There is NO best place. It is a matter of finding the best Plasma or LCD TV for you and the finding out where the best deals are. But should you buy online, budget retailer, high street 'big' name or even Ebay?
If you were buying something that is $50 in the shops, $40 in web stores and $30 on Ebay you could perhaps justify the risk as being worth it for the gain. But if the TV your after is $2000 and Ebay sellers have it for $1600 then of course you have to consider what to most people is an enormous risk. Personally for items such as this I would avoidthe likes of Ebay unless you know the seller and trust them completely. And please, please, please do NOT rely on PayPal Seller Protection! It protects no one but PayPal!
One method that has worked for me before is this. Check out the major names on-line, who also have a high street presence. Find the best price for the TV you want then ring the store and ask if they will match it. They often do!
Always ask about the retailers 'margin maker' products early on in the sales conversation. With TV's this is the extended warranty and overpriced connecting cables. When the sales person thinks he has got a sale that will get him a pat on the back or some good commission he will ALWAYS get you the best possible deal. You have to make him want your business more than you want the TV.
Get the salesman on your side
Here is what happened to me when I mentioned I wanted a Plasma or LCD TV with the peace of mind of an extended service/insurance agreement. The price was $1999 + $400 for the appropriate stand. They had an on-line price of $1799. I rang the store and told them that I was after a Plasma TV but that I was worried about it going wrong and wondered and hoped that they did an extended warranty for my peace of mind(grin). The sales person was salivating by now at the prospect of an extended warranty sale and a pat on the back from his manager. I then popped the question about matching the on-line price. After checking with the manager he came back and said it would be no problem at all.
Remember that at this stage I have not said I will be buying the extended warranty, merely I have expressed a strong interest. Off I go to the store and note they have got an 'in store only' offer for a half price stand when purchased with a $1999 or more TV. So I thought I would be cheeky and ask, because it was a $1999 TV, although admittedly I was only paying $1799. No problem came the reply. So to summarize I now have secured the on-line price ($200 less), the in store only offer on the stand ($200 saving). I said to the sales person that I really appreciated his help and time and that I was ready to buy it all from him.
Then let him down gently
He then said, “and of course you want the extended warranty as well?”. I said I would love the extended warranty because he explained all the benefits so clearly that I would be a fool not to take it. Unfortunately, I think I have already spent too much and would just like the TV and stand. Off he trotted to see the manager and comes back with (are you ready for this) a $200 discount off of the TV if I take the extended warranty (about $479 if I remember correctly). And I would be able to pay for the extended warranty, interest free at $12.99 a month.
I put my hand on my chin as if deep in thought and said well perhaps if I could have a year interest free on the TV instead of 6 months I could stretch to it? Off he went and came back with a, “no problem sir. Shall I do the paper work?” I replied, “Definitely you have been most helpful. I shall be writing to your manager to tell him so as well.” And in case you are wondering I did.
So just a little bit of thought and planning and I have got $600 off the store price and if you include the TV Stand $600 off the Internet price, a sales person to ring if I get stuck and the backing of a major high street retailer. And in case you think I am a “big meanie” let me point out that the sales person was chuffed to bits with the sale. He even phoned me after delivery to check I was happy with it. It was one of the big Plasma & LCD TV retail companies and who really cares about them? I am sure that on the same day they sold hundreds of TVs without any discount.
The moral of this story
If you are wondering I have had the repairman out twice in 6 months. I think the moral is to shop around, do your research, make a plan, buy were you are most comfortable and NEVER pay the asking price. Whenever you are in a TV store try and imagine it is an Egyptian Bazaar, and barter like mad.
