Online your best bet when buying electronics

Advice from a super shopper
My friend Edgar Dworsky runs the Web site ConsumerWorld.org. I don’t know a more frugal shopper on the planet. No matter where he shops, he always takes the time to read both professional reviews and customer reviews. He finds customer feedback especially important.

“It’s as if your next door neighbor has the thing you’re thinking of buying,” Dworsky says. “You get to find out their opinions before you buy.” 

Dworsky admits some of these reviews might be from people who don’t know what they’re talking about, but he says if you see the same problem listed in comment after comment, you know it’s a genuine issue.

What’s the return policy?
Before you buy anything, check the store’s return policy. That’s especially important when making your purchase online. Return polices vary greatly. For instance, Costco has a very liberal policy. Except for computers, there is no time limit for bringing something back. Costco even lets you return an online purchase to their warehouse stores, which saves you on shipping charges.

On the other hand, buydig.com has a very limited return policy. Once the box is opened, you cannot return any DVD player, recorder, scanner, cell phone, fax machine, printer, receiver, or TV. Some video products cannot be returned even if they are defective. Instead, buydig.com says “they must be repaired by a service center of the manufacturer in your area.”

For items buydig.com will take back, you only have a 10-day window from the time you receive it. You must send the merchandise back in its original factory box, including all packing material. You even need to return the blister packaging, if there is any, even if it’s been opened.

Remember, most retailers – online and off – will charge you a restocking fee of up to 20 percent if the box has been opened, unless the product is defective.

Rebates
Rebates are a pain, but they’re part of the game if you’re looking for the best price. Some retailers make it a lot easier to get your money.

Staples, Costco and CompUSA let you apply for rebates online; just fill out the form. You don’t have to clip the UPC code or mail in the sales receipt.

Extended warranties
Consumer Reports has long advised against buying an extended warranty for most electronic items. The editors say they're almost always “a waste of money” because today's products are so reliable.

“They may provide you peace of mind, which may be worth it to you," Electronics Editor Paul Reynolds says. "But as a financial investment they're very unlikely to pay off."

The one exception is rear-projection microdisplay TVs. The editors say you should consider an extended warranty if you buy one of these sets, because their repair rate is three times higher than picture tube or flat-panel TVs.

Remember, the price of an extended warranty is negotiable and you don’t have to buy on the spot. If you decide to purchase this extra protection, don’t pay more than 15 percent of the item’s price.

Here’s what I do – I use a credit card that doubles the manufacturer’s warranty at no extra charge.

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