How and Where to Buy a Projector
By Phil Conner
Copyright © 2003 projectorbuyingguide.com
All Rights Reserved.
3/10/03
There are basically two options available to the consumer or commercial concern wanting to purchase one of the above listed products, retail store locations and online stores.
Brick and Mortar Retailers
Typically retail stores have a very limited selection of Projector's. They do not like to carry an inventory of such expensive products, which, to them are not proven sellers. Another drawback is that they tend to side with one manufacturer over another based not on the merits of the product but instead on which manufacturer is giving the best spiffs, or getting them the product. Next, prices are high at levels between MAP (minimum advertised price) and list price. The retail stores I visit normally have and promote two brands of plasma/LCD monitors/TVs. These are the brands they carry and they really do not want to carry more or do proper comparisons of the product, choosing instead to just rehash whatever the manufacturers tell them.
Sales staff are typically poorly trained on the product in most retail locations. The store just sets the product up for display and that's it. Another negative is that brick and mortar retailers are only able to carry the consumer version of products. This inhibits product selection and availability since broadcast/commercial models (likely to be the same or similar product with a different model number) from manufacturers will normally ship first because they are designated for corporate and government orders. On the positive side, the brick and mortar retailers are almost always dealer authorized-, which means that consumers will have the manufacturer's warranty in tact. Defective products are easily returnable as well.
Online Web Dealers
There is a wide chasm in the quality of dealers online. Much can be ascertained by the professionalism of the web site, the depth and breadth of information given, and the overall appearance and usability. Personally, I would not order a product this large without speaking with someone on the phone first. A toll free number should be provided. The following is a little guide as to how I suggest you narrow your choices:
The following is a little guide as to how I suggest you narrow your choices:
Address Information - I always check for the physical address of an online company from which I am seriously considering ordering. No P.O. boxes. No international addresses (Canada included). No New York addresses. I might even go as far as verifying the address information with the Better Business Bureau (if the BBB insignia is posted on the web site). Reason? If I have a conflict I can get to them with certified mail, FedEx, or a law suit if need be. If a company is trying to hide this information I would not purchase from them.
New York
I have never had a positive experience when ordering from an electronics company in this area through the Internet. The area has a bad reputation for selling gray market products (products having the same model numbers but not designated for sales in the U.S. and therefore not having the applicable U.S. manufacturer's warranty). Secondly, the salespeople are often selling you a box and understand little about the product (if there is a problem with the product or order who are you going to call?). Thirdly, the shops are often not dealer authorized though they will swear they are. Fourth, they sometimes ship B-stock (manufacturer repackaged) merchandise rather than new products. They rarely actually stock the product and may be a sort of electronics clearing house. Many times they advertise the cheapest price then charge exorbitant amounts for shipping or bogus extended warranties. This is just one person's honest opinion, but I would not order a big-ticket item over the Internet from a New York e-tailer.
Free Shipping Can be a Negative
I know that the company is paying for shipping - so they must be making up my free shipping somewhere else. Also, if they are shipping it for free then they must be shipping it as cheaply as possible, which is fine for a book. However, with a projector shipping via the cheapest method possible could cause major headaches and hassles down the road when I get my broken screen. I expect to have to pay reasonable shipping prices. After all, I'm saving all that money on sales tax if I buy from out of state.
Warranty
Ask an Internet dealer what the standard warranty policy is. They should give a month guaranteed replacement policy for defective units. Most Internet dealers drop ship the product from distributors. They really have no control over the returns or replacement process, and as a result a customer could end up having to ship the defective unit to a repair center even though it was a new purchase. Try to purchase from a dealer that buys direct from the manufacturer and stocks the inventory.
Yahoo, Lycos or Ebay Internet Stores -(You will know the look of the site because they always look similar). These are examples of Internet dealers that just drop ship from distributors. They have no control over the process of shipping, replacing, repairing, or taking back defective merchandise.
Remember: There is only so much protection your credit card gives you. The policies of the dealer must be observed in the credit card purchasing process.
Extended Warranties
A quality etailer will sell a quality extended warranty from a well known brand. After an extended warranty is purchased it is out of the dealer's hands. Beware of "fly by night" extended warranty companies - if they go out of business so goes your warranty.
Physical Warehouse
I would ask the customer representative at the online dealer if they have a physical warehouse - if they stock the products they sell. Many companies will claim to have a physical location but are truly working out of an apartment or house with little to no control over the process once the transaction has been made. Ask them if you can visit the showroom or store location where they stock the product.
Corporate Clients
I like customer references/reviews and corporate client listings. If a company is selling to corporations and government then I feel they must have their act together somewhat. It's reassuring.
Yahoo, Lycos or Ebay Internet Stores
These are examples of Internet dealers that just drop ship from distributors. They have no control over the process of shipping, replacing, repairing, or taking back defective merchandise.
Major Turn Offs on Web Sites
- Flashing or gimmicky graphics are annoying and unprofessional.
- Web retailers that are trying to sell EVERYTHING - too many products means not enough specific knowledge.
- Web companies that have non-related products on their web site.
- P.O. Box - If a P.O. Box is given as the address for the company I would not bother with them at all. The P.O. Box means that they don't want for you to be able to find them if something goes wrong. I look for a physical address before ordering.
Policies
Make sure you can access the policies on the dealer web site with regard to returns and every other aspect of the transaction.
Tech Support
Ask the company representative you speak with some specific questions about the product before ordering. Make sure they can give you some after-purchase technical assistance and guide you in the purchase of accessories.
Advice
Look for knowledgeable, unbiased advice on which products may best suite your needs.
Generally, you are looking for a well established, specialized dealer who will give you a good price AND good service/ support. The better the etailer knows its products the smoother the ordering process will be.
You will find the best prices online for sure. There is also good customer service to be found there as well, but use this guide to cut down the possibility of a bad online ordering experience.
