Internet purchase of Big-Screen TV


Has anyone purchased a new big-screen TV from any of the internet dealers? Specifically, I'm looking to purchase one of the Pioneer PRO-series (610, 710) and there are several sources that are quoting pretty awesome prices on these models. I'd appreciate anybody's feedback that has made this same purchase and who they bought from. I'm also interested in hearing if anyone knows if Pioneer's warranty is valid through this kind of sale. Thanks, -Kirk
kthomas
If you are hoping for a better price on the net then you better factor in the shipping costs-After comparing prices on the net for a 32 tv my total costs were cheaper buying locally after factoring in shipping costs.
Thanks for all the feedback. The set I really want is the Pioneer PRO-610 which, unfortunately, is very pricey compared to competitive models from Mitsubishi and Sony. It can be had for about $4600 + shipping from a number of sources online, and seems to go for $5500-6000 if you just ask for a quote from a local dealer. I'm a bit worried about the scenario mentioned above - going through the local shop who has it shipped to them and then delivers it to me without opening it. The value-add doesn't seem to be there UNLESS there's a problem, in which case they'll likely have an interest in making me happy.

I did find a local dealer who is an authorized repair shop for the line, and their price ($6000 initial quote) includes delivery and fine tuning on-site. I'm probably going to work with them to get the differential down from the $1400 it is at initial quote - it's definitely worth 1/2 that to guarantee satisfaction, reward the local dealer, etc.

BTW, if anyone is unaware of www.pricescan.com, it's really great for finding the best online prices of a lot of electronics. Obviously, you don't find the high-end stuff there, but there's a lot of pretty-good stuff there, and they show price trends for specific products over time, etc. The graph of the PRO-610 shows when Pioneer obviously cut prices, and also supports that $6000 is at the upper end of the asking-price market for that set, a graph which I'll take with me to help negotiate a better price. -Kirk

Always check your local Costco's! 2 years ago, we bought a Phillips 60" for $10 less than our Phillips distributor buddy could get! Seeing a lot of Pioneer, Toshiba, Sony
Phillips, et al. high-def units lately. Also, Costco has a
no b.s. customer service policy. I've returned an 8 month
old Compaq PC, an air compressor I blew up, broken Gargoyle
sunglasses, even a digital camera after 4 mos. Selection varies store to store, and if you see a piece you want, do not "come back later" to get it. It won't be there.