A New TV... Finally

Making an electronics purchase is never easy for me. I tend to do a lot of research and then over think whether I really want to buy something before I actually do. For those who follow my blog, you know that my large TV decided it was time to take leave and go to TV heaven. Since that time, I’ve been looking at TV’s online and reading reviews... all in attempt to find that perfect TV at the best price.

The day after Thanksgiving, I made a trip to Circuit City with the intention of plopping down a huge chunk of change, and making some sales person a happy camper. I arrived at CC with flyer in hand – luckily I didn’t have any questions for the sales clerk because she really didn’t have a clue about the TV I wanted to purchase. I asked if they would honor competitor pricing... and they were going to. I also asked if I could use the 18 months no payments no interest promo they had going on. I got the green light on that, too. Then a manager came and told me that I could either have the promo -or- the price match, not both. I simply told them I’d be taking my business elsewhere... and they let a sale walk out the door. You’d think that 1) they’d want a large sale, 2) they’d want the financing business, and 3) they’d want a happy customer that would return. Apparently not.

Fast forward to last Friday night. I was surfing online at Best Buy and came across the same TV. Again, I read over the reviews and searched for the best price at competitors. I had found a much lower price at another brick & mortar store in NY (I am in Illinois), even with shipping. I’ve ordered at this other store plenty of times so I knew they were reputable. I printed out the ad and off to Best Buy I went. I was fully prepared to be disappointed again. I asked about price matching. The clerk took it to his manager and yes indeed they’d price match - I saved $200. Interestingly enough, another customer overheard my conversation with the clerk and came to ask if they’d price match from places online. I explained I was waiting to hear, and so he hung around until I found out. I imagine he went home and printed out competitor pricing, too. While waiting, I noticed the store had 6 months no interest financing, so I inquired about it. The clerk said I could use that, too! At this point I’m thinking to myself: “This is why I like shopping at Best Buy.” The clerk brings out the last TV in stock and the box is damaged. He assures me the TV could be returned if it didn’t work. After the clerk rings me up, he informs me that my promo is 18 months no interest financing. What a nice surprise! I love to take advantage of financing deals like that because I make sure to pay it off in less than the promo time and essentially I get to enjoy the purchase interest free and not have to take money out of my savings to do it.

The nice guy that he is, D came over and he hooked up the TV, DVD/VCR, and surround sound. I am electronically challenged if you didn’t know! The moment of truth came when we turned on the TV… Remember the damage on the box? It definitely caused a pretty design on the screen when the TV was turned on. Immediately, I called Best Buy and told them what happened. Apparently the truck had come in after my purchase and 5 more TVs were on it. They said I could bring it back for exchange. So, D and I drive 45 minutes to return the TV before the store closed. The electronics geeks in customer service were appalled at the fact the clerk sent me home without checking the TV first. Finally we were on our way... and got the TV home and hooked up. By that time, it was late and we ended up not watching any movies.

After all that drama, I suppose you’re wondering what TV I bought. It’s a Panasonic 32” LCD HDTV-enhanced flat screen. It barely weighs 40 lbs. and is only about 4” thick. I read lots of reviews about it and they were all good. Here’s what it looks like:





Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday to Me!