Internet purchase of Big-Screen TV

The warranty will be valid if the dealer is authorized. Call Pioneer and ask. Two things to keep in mind though...

1) Freight costs. That is a BIG freakin' box! The freight costs may eat up a good percentage of the savings over buying closer to home. Make sure you get the costs in writing and that it includes insurance for full replacement value. Also, the freight will probably be a drop and run type. You'll be responsible for unboxing, moving and hooking it up. If you aren't comfortable doing this, buy local. Also make absolutely certain you thoroughly inspect the box when you get it to make sure there is no damage. If you are unsure, don't even think of signing unless the freight company is willing to let you open and inspect.

2) If you have problems, you are likely hosed. The set WILL need an alignment after being banged around that much...but if the set has a technical problem, you will likely have to pay for return freight AND replacement freight. Bye Bye savings. This is one reason I don't sell big screens online...it is just not worth it.

Kevin Enderle
The Sound Broker

Kevin pretty much summed up my feelings on the subject. Too many variables on a large product that IS "shake, rattle & roll" sensitive. If you DO decide to go that route, find out from the MANUFACTURER's mouth what the warranty is and EXACTLY how it would work. DON'T just take the dealers' word, as they could go out of business and you would be left hanging. Sean
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A friend in Massachusetts purchased a 65 inch Toshiba Big Screen TV from Onecall.com which I believe is on the opposite coast in Washington. Has been very pleased with the deal he got. The TV came by commerical freight.

If you are concerned about damage during shipping, remember that the unit you buy in the store was shipped there, and the store most likely has not opened the box before selling it to you.

Also, many stores require the purchaser to contact the manufacturer for warranty service, even if the unit was just bought. And, if the set is out of alignment, this may be hard to prove.

But, having said that, many dealers will honor competing prices, even from the internet. I purchased a SONY TV from a nearby dealer after giving them a competing price from a web. They matched it within $20 which was close enought for me.

If you are hoping for a better price on the net then you better factor in the shipping costs-After comparing prices on the net for a 32 tv my total costs were cheaper buying locally after factoring in shipping costs.