Overall Findings
Both shopping methods provide advantages and disadvantages. Buying online gives you more payment options (although you can’t use cash), but it doesn’t let you see your options in person. Hopping between websites takes less time and effort than driving to different stores, and you have more choices of makes and models. If you need your new TV as soon as possible, it’s better to go to a store where you can bring it home on the same day without waiting for shipping. However, by transporting it yourself, you may introduce more risks in case of damage. Both options will get you a new TV, but your specific needs at the time you’re buying will determine which option is right for you.
Quick Delivery: Skip the Internet
To buy online, you’ll need a credit card, PayPal account, checking account, or some sort of online financing option. You’ll also have to wait for the TV to ship to you, although an increasing number of online retailers deliver within days. You also face the possibility of your TV suffering damage during shipping, which will add a delay while you return the broken one and wait for a replacement. This option is still preferable to a TV you mess up while transporting yourself, however, since you’ll have to pay the retail price (again) to get a new one. But retail is the easiest place to purchase products if you have cash. All you need is a way to get there, and a means to take the item home.
Product Selection and Availability: Stay at Home
When you shop online, every make and model is at your fingertips without having to drive miles to find it. Don’t see your television at a store? Surf to another. The only drawback is you can’t test the product beforehand unless you find it at a retail store near you. However, you can read product reviews, user opinions, and manufacturer specs with minimal exertion. Most reputable sites make aware of the availability of each item. With retail, you’re limited to only the products a store sells at the local level, but you can test a television in-person before buying it. Depending on the store size, selection may be limited, but availability is certain.
Base Price: Physical Stores May Cost More Money
Generally, online sellers feature lower prices because they don’t have the overhead of renting a pad in a mall, high electric bills, and a staff of salespeople. Discount codes could save more money. To compete with online purchasing, however, retail outlets are slashing prices all around. In-store discount prices might get as low as some online sellers. Also, many retail outlets resell returned items for lower prices.
Taxes and Shipping: Online Convenience May Cost More
Depending on where you live and which website you buy from, you might not have to pay sales tax. Shipping might be a different story. Some stores don’t charge shipping while others do, which might drive the final cost of the television up several hundred dollars. You will pay local sales tax at a retail outlet, and there won’t be any shipping charges. However, most stores charge a fee to deliver a television (if you choose) or offer free delivery. If they charge for delivery, try to get the fee waived.
Customer Service and Warranty: Easier in Person
While most online retailers excel in servicing the customer, due diligence is necessary. Read user opinions before buying. At times, consumers are charged restocking fees, have to pay for shipping if sending the item to be fixed through warranty, or buy the item with a no return clause in the sale. With some warranties, the consumer will get a replacement model temporarily or permanently, depending on the issue. With a receipt, modern retail outlets are easy to deal with when returning, exchanging, and using the warranty. Customer service is usually driven to retain your business by any means necessary, even if it means taking a loss. To be on the safe side, read their return or exchange policy before buying.
Security: Use Common Sense
Most online retailers use 128-bit encryption and are as secure as banking sites. There’s a risk, but no more than buying in a store. Read user opinions, check their security license, and you’ll be fine. What’s written for online security goes for retail security. For the most part, your information will remain private, but there’s always the rare case of identity theft at some level.
Final Verdict
Buy online if you are looking for the best possible deal. Even with shipping charges, most online prices are lower. While retail can’t compete across the board with prices, it has an advantage in customer service. If meeting the salesperson, feeling a sense of community, security, and knowing you can walk into the store at any time is important then you should buy at a retail outlet. Where to purchase is as important as what to purchase. Before buying, be sure to read the fine print, do a little research on the company you plan on buying from, and everything should be all right.
