8 Replies Latest reply: Oct 14, 2008 6:16 AM by (Bob_Doseck) RSS

    Plasma TV from online dealer?

    Spoot51 Community Member
      I need to buy a new tv to watch all the stuff I create with PPro (lol).

      I'm not looking for brand recommendations or technical advice, but I would be very interested to hear about experiences with online companies. I've bought lots of expensive stuff without problem over the years, but never a 65" plasma tv that weighs 180lbs and needs to be shipped by a freight company. Most of the places that sell them seem to be warehouses in Brooklyn (no joke).

      Tell me the horror stories or the good stuff because the model I want is $2000 less online than in my fine town of Scottsdale!

      Do I risk $4000 on my credit card and hope they are honorable or do I go into debt for the next 5 years??
        • 1. Re: Plasma TV from online dealer?
          JSS1138 CommunityMVP
          B&H in Manhattan is a very reputable company. I imagine there must be others.
          • 2. Re: Plasma TV from online dealer?
            John T Smith CommunityMVP
            I've never bought a TV online, but I will agree with JS that B&H is a good company... lots of their equipment comes through my mailroom where I work (a University with an audio/video class)
            • 3. Re: Plasma TV from online dealer?
              Curt Wrigley Community Member
              I shopped brick and mortor stores for the set I wanted (so you can see the thing), read all the reviews and recomendations on hdtv forums, then found the best price online at amazon.com believe it or not. they are reputable and it was delivered and setup as advertised. The guys unboxed it, turned it on and made sure it worked before taking off.

              Curt
              • 4. Re: Plasma TV from online dealer?
                Spoot51 Community Member
                Yes, B&H is pretty good. I even returned an expensive telephoto due to non-functioning IS and they sent a new one right away with no questions asked. They are one reason I am not afraid of purchasing high end stuff online.

                However,cameras, lenses and HDV cameras are one thing. A 180lb custom freighted plasma tv is another. I may be asking for trouble, but it's probably worth the risk to ship from an unknown (to me) place because the price is $2000 cheaper than buying at a store here in AZ. I had no idea these bricks and mortar retailers had such markup! $2000 is 30% and it's more than a car dealer gets on a $50000 vehicle!

                Anyone hear of TAAFFE CAMERA or PROJECTOR EXPORT, both of which are warehouse outfits in NY?
                • 5. Re: Plasma TV from online dealer?
                  JSS1138 CommunityMVP
                  I'd maybe skip them. Their are a few red flags when I look at their site. No address or email listed on the Contact page. Only 48 hours to request an RMA if something is wrong. Many products will have to go through the manufacturer for returns. (This one has me confused, as it was my understanding that NY Law required any retailer to accept for refund of return any item within 7 business days. But whether that's the law or not, it certainly is normal practice for a reputable retailer.) They charge a 15% restocking fee for returns and a 15% cancellation fee on canceled orders. (Another shady business practice, which should be illegal.)
                  • 6. Re: Plasma TV from online dealer?
                    Phil Griffith Community Member
                    Some may be concerned of the shipping such a large item to their home. However, how do you think the merchant gets it? And I would assume that if you had problem down the road, you could get local service thru warranty?
                    • 8. Re: Plasma TV from online dealer?
                      Community Member
                      Purchasing your plasma tv online can save you a lot of money, however, just like everything else in life, you have to use common sense. If a deal appears too good to be true, it probably is. I would also agree with the post above and say to skip over them if you cannot find an address and phone number. I would also look at Reseller Ratings on the company you are interested in. I hope you get a good deal and enjoy your new TV!

                      Bob Doseck
                      Plasma Concepts