View Full Version : Delivery from local store - versus online sources.
RyanK
09-25-2003, 07:24 PM
In shopping around for Rear projection HDTVs, I’m finding that there are online sources that sell these things for FAR cheaper than the local stores I have been visiting. (Best Buy, Circuit City, Sears.)
Just how practical is cross-country delivery from online sources? I can’t say I’ve ever seen the postman or the FedEx guy delivering things as large as projection televisions. Nor can I imagine those same guys helping me get such a large parcel up my front steps and into my living room.
Is there a lot more trouble involved in such delivery – as compared to having a local store do it? Or am I just being paranoid?
There should be no more "trouble" with an online delivery - usually two guys bring the set. The only issue may be service, which you may be able to get easier from a brick & morter store.
A smaller B&M store may also assist with setup, etc.
RyanK
09-26-2003, 06:48 PM
That’s good to know. However, I don’t understand how that would be possible. Let’s take “onecall.com” for example – I think they’re on the other side of the continent from me. Do they have local warehouses? Or perhaps a network of local dealers that they pass the sale along to? Or are online companies such as OneCall really just another front for a common B & M chain?
Or do two guys in a truck drive my projection television across the country and to my front door? :)
Don't know how it works, you have to ask the on-line store. There is not a lot of difference between taking a TV from where it's assembled/made, driving it to a local warehouse and then delivering it from that warehouse, to doing it all in one step, except a couple of days time.
kevinw
09-26-2003, 08:18 PM
If you bought from an online more than likely it will be delivered by a local delivery service. Generally the TV will be shipped from the manufacturer to to a breakbulk. A breakbulk is local warehouse that a truck load is seperated for delivery to your home by a couple of guys.
Just like the big stores have. CC,BB etc have the products shipped truck load to there own warehouse vs a Roadway or other LTL or distribution center.
Don Davison
03-23-2005, 09:00 PM
I ordered mine online and it worked out great. However if you want to return it probably not as easy since you got to ship it out of state instead of take it down to the local store. I found a better selection of newer models online, alot of the tvs in stores are older models.
flyonthewall
03-24-2005, 12:41 PM
I bought my tv via amazon. I live in MA and it came from a NJ warehouse. I think it was air freight to MA and then delivered by local company. No problems. And it was much cheaper than brick & mortars store - not to mention no tax. I wouldn't hesitate to do it again.
humdinger70
03-24-2005, 01:39 PM
Do these delivery people just bring the TV to the house - leaving you to move it to the correct position and setting it up?
...or, do they handle the whole thing - delivery, installation, hook-up?
kevinw
03-24-2005, 01:57 PM
I bought my tv via amazon. I live in MA and it came from a NJ warehouse. I think it was air freight to MA and then delivered by local company. No problems. And it was much cheaper than brick & mortars store - not to mention no tax. I wouldn't hesitate to do it again.
No it was shipped by truck.. Air freight is to exspensive and the TV to bulky..
I like said earlier, rarely does an online vendor have a warehouse. They dropship from the manufacturer to your home. Generaly in as a LTL shipment.
kevinw
03-24-2005, 01:58 PM
Do these delivery people just bring the TV to the house - leaving you to move it to the correct position and setting it up?
...or, do they handle the whole thing - delivery, installation, hook-up?
All depends.. basic is to your door. Companies that offer "WhiteGlove" service bring it on in and put it in its place. I do not think any actually plug in your equipmnet to the TV.
flyonthewall
03-24-2005, 01:58 PM
Do these delivery people just bring the TV to the house - leaving you to move it to the correct position and setting it up?
...or, do they handle the whole thing - delivery, installation, hook-up?
It probably varies, but in the case of amazon they will bring it in and put it wherever you want. They are supposed to plug it in and make sure it works before you sign off on receipt. Not very practical as at that point you probably do not have your cable or sat or whatever all there just waiting to connect. But I guess you can at least make sure it powers up. Maybe connect directly to antenna or cable to check basic stuff.
videobruce
07-08-2005, 04:51 PM
Just be sure, VERY sure there is a repair station in your area if you buy mail-order! Extended warrenty or not, it doesn't do any good if no one services the set in your area!
bigbw
07-09-2005, 10:57 AM
I bought on line from crutchfield and the price included delivery inside my house, unpacking and setup on my stand. Couple of suggestions though.. Check the return policy.. some places like onecall will not accept returns unless the set is defective out of the box and I would definitly keep the box and packing material for a while.. If the online store does accept returns, you will need it if you decide to return the set.. Crutchfield does accept returns, but at your cost..
rankin
08-26-2005, 12:48 PM
In shopping around for Rear projection HDTVs, I’m finding that there are online sources that sell these things for FAR cheaper than the local stores I have been visiting. (Best Buy, Circuit City, Sears.)
Just how practical is cross-country delivery from online sources? I can’t say I’ve ever seen the postman or the FedEx guy delivering things as large as projection televisions. Nor can I imagine those same guys helping me get such a large parcel up my front steps and into my living room.
Is there a lot more trouble involved in such delivery – as compared to having a local store do it? Or am I just being paranoid?
Beware, I'm dealing w/an issue now w/plasmawholesale in that I received a 61" dlp tv from them that had internal damange and is not covered by warrenty. Since they are not local, they are not inclinded to handle the situation at all. I wish I had paid the extra and bought locally.
pikers
08-28-2005, 03:01 AM
Don't know how it works, you have to ask the on-line store. There is not a lot of difference between taking a TV from where it's assembled/made, driving it to a local warehouse and then delivering it from that warehouse, to doing it all in one step, except a couple of days time.
There may be territorial issues, whereby purchasing a product from out of region may void the warranty due to grey marketeering.
Check with the manufacturer, NOT the e-seller. :mic:
