Buying Online

I know this thread doesn't really belong here, but I suppose it applies to Hi-fi aswell. I would have posted over at AV Forums, but their rules state you can't say good/bad things about various retailers.

Our TV went bang :toomuchtv last week so we're now in the market for a new one. The question is, what are various stores like for buying online?

I found a Sony TV that is £250 less online than it is on the high street through Empire Direct. Are they repuatble and do they offer good service ? Any other recommendations for where to buy ?

Cheers.

 

Batfink, I use www.leconcepts.com and they are generally cheaper than Empire Direct (who I've heard both good and bad things about). They do have a slow 48 hour turn around on e-mail queries though.

 

Hi, Yeah, I bought my DVD player from Empiredirect - I would definately use them again.

 

Why? You have been given a chance to rid your life of this scourge. Grasp it with both hands! You will be amazed how much richer your life will become without a TV. All those hours wasted watching worthless soap operas and quiz shows could be put to much better use. Be brave. After a week or two, you'll never want to go back.

Chris

 

^^ what he said

 

A mate of mine recently tried to buy some speakers from Empire Direct and they gave hime the right run around. After six weeks waiting and many excuses and promises they finally declared they didn't have any to sell him. Useless.

Then..... he had a mate (my mate's mate...) who wanted something AV so my mate thought - well I'll try Empire Direct just one more time as they're cheap and it's not me waiting this time...

and guess what?

they screwed it up again. After a month they declared they couldn't supply the stuff. Double useless.

A sample of only two but pretty good evidence of a shoddy setup.

and there ends the story.

 

Why not have a look on www.avforums.co.uk as there's loads of feedback on a variety sites ?

 

Re: Re: Buying Online

If it was up to me then that's probably what I'd do (except I enjoy watching DVDs). I'm in no hurry to get one, but SWMBO wants one ASAP so she doesn't miss her soaps etc!!!! If it was up to her though, she'd have a crappy Bush 21" TV, but since we must have one, we might as well do the job properly and get something that will be good for DVDs.

 

That's my excuse for having one. Damn thing is, i end up plonking down in front of it on a too regular basis, as she has it on all the time. Like flies to a turd:toomuchtv

 

Had some major problems when I bought mine online (the Sony scrolling bars fiasco for anybody who remembers). Since then only bought from the shop, got this one from Bainbrdge's in the Toon, I think they are part of John Lewis - the 5 year free no quibble warranty did it for me (TV has already been replaced once, after 15 months, no hassle at all, do not think I would have got that online). Some companies do price match internet stores if they have the item in stock, but for me I was happy to pay a bit extra for the piece of mind it brings.

 

Bought three things on separate occasions from Empire Direct. Hassle free each time and faster than expected delivery. Would use again without hesitation.

Dave

 

Large or small ?

I've never bought anything as big or expensive online before.

 

Each less than £100!

If you want 'risk free' shopping go into your local specialist TV shop and pay the premium

Most expensive thing I bought online was a £9000 Saab 95 ... off e-bay!!!! No regrets. You're doing your homework and when satisfied make your choice. I've literally saved thousands online: via shopping around or ebay.

I would buy a TV from Empire no problem ... but you could have a bad experience! With these massive online retailers it's luck of the draw unfortunately.

Check out ebay if you want a real bargain, but be sensible.

Best of luck

Dave

 

I've used Empire on one occasion and it all went according to plan, however I have also heard some horror stories. My experience is that it's better to shop around and find a smaller and more personal outfit; whenever I've done this, the service has been excellent.

However, I would also question the need for a TV. The rubbish they put on is unbelievable. ITV might as well not exist, the BBC has become one long advert for itself, and Channel Four has gone right down the toilet. Having said that, life was definitely a tad brighter while Six Feet Under was on.

 

I agree completely. If I could, I would buy a 'monitor' (plasma or such like) so I can still enjoy my DVDs, but not have to put up with the daily soap fest. Unfortunately, that side of the decision is out of my hands.....only other solution would be to kick SWMBO out!

 

My brother ordered a TV from Empire direct and it arrived OK, except I had to drive over and help him get it into the house.

The next day the courier turned up with a second TV that he didn't order. He refused to take collection and did eventually get a refund on the second TV.

and no it wasn't a 'pressing the buy button twice' mistake. Empire messed up.

Have you used Pricerunner it's quite good if you just want an easy no hassle price comparison.