HDGuru has an amazing article to make sure that you don’t spend more than you have to when you’re in the market for an HDTV.
The way you approach it is very similar to the way that you’d go into a car dealership.
- Do you research first – you’ll know as much as the people at the stores so going to them for information isn’t going to be as good as if you were to start searching for models and then hitting up forums to see what people have to say about them.
- See it in person – Now that you’ve decided what model you want, make sure that you get to see it up close and personal. Make sure to confirm all the information that you were provided during your research. Does it really have 4 HDMI inputs? Are the speakers as good as you need? What about the black levels?
- Leave – Wherever you are, you’ll be tempted to want to close the deal, but make sure you leave so that you can do research #2.
- Research #2 (Price) – Let’s be honest. No one wants to pay top dollar for electronics when we all know that prices are heading down. Check your local store circular for promotions. Sites like Salescircular.com are great for looking up local deals without having to leave your house. If you’re more comfortable with getting it delivered from an online store, just be warned that a lot can happen from their warehouse to your home. Also many times online stores make their profit on their shipping costs.
- Buy! – That’s right. You deserve it! Make sure that you bring your research with you to show that you know how much you can get it for, but want to see what they can do. If they say they can’t do anything, let them know that you’re sure that another store (Circuit City, PC Richards, Best Buy, HHGregg) would match it but you wanted to go there first. You’d be surprised at what you get if you only ask for it.
- Stay Smart – I wanted to make sure I included this since it’s easy to figure that you need to buy fancy cables and mounts and screen wipes while your there. Buy it online; it’ll be cheaper MUCH cheaper.
Shop wisely. And when you need a lamp – you know where to go.
Other Must-Read Articles
