification to see if the name of the receipt and owner match.

Here are some very important things to watch out for when considering who to purchase from:

Retail Store Locations: Retail stores are a great place to begin your search for a plasma television, or LCD TV. More and more brick and mortar retailers are beginning to offer plasma and LCD screens in their stores, giving you a place to go to see the various brands, sizes, and models. This will give you an idea of what you like, and what you dislike. Some screens have better image quality than others, and shopping online alone does not give you the ability to physically see and touch the product you are purchasing. Retail stores are a great place to start!

As far as price, once you have been to a retail store in your area and have seen what you like it is always a good idea to then begin your search online to get a great price. Retail stores typically must charge for high overhead operations and charge excessive prices on latest technologies such as plasma and LCD technologies. You will find that retail stores are charging between MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) and MAP (Minimum Advertised Price). They also have to charge you state sales tax. You’ll almost always get a better deal online, but keep in mind to be cautious of who you purchase from. There are many online retailers that specifically specialize in plasma and LCD technology, where there are few brick and mortar stores that are specifically specialized in this area.

Online Web Retailers: There are many places online to shop for a plasma television or LCD TV online, and you will see a very wide variation in price. The look and feel of the website, as well as the professionalism, depth of information, and ease of navigation. Make sure that the online retailer provides an address and a contact phone number on their website for you to contact them. It is always good to speak to a representative of the company before ordering online. This way you will feel more confident that you are buying from a reputable, knowledgeable professional who will be there if you have any questions, or problems!

Here are some tips to help you avoid having a bad Internet buying experience:

Price Too Good To Be True: Buyer Beware! If you see a retailer charging extremely low prices for products everyone is selling for a considerable amount more be extremely cautious! The retailer you are shopping may be selling a refurbished unit, and trying to pass it off as new. There is also a possibility that they are selling “gray market goods” which are products that were destined for Non-US sales and will not come with a manufacturer’s warranty. The price may look great, but the headache you’ll get if there is a problem is not worth the savings!

Shipping Scams: Some online retailers will offer you a great price on the unit until you go to place your order and find that the shipping price is outrageous. If it’s a legitimate unit that is not refurbished or gray market they have to be making up for that great price somewhere! Also beware of companies offering free shipping or cheap shipping prices. Companies that are offering cheap or free shipping may not be shipping the unit insured, or may be using cheap inferior shipping services. This can end up in a headache if your unit is damaged upon delivery.

Corporate Customers: It is always good to know that a retailer has many corporate customers. If large organizations feel comfortable ordering from the merchant, it is a good sign that it is safe for you to order as well. Ask for references or testimonies! If you are a corporate customer making a purchase, ask what recent corporate customers the retailer has had.

Extended Warranties: It is wise to purchase an extended warranty on your plasma television. Just like insurance on your car, you may not ever use it but if you need to it’s there! Make sure the retailer you purchase from carries extended warranties from a legitimate warranty provider. The warranty provider should be a reputable business and provide 800# with online support too. Also, since shipping and transporting a plasma is difficult, costly, and delicate make sure your extended warranty covers in-home service!

Policies: Make sure to read the policies of the retailer before making your purchase. They should have an acceptable return policy, as well as a policy for repairing / replacing damaged or defective merchandise.

Technical Support: Is there someone there to answer your setup questions? Are they capable of assisting you if there is a problem? Do they provide acceptable hours to assure if you need assistance they will be there? These are very important questions to ask to assure that if you need help…help is there!

Advice: Ask Questions! Make sure the retailer you purchase from is knowledgeable, reliable, friendly, and offers support. When you feel that you have found all of these qualities in a retailer that offers you a competitive price, and great service who will be there for you it’s probably safe to make the purchase and SAVE MONEY BUYING ONLINE!