To Buy online or in a store

Advantages and disadvantages. What must be crystal clear before you buy a Home Entertainment system.

It shouldn’t matter where you buy, as long as you get what you want, at the price you think is fair. However, it will. Purchasing from a local or regional retail store gives you the advantage of being able to inspect your product. Usually when they deliver it - which is the same experience you get from an online merchant when they deliver. But it’s difficult to have a relationship with an order taker on the phone who is there to move VOLUME, VOLUME, VOLUME. Does the order taker even have product knowledge, or a spec sheet? Conversely, your local retailer can recognize you as a valued customer who he wants to retain.

1) Be sure you understand all the terms which apply. Especially warranties and return policies. This is critical! Get them in writing. WHo pays for shipping BACK if a return? 

2) Is there a “restocking fee” if you are dissatisfied? Or full refund for credit? And how quickly will that refund be posted?

3) If your on line retailer simply drop-ships, and you have a problem, you may be out return shipping to a repair depot. And if the seller isn’t authorized, you might not be covered under manufacturer’s warranty AT ALL (hint: check with the MANUFACTURER – don’t just take the on-line salesman’s word for it! VERY important)

4) Check to see if your on-line retailer has a physical address, or simply a PO Box. Avoid PO boxes. Avoid foreign addresses. Beware reviews of gear on the seller’s site. He might write and post his own reviews in quantity ti help sell his stock.

However, since an online merchant can avoid the expense of the store itself, you might find better prices there. And since they have far more buying power, again, you might find better prices. Big Box retailers also benefit from huge volume purchases.

5) Save boxes and all packing. Returns must be put back together perfectly.

6) Save all paperwork