Is it cheaper to purchase electronics online than in-store?

basilmarket.com forums : Tech Talk | 8 posts archived

thread starter IrksomeOne Jun 28 2010 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

All of my friends are ordering their electronics, like their laptops, online. Is it cheaper than going to the store and walking out with a purchased laptop? I've been shopping in stores my whole life, have I been getting ripped off?

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ShiroNoYami 06/28/10 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

Depends on the store.

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azn011 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

From what I see, retail stores typically offer the same prices as an online store. (if you know where to look) However with an online site, you can more easily spot the deals, specials and combos. You can also find a larger variety of products online. The downside being, paying for shipping.

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bigboychik45 06/28/10 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

Depends. It's really too basic of a question to answer. Of course, you can find secondhand electronics on eBay for way less than retail, or you can save a few bucks on sites like Amazon or Newegg. But please specifiy.

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x1king1x 06/28/10 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

Only if shipping is free :D

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BobR 06/29/10 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

Also it depends on the product you're interested in. With things like brand-name laptops it may be hard to find them at much of a discount anywhere. With some products though, the far lower "overhead" of an online retailer allows them to sell for considerably less than a "brick and mortar" store that has to pay for lights, security, local advertising, and things like that not to mention a store full of employees that have to be paid whether someone walks in off the street and buys something or not. All those expenses have to be worked into their retail prices to keep the business afloat. Online retailers have to pay for a web site. And yes, the key is paying attention to the shipping cost.

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CTBlack 06/29/10 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

Also if shipping charge is free, beware of the "broker fee" charge if you don't live in the same country as the place of sale.

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Yowza 06/30/10 + PM | QUOTE | PERMALINK | REPORT

The online sales may have some special offers.

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