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I love watching consumer watchdog shows that reveal the truth and hidden secrets about items in the marketplace. Last night on CBC’s Marketplace, they were knocking electronic retailers such as Best Buy and Future Shop, in ripping off HDTV buyers. They said because HDTV prices are coming down, competition among electronic retailers are heating up. Big profits are not in HDTV any more so they have to use tactics in “packing the deal” to make up for lost profits.
The key to not getting ripped off is by doing your homework before entering the store. Know exactly what you’re looking for, how much you’re willing to pay and stay on course. Don’t waver when a salesperson tries to sell you more than you need.
Things to watch out for:
• Extended Warranties
• Home Installation
• Service Calls
• Expensive Cables
• Unnecessary Accessories
The show continues to compare a $12 cable obtained online to Monster cables costing upward of $250. They conducted tests and couldn’t see a difference. Buyers were paying anywhere between $100 to $500 on top of their HDTV purchases.
Retail stores feeling the pinch will often try to sell you additional cables to you. Most dvd players come with standard RCA audio and video cables and sometimes, an optical cable. HDTV and plasma panels do not include the HDMI or HDTV cables but as you can see from various offers on our website, you can pick up a pair for less than $12 since this program was aired.
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