for instance, a stereo or second TV...do you do all kinds of research, or do you just go to your favorite store and pick out the one you like best? Do you ever purchase the extra warranty?
2007-10-17 08:01:24 · 22 answers · asked by Lady G 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Senior Citizens
I research big ticket items. I might even buy an issue of Consumer Reports.
I never purchase extended warrenties. If I can't afford repairs and maintainence then I don't buy the item.
I use specialty magazines and websites; for example PC Magazine for computers.
I use these two sites frequently:
ConsumerSearch
http://www.consumersearch.com/
Yahoo Shopping, Consumer Reports
http://shopping.yahoo.com/premium/consumerreports/welcomeback.html;_ylt=AvhNkGlAeU8NDEkvc_zVxKkEgFoB;_ylu=X3oDMTBrdWZwYml0BF9zAzc4NDcxNTk1MARzZWMDdXJs
2007-10-17 08:17:43 · answer #1 · answered by ? 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If it's something I have purchased throughout my life, like a TV or video/CD player, I just go to the store that has the best price on the brand I want.
If it's something I know little about - like digital cameras - I research, research, research and ask a lot of questions. Then I shop around on the web to see the average prices...
Last stop is a coupla stores like Circuit City or Best Buy and pick their brains.
The only time I have ever purchased an extra warranty is on my current desk top and my new laptop.
I figure if Panasonic can't make a TV that lasts 5 - 8 years or more, I wouldn't buy it in the first place. I have only had 3 TV's in the last 25 years - all Panasonic. Same with telephones..... No need to research - just shop for price.
2007-10-17 19:24:28 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I sometimes do the research. I'm getting better about doing that
Maybe it's the Library job :) I did buy the extended warranty on my refrigerator and it has come in handy. The ice maker breaks regularly. Sears replaced a refrierator for me that I had purchased at another store, but they sold me an extended warranty when they came out to repair it. I only bought it because it was the less expensive than the repair trip would have been without the warranty. That time it was worth it. I don't buy them with a new item, though. Seems silly. I do the research if it's a car, but a second television tends to fall in the "whatever's on sale" category. I don't watch much tv and we've had really good luck with inexpensive ones.
2007-10-17 19:14:49 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I definitely do some research. I'm looking for something that's a good value, has the features I want (or may want), is going to last, and performs well.
I've never been disappointed when buying something that received a high rating from Consumer Reports.
The extra warranty is a waste of money. For most things, the failure rate follows what is called a "bathtub" curve. The first year (which is covered by the manufacturer's warranty) is when a failure is most likely, if it's going to fail. The balance of the life is safe, then the failures rise towards the end of the product's life (when not even an extended warranty would protect you).
2007-10-17 15:15:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I check out what might be on sale. I never get the extra warranty. It's a waste of money. I pretty well know what the good brands are. I don't do to much research. I will consider recommendations from friends.
2007-10-17 20:50:15 · answer #5 · answered by curious connie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't ever purchase the extra warranty, most consumer experts say they are a waste.
As far as doing research I ask some one who has already done it. In my circle of family or friends someone is always looking for something. In the rare case they haven't I put my daughter on it.
2007-10-17 15:42:25 · answer #6 · answered by doxie 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I do shop around. Everything i have purchased from Best Buy was not good. A TV that was new, had to be taken back, no picture, a dishwasher worked ONCE and the motor blew, the self cleaning stove the bottom element burned out after 7 months. I will shop elsewhere from now on
2007-10-17 18:26:59 · answer #7 · answered by slk29406 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
We research first. Especially computers. TV's not so much as we don't go in for large HD types. Funny you ask this as we bought 2 identical TV's 3 yrs. ago one was for my father in law. He passed and we brought it home. It conked out yesterday. No extended warranty. I am used to washers lasting 10 yrs. The last one hubby bought lasted 3 yrs. again no warranty. I have as a single parent bought $50 washers that lasted 10 yrs. Is the day of disposalble everything?
2007-10-17 15:53:34 · answer #8 · answered by Southern Comfort 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Just go to the store and pick one out. Never purchase the warranty.
2007-10-17 19:07:40 · answer #9 · answered by Ruth 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I do a lot of looking around at stores and on the internet.. With something that expensive I want to make sure I get exactly what I want rather than buy something and have second thoughts. I will also pay a little more for quality to make sure I don't get what I pay for buying it a little cheaper. Sometimes I do buy extended warrantees. It kinda depends on what the item is and how much spare money I have in my wallet
2007-10-17 15:23:55 · answer #10 · answered by Media Man 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋