Saving Money on a TV

Tips for saving money when purchasing a TV as suggested by the ThriftyFun community.

Clearance Models

Keep an eye in Sunday fliers for clearance models. These can be discounted as much as 30 to 40%. This happens when big stores like best buy need to clear out their old models to make room for new. There are also clearance models that are returns or display models, but I prefer closeout, since the products are still in unopened boxes.

Floor Models and Returns

My friend told me to go to Best Buy and pick out a TV that I would consider purchasing. Of course I shopped lots of other places and had an idea of what I wanted and the price. I asked the salesperson if they had a returned item of the same TV I picked out. Yes, they did and it was over $100 cheaper because the little box door was missing on the front. I bought the one year warranty as anything that was wrong in 90 days could be returned for a NEW TV. I wound up paying much less for the TV with the warranty with a broken little box on the front that nobody would ever notice.

Sometimes you can get floor models for a lot cheaper also. If you live in a condo building, some people are always selling TV's and sometimes giving them away.

By LadyD

Buyer Beware, Even With A Warranty

A friend and his wife bought a big screen TV just less than a year ago. It is still under the manufacture warranty plus they purchased a 5 year extended plan. The TV went out. He was told it is due to a faulty bulb in the TV and the manufacturer is responsible for the repairs. The faulty bulbs were known by the company but they continued to sell the TV.

Now, he is fighting the store and the manufacturer to get their TV repaired. Buyer Beware. Do your research, compare what the salesman tells you, and use good judgment in deciding who is telling the truth. Ask other people if they are satisfied with their purchase.

Go to the Internet and check the list of recalls for TV's. Don't overspend by buying extra equipment you don't need. Check your sales papers for the best price and pick a store you trust and ask them to give you the lowest sale price.

By Linda

Check TV Repair Shops or Do Without

A friend got a large screen TV for very little by shopping at a TV repair shop. We stopped watching the tube 26 years ago. It's amazing how much more you can get done without that distraction. Cooking more nutritious meals, reading books, playing games. My husband enjoys "playing" in his garden in the cool of the evening. Not to mention the savings in electricity bills and gas bills.

By Coreen Hart

Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Discounts

This is a buyers market right now. Some of the big box stores are authorized to give a 10% discount but you have to say something like "I can get this cheaper somewhere else" or something like that. This is something that is not advertised but it's happening.

Also, check the internet. Shop around find the better deals from your home. When you make your decision, don't let a salesman change it for you. You know what and how much you want to spend. The salesman wants to add all the little frills which increases his commission.

Also, they will probably ask about an extended warranty. Read the fine print. Know what you are getting into before deciding on the extended warranty if you even want one. Most of the manufacturers are only giving out 1 year warranty on products so maybe an extended warranty is a good thing. But do your shopping first. Know what you want and how much you can afford and don't let the salesperson change your mind.

By DEBRADJ