I agree they should do that because there is no need to talk about costco return policy.
Moderator, would you consider opening a seperate thread for Costco Warrenty discussion so this thread could return to a meanful diverse discusson per the thread title?

I agree they should do that because there is no need to talk about costco return policy.

Dozens of inquiring minds disagree with you. In fact, it's probably the most relevant issue when considering buying at Costco.

I am not going to post any numbers against forum rules, but here is my predicament.

I went to Circuit City website page at

http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/lookLearn.do?cat=-13318&edOid=105471&c=1

It clearly states that as long as a local retailer has an advertised price (with the equipment in stock) that is lower than Circuit City's price, Circuit City will match it 110% (meaning 10% less than the competitor's lower price). I don't see any fine print or manager's discretion here.

I am in the market for a big screen TV. I noticed that another local large store has a sale paper that advertised a specific price that is lower by a large amount compared to what Circuit City is charging.

I took the sale paper and the manager at Circuit City refused to price match. He said that the policy is at his discretion.

What should I do? I could just buy from the other retailer. But, I was hoping to get the 110% guarantee and get a lower price and take advantage of the 18 month same as cash deal that CC has now.

The Circuit City that I visited was in Independence, Missouri (Kansas City Metro)
The other big box retailer is Nebraska Furniture Mart in Kansas City, Kansas (KC Metro also).

Please advise.

[QUOTE=chuckvb]Moderator, would you consider opening a seperate thread for Costco Warrenty discussion so this thread could return to a meanful diverse discusson per the thread title?[/QUOte//

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


I really see nothing to discuss. Perhaps, one day, the warranty policy will change. No one knows the future. But, until that happens..the policy now in affect (and has been for years) is straighforward. You all know the policy as well as I do. As I have said, what is there really to discuss? A continuation of this idle chatter seems to confuse newcomers to this forum. I see no valid reason for doing this. If you buy an item from Costco today or tomorrow, you are covered with best warranty in industry Period.
It serves no purpose to discuss what may happen in future. I doubt, at this point, Costco (or any business) knows what will happen months or years from today. I am just hoping Costco gets the Panny 50' commercial back in stock before to long. I may purchase it.

I am not going to post any numbers against forum rules, but here is my predicament.

I went to Circuit City website page at

http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/lookLearn.do?cat=-13318&edOid=105471&c=1

It clearly states that as long as a local retailer has an advertised price (with the equipment in stock) that is lower than Circuit City's price, Circuit City will match it 110% (meaning 10% less than the competitor's lower price). I don't see any fine print or manager's discretion here.

I am in the market for a big screen TV. I noticed that another local large store has a sale paper that advertised a specific price that is lower by a large amount compared to what Circuit City is charging.

I took the sale paper and the manager at Circuit City refused to price match. He said that the policy is at his discretion.

What should I do? I could just buy from the other retailer. But, I was hoping to get the 110% guarantee and get a lower price and take advantage of the 18 month same as cash deal that CC has now.

The Circuit City that I visited was in Independence, Missouri (Kansas City Metro)
The other big box retailer is Nebraska Furniture Mart in Kansas City, Kansas (KC Metro also).

Please advise.

The price match is not at his discretion. There are many stories on ************** about this. You need to go to the store and try a different manager or customer service person. If you get another denial, tell them to call up corporate. If they refuse, you call them up on your cell phone and explain the situation. Anecdotal evidence says that the manager will relent after his name is mentioned or corporate speaks directly to him.

I've also seen emails from the corporate office saying that PMs are done in all cases except for those instances that they have outlined in their policy.

Also, the 110% PM gives you a price match plus 10% of the difference between the two prices.

[QUOTE=chuckvb]Moderator, would you consider opening a seperate thread for Costco Warrenty discussion so this thread could return to a meanful diverse discusson per the thread title?[/QUOte//

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


I really see nothing to discuss. Perhaps, one day, the warranty policy will change. No one knows the future. But, until that happens..the policy now in affect (and has been for years) is straighforward. You all know the policy as well as I do. As I have said, what is there really to discuss? A continuation of this idle chatter seems to confuse newcomers to this forum. I see no valid reason for doing this. If you buy an item from Costco today or tomorrow, you are covered with best warranty in industry Period.
It serves no purpose to discuss what may happen in future. I doubt, at this point, Costco (or any business) knows what will happen months or years from today. I am just hoping Costco gets the Panny 50' commercial back in stock before to long. I may purchase it.

Exactly my point. I hope that if the Moderator opens a special thread we can remove this subject that just monopolizes this thread. Any attempt to re-discuss it would be move to it's "Special thread" thus preserving an this threads' worth.

Exactly my point. I hope that if the Moderator opens a special thread we can remove this subject that just monopolizes this thread. Any attempt to re-discuss it would be move to it's "Special thread" thus preserving an this threads' worth.

Why don't you post something interesting that merits discussion? It seems that your last few posts where about...discussing Costco refund policy and whether it needs moderation or not :eek:

...

Which Vizios did you get - what was the problem(s) with them?


32" & 37" LCDs and 42" Plasma, all had intermittent power shut off problems

I was discussing this with a co-worker today.

Her family purchased a Panasonic plasma from Costco last year. It suffered
4 different breakdowns during the first 12 months and all were fixed by Panasonic
under the factory warranty. It recently developed another problem which caused
the entire screen, including the on-screen menus, to look fuzzy or out-of-focus.
Panasonic did send a tech out and he concluded that the repair will cost several
hundred dollars, with no guarantees.

Should they take the thing back to Costco? They no longer have the original
remote, the box, and the manuals. But they do still have the original receipt,
as well as the three Panasonic repair receipts, all taped to the back of the stand.

Probably not going to happen without the remote or manuals. It has to be a complete package. Don't need the box though. TT the warehouse manager if it comes down to it, its up to him/her.

32" & 37" LCDs and 42" Plasma, all had intermittent power shut off problems

Were the LCD's the "VX" Series, or last year's models?

TIA

As I have said, what is there really to discuss?

And yet you probably post more about it and throughout numerous different threads in this forum, than anybody else.

I am not going to post any numbers against forum rules, but here is my predicament.

I went to Circuit City website page at

http://www.circuitcity.com/ccd/lookLearn.do?cat=-13318&edOid=105471&c=1

It clearly states that as long as a local retailer has an advertised price (with the equipment in stock) that is lower than Circuit City's price, Circuit City will match it 110% (meaning 10% less than the competitor's lower price). I don't see any fine print or manager's discretion here.

I am in the market for a big screen TV. I noticed that another local large store has a sale paper that advertised a specific price that is lower by a large amount compared to what Circuit City is charging.

I took the sale paper and the manager at Circuit City refused to price match. He said that the policy is at his discretion.

What should I do? I could just buy from the other retailer. But, I was hoping to get the 110% guarantee and get a lower price and take advantage of the 18 month same as cash deal that CC has now.

The Circuit City that I visited was in Independence, Missouri (Kansas City Metro)
The other big box retailer is Nebraska Furniture Mart in Kansas City, Kansas (KC Metro also).

Please advise.


I think it's worth doing an example of how the price match would work, because it's easy to misunderstand the policy. The policy says "we'll beat the competitor's price by 10% of the difference between our price and theirs."

That means if Circuit City's price is $2000 and the competitor's price is $1900, Circuit City will sell you the item for $1890. They'll beat the competitor's price ($1900) by 10% of the difference between the two prices, i.e., 10% of ($2000 - $1900) = $10.

So it's not as big a price difference as you might think versus buying at the other store. But it's absolutely not discretionary on the part of the Circuit City manager.

Of course, the policy also states that "Our policy applies only to local, advertised store prices. It does not apply to online offers, special offers or promotions, including rebates, free-with-purchase offers and special financing."

Based on what you said, I don't think they can make a serious argument that the competitor is not "local," and it's clearly an "advertised" price, and it's not an "online offer" nor a "free-with-purchase offer" and doesn't involve any "special financing."

The only real question then is whether it is a "special offer or promotion." That seems like an awfully funny phrase for them to use as a carveout. Aren't all sales "special offers or promotions"? But I assume they mean something like a going-out-of-business sale, a damaged goods sale, or something similarly out of the ordinary type sale. Assuming that it was just an ordinary sale, they simply can't refuse to give you the 110% price match price.

Has anyone successfully negotiated a lower price on a LCD TV at Costco? (boxed, not a display model)

I've negotiated and been offered lower prices at other retailers when they thought they wouldn't get the sale at the advertised price, but I've never bought a big item like this at Costco.

Thanks,

-=Alt=-

I don't think Costco is even remotely worried about "not getting a sale". And seeing as they do not price match with anyone other than themselves, I doubt that you will be able to work out any better deals on pricing than what they already are asking for a product.

I am Hoping someone Can help Me decide what to do regarding My first and probably last plasma purchase since I have a aggressive cancer that for now is being held in check but gave me lots of other permanant health problems. anyway, I have decided on the panny 60u after much research including alot that this site provided me. I have been saving my money each month hoping to buy this model at costcos where i am a Member. This model was selling for the same amount with quite awhile with a $299. in store rebate that did not make it necessarily any cheaper than the other B&M stores. I hoped to Buy this plasma after Christmas when I would Have another 3-400.00 which would take care of the HVVI cable I would Need. I didn't think I had to worry about the price going up and actually thought maybe it could Go down. after reading stories on the Plasma TVs in the USA Today Business section. Right Now I have a $1000. saved in cash so my choices are limited somewhat. I don't want a Vizio or another Bottom Ender even though I could of bought one of them a month ago. here is my problem. I went to my local costco where I am staying right now in NJ and Noticed the price had jumped up $300 on this model. I want to know should I worry about not getting this model at Costcos for a more reasonable price which I am sure everyone knows what that is. I am New to Cosctos as of Sept 06 and wanted to buy my Plasma or LCD TV there Because of their Great Warranty but don't want to Pay hundreds more for it now that Costcos has rasied the price so high. In Fact this model was selling for under 1200. for a day or so at Boscovs around black friday. my plan is to buy my plasma when I return for good to my home in Pa which is Just Over the delaware state Line which has NO Sales tax. I Guess My question is Should I wait and expect Costcos to reduce the Price on this very Popular Model to what it WAS Sellling for or just go Buy it somewhere Else which I really didn't want to do since the Costco return Policy is Great which would protect My family even if I don't Live to a 100 years Old. Does anyone know if what I experienced at cosctos ( the Sudden price Jump ) is something that comes & goes? I appreciate Any advice or suggestions You have. I was even considering taking advantage of the circuit city or best buys free financing deals and Buying the 46" SONY But I don't know if that would be a Good move for several reasons besides owing money when the pannny 60U Seems to be Everything I Need at a Great Cost. Thank You for any suggestions.

I am Hoping someone Can help Me decide what to do regarding My first and probably last plasma purchase since I have a aggressive cancer that for now is being held in check but gave me lots of other permanant health problems. anyway, I have decided on the panny 60u after much research including alot that this site provided me. I have been saving my money each month hoping to buy this model at costcos where i am a Member. This model was selling for the same amount with quite awhile with a $299. in store rebate that did not make it necessarily any cheaper than the other B&M stores. I hoped to Buy this plasma after Christmas when I would Have another 3-400.00 which would take care of the HVVI cable I would Need. I didn't think I had to worry about the price going up and actually thought maybe it could Go down. after reading stories on the Plasma TVs in the USA Today Business section. Right Now I have a $1000. saved in cash so my choices are limited somewhat. I don't want a Vizio or another Bottom Ender even though I could of bought one of them a month ago. here is my problem. I went to my local costco where I am staying right now in NJ and Noticed the price had jumped up $300 on this model. I want to know should I worry about not getting this model at Costcos for a more reasonable price which I am sure everyone knows what that is. I am New to Cosctos as of Sept 06 and wanted to buy my Plasma or LCD TV there Because of their Great Warranty but don't want to Pay hundreds more for it now that Costcos has rasied the price so high. In Fact this model was selling for under $1200 for a day or so at Boscovs around black friday. my plan is to buy my plasma when I return for good to my home in Pa which is Just Over the delaware state Line which has NO Sales tax. I Guess My question is Should I wait and expect Costcos to reduce the Price on this very Popular Model to what it WAS Sellling for or just go Buy it somewhere Else which I really didn't want to do since the Costco return Policy is Great which would protect My family even if I don't Live to a 100 years Old. Does anyone know if what I experienced at cosctos ( the Sudden price Jump ) is something that comes & goes? I appreciate Any advice or suggestions You have. I was even considering taking advantage of the circuit city or best buys free financing deals and Buying the 46" SONY But I don't know if that would be a Good move for several reasons besides owing money when the pannny 60U Seems to be Everything I Need at a Great Cost. Thank You for any suggestions.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++

Good question, but honestly, no one knows the future. In general, prices are falling on tvs..but now and then, because of market forces, prices go up. Even Costco probably does not know what a product, such as a tv, will be selling for in 3 or 4 weeks. I know Costco has had the 50 inch Panny 6u (same as 60u) for around $2000. Check and see if they have a 42 inch display. You will not get a better tv than a Panasonic by the way. Be sure you have good quality content to play thru it. And..good luck..in everything. Bottom line, keep your eyes open between now and first of year for some very good prices. As of today, 12-7-06, the Panny 42 inch set is selling for $1300 plus shipping online. At times, in-store prices are somewhat less. With the warranty (worth around $500), this is a fairly good price.

I am Hoping someone Can help Me decide what to do regarding My first and probably last plasma purchase since I have a aggressive cancer that for now is being held in check but gave me lots of other permanant health problems. anyway, I have decided on the panny 60u after much research including alot that this site provided me. I have been saving my money each month hoping to buy this model at costcos where i am a Member. This model was selling for the same amount with quite awhile with a $299. in store rebate that did not make it necessarily any cheaper than the other B&M stores. I hoped to Buy this plasma after Christmas when I would Have another 3-400.00 which would take care of the HVVI cable I would Need. I didn't think I had to worry about the price going up and actually thought maybe it could Go down. after reading stories on the Plasma TVs in the USA Today Business section. Right Now I have a $1000. saved in cash so my choices are limited somewhat. I don't want a Vizio or another Bottom Ender even though I could of bought one of them a month ago. here is my problem. I went to my local costco where I am staying right now in NJ and Noticed the price had jumped up $300 on this model. I want to know should I worry about not getting this model at Costcos for a more reasonable price which I am sure everyone knows what that is. I am New to Cosctos as of Sept 06 and wanted to buy my Plasma or LCD TV there Because of their Great Warranty but don't want to Pay hundreds more for it now that Costcos has rasied the price so high. In Fact this model was selling for under 1200. for a day or so at Boscovs around black friday. my plan is to buy my plasma when I return for good to my home in Pa which is Just Over the delaware state Line which has NO Sales tax. I Guess My question is Should I wait and expect Costcos to reduce the Price on this very Popular Model to what it WAS Sellling for or just go Buy it somewhere Else which I really didn't want to do since the Costco return Policy is Great which would protect My family even if I don't Live to a 100 years Old. Does anyone know if what I experienced at cosctos ( the Sudden price Jump ) is something that comes & goes? I appreciate Any advice or suggestions You have. I was even considering taking advantage of the circuit city or best buys free financing deals and Buying the 46" SONY But I don't know if that would be a Good move for several reasons besides owing money when the pannny 60U Seems to be Everything I Need at a Great Cost. Thank You for any suggestions.

Can't argue (nor do I wish to) with Richard Korsgren's comment that immediately followed yours in this thread. As to the HDMI cost=$300+, I would strongly suggest that you check out Monoprice Cables, a forum sponsor. You will be blown away by the quality level and the extremely reasonable pricing on their HDMI cables. If you check other threads, you will see the tremendous support that is out there for them and their products. As such, you might be able to recalculate your purchasing position. :)

I was researching a Toshiba LCD that Costco sells, and I came across this seller on eBay that seems to sell Costco and other returns. You can see familiar model numbers that are unique to Costco. I was not impressed with the prices, considering the items are used, returned, and even damaged, and they have to be shipped. Caveat Emptor.


MaxSavers
Maintained by: maxsavers( 4698Feedback score is 1000 to 4,999) Member has an eBay Store
MaxSavers partners with national retailers, banks, and business finance and leasing companies. We offer their overstock, open box, returned items, and end-of-lease business equipment thru eBay auctions. MaxSavers offers great buys on gently used consumer and business electronics and equipment.

[QUOTE=adm]Can't argue (nor do I wish to) with Richard Korsgren's comment that immediately followed yours in this thread. As to the HDMI cost=$300+, I would strongly suggest that you check out Monoprice Cables, a forum sponsor. You will be blown away by the quality level and the extremely reasonable pricing on their HDMI cables. If you check other threads, you will see the tremendous support that is out there for them and their products. As such, you might be able to recalculate your purchasing position. :)[/QUO


++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

In fact, to take it one step further, I get along very nicely without going the HDMI route. But, if you want to go this route, do go with fine suggestion above. Put your money in a tv and not in expensive cables.

Some people criticize this thread for being too heavy on Costco return policy posts so here's my attempt to have some general discussion (though Costco inevitably is going to factor in).

I have done a lot of research on my panel purchase, mostly because I do not have the financial freedom to overspend (I would love to just go and buy the 46" 1080p Sony Bravia or the 50" Pioneer plasma but unfortunately I can't afford those beauties).

My preferred panel right now is a 46" LCD (LCD because my kid will be playing video games on it which makes plasma burn-in an unwelcome potential). I prefer 1080p to take advantage of the PS3's 1080p support but if the price is right, 720p will do just fine.

My target timeframe is February (because I believe once the holidays AND the super bowl are done with, demand will somewhat falter and deals will form).

I have seen reports of panel makers lowering their manufacturing volume but I have also seen individual reports from Sony and Samsung saying they are going full steam on production, so I shrug off the low volume reports as yet another futile attempt to suggest prices may actually go up. If you recall, a few months back the same report was suggesting lower volume and higher prices because of the glut created by lower-than-anticipated world cup-generated demand. We are about 20% lower in prices since!!!

In the past I argued that Costco may not be the best place to purchase a panel and referenced lower prices elsewhere (in the form of brick-and-mortar specials or on-line purchases). The more I research, the more I believe that Costco will probably get my money come February. Even if the ability to return to the local store a malfunctioning panel (I emphasize malfunctioning) were to be limited to the first year covered by the warranty, without any significant problems (save from a potential lecture from a short-sighted manager), I will sleep better at night. These are the reasons:

1. I hate having to deal with manufacturers to obtain warranty repairs. Too much hassle, too much waiting, too much time wasted.

2. Companies like BB and CC and also on-line retailers make it virtually impossible to return after the first 30 days.

3. Extended warranties leave a lot to be desired and are too expensive (do not cover burnt pixels and suffer from the same issues referenced in #1 above)

4. Even the best on-line retailers will make you pay return shipping which wipes out initial savings. Also, the time involved swapping panels over the mail is a hassle, probably several weeks at best!

It's evident my decision revolves around the probability I WILL have issues with my panel. Unfortunately the technology is not mature yet and the potential of issues is still high. So, for what it's worth, I am giving my nod to Costco. The only problem with Costco is their limited selection. Hopefully they will step it up.

First off, thanks to the forum admins, their sponsors and the ranks of knowledgeable posters who have made this place such a comprehensive and valuable resource of information. I'd be lost without it!

After a relatively short amount of research (2 weeks), I pulled the trigger yesterday on the Sharp Aquos LC-40C37U from Costco. Along with it, I decided to grab an 8-piece HDTV hook-up kit from WireLogic that I saw in the same aisle: 1 HDMI, 1 HDMI/DVI adapter, 1 digital audio coax, 2 pair audio, 2 sets component video and 1 vcr combo cables. Of course today, I read that expensive cables afford no real benefit over lesser priced ones... but I was wondering if anyone has tried integrating these particular cables and whether or not they see/hear better performance. All cables are 6'7" & feature nitrogen-injected insulation and utilize silver-plated, long-grain copper.

Haven't opened the kit yet - any compelling reasons to keep it? Building a system from scratch around the Aquos and currently have no cables to speak of.

Along with it, I decided to grab an 8-piece HDTV hook-up kit from WireLogic that I saw in the same aisle: 1 HDMI, 1 HDMI/DVI adapter, 1 digital audio coax, 2 pair audio, 2 sets component video and 1 vcr combo cables. Of course today, I read that expensive cables afford no real benefit over lesser priced ones... but I was wondering if anyone has tried integrating these particular cables and whether or not they see/hear better performance. All cables are 6'7" & feature nitrogen-injected insulation and utilize silver-plated, long-grain copper.

Haven't opened the kit yet - any compelling reasons to keep it? Building a system from scratch around the Aquos and currently have no cables to speak of.

I don't know how much your hookup kit cost, but my guess is it was too much. Figure out what cables you need, then go to monoprice or cablewholesale and buy them. You'll save money and will have terrific performance from your cables.

I was discussing this with a co-worker today.

Her family purchased a Panasonic plasma from Costco last year. It suffered
4 different breakdowns during the first 12 months and all were fixed by Panasonic
under the factory warranty. It recently developed another problem which caused
the entire screen, including the on-screen menus, to look fuzzy or out-of-focus.
Panasonic did send a tech out and he concluded that the repair will cost several
hundred dollars, with no guarantees.

Should they take the thing back to Costco? They no longer have the original
remote, the box, and the manuals. But they do still have the original receipt,
as well as the three Panasonic repair receipts, all taped to the back of the stand.

It's going to be at the discretion of the manager. I would ask to speak to the manager, explain your situation, and see what he says.

The remote is likely to be the biggest hangup. Maybe you could buy a remote on Ebay.

[QUOTE=brotherman]Some people criticize this thread for being too heavy on Costco return policy posts so here's my attempt to have some general discussion (though Costco inevitably is going to factor in).

I have done a lot of research on my panel purchase, mostly because I do not have the financial freedom to overspend (I would love to just go and buy the 46" 1080p Sony Bravia or the 50" Pioneer plasma but unfortunately I can't afford those beauties).

My preferred panel right now is a 46" LCD (LCD because my kid will be playing video games on it which makes plasma burn-in an unwelcome potential). I prefer 1080p to take advantage of the PS3's 1080p support but if the price is right, 720p will do just fine.

My target timeframe is February (because I believe once the holidays AND the super bowl are done with, demand will somewhat falter and deals will form).

I have seen reports of panel makers lowering their manufacturing volume but I have also seen individual reports from Sony and Samsung saying they are going full steam on production, so I shrug off the low volume reports as yet another futile attempt to suggest prices may actually go up. If you recall, a few months back the same report was suggesting lower volume and higher prices because of the glut created by lower-than-anticipated world cup-generated demand. We are about 20% lower in prices since!!!

In the past I argued that Costco may not be the best place to purchase a panel and referenced lower prices elsewhere (in the form of brick-and-mortar specials or on-line purchases). The more I research, the more I believe that Costco will probably get my money come February. Even if the ability to return to the local store a malfunctioning panel (I emphasize malfunctioning) were to be limited to the first year covered by the warranty, without any significant problems (save from a potential lecture from a short-sighted manager), I will sleep better at night. These are the reasons:

1. I hate having to deal with manufacturers to obtain warranty repairs. Too much hassle, too much waiting, too much time wasted.

2. Companies like BB and CC and also on-line retailers make it virtually impossible to return after the first 30 days.

3. Extended warranties leave a lot to be desired and are too expensive (do not cover burnt pixels and suffer from the same issues referenced in #1 above)

4. Even the best on-line retailers will make you pay return shipping which wipes out initial savings. Also, the time involved swapping panels over the mail is a hassle, probably several weeks at best!

It's evident my decision revolves around the probability I WILL have issues with my panel. Unfortunately the technology is not mature yet and the potential of issues is still high. So, for what it's worth, I am giving my nod to Costco. The only problem with Costco is their limited selection. Hopefully they will step it up.[/QUOI







I am leaning the same way IF I purchase a new tv at this point. I am very well satisfied with sets I now have. I have the 42 inch EDTV Panny (My favorite) and a Mit 55 inch back projection HD of 3-4 years ago and a projector/screen for movies and sports. At present, Costco carries Panasonic and Pioneer and the 1080p Sony..a good cross section at or near the top. I am now leaning toward the Panny 50 inch commercial panel because of its' quality picture and very good price.

I think it's worth doing an example of how the price match would work, because it's easy to misunderstand the policy. The policy says "we'll beat the competitor's price by 10% of the difference between our price and theirs."

That means if Circuit City's price is $2000 and the competitor's price is $1900, Circuit City will sell you the item for $1890. They'll beat the competitor's price ($1900) by 10% of the difference between the two prices, i.e., 10% of ($2000 - $1900) = $10.

So it's not as big a price difference as you might think versus buying at the other store. But it's absolutely not discretionary on the part of the Circuit City manager.

Of course, the policy also states that "Our policy applies only to local, advertised store prices. It does not apply to online offers, special offers or promotions, including rebates, free-with-purchase offers and special financing."

Based on what you said, I don't think they can make a serious argument that the competitor is not "local," and it's clearly an "advertised" price, and it's not an "online offer" nor a "free-with-purchase offer" and doesn't involve any "special financing."

The only real question then is whether it is a "special offer or promotion." That seems like an awfully funny phrase for them to use as a carveout. Aren't all sales "special offers or promotions"? But I assume they mean something like a going-out-of-business sale, a damaged goods sale, or something similarly out of the ordinary type sale. Assuming that it was just an ordinary sale, they simply can't refuse to give you the 110% price match price.

I talked to the Circuit City store manager and they still refused to price match. I called the 800 number to complain and I was told that it is up to the discretion of the manager, but nowhere in their website does it say it is. Oh well. Circuit City lost my business and I won't forget this episode. I ended up ordering from the other retailer, Nebraska Furniture Mart. A pleasure to deal with. I paid for it. They will deliver it tomorrow.

This is what I bought: Hitachi 65" CRT RPTV model 65F59.

Hitachi's page: http://www.hitachi.us/tv/browse/projection/16-9digital/65F59.shtml

I did not want to buy a TV for > $2000 and then replace bulbs every few years. I sold my previous RPTV after owning and enjoying it for 5.5 years (Toshiba 57" 57H81 HD-Ready TV). Did not have any problems? I sold it on craiglist for a decent price and was able upgrade to this TV without too much cash.

Just a thought in passing. Try to keep all the objects that came with your tv. That would include the cartons the tv came in, in most cases. Try to find the needed room somewhere to keep all these things. They may come in handy in future for returning or selling the tv, etc.

I talked to the Circuit City store manager and they still refused to price match. I called the 800 number to complain and I was told that it is up to the discretion of the manager, but nowhere in their website does it say it is. Oh well. Circuit City lost my business and I won't forget this episode. I ended up ordering from the other retailer, Nebraska Furniture Mart. A pleasure to deal with. I paid for it. They will deliver it tomorrow.

This is what I bought: Hitachi 65" CRT RPTV model 65F59.


That's heinous, bonmai. Check out posting #107 in another thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=650948&page=4&pp=30

It seems that Circuit City adds an 'A' to the end of the model number, and then refuses to price match because it's a different model (even though it isn't).

I don't blame you if you never go back there. If it were me, I'd probably also lodge a complaint with the local Better Business Bureau, the FTC (they have an online form for submitting complaints), and my local TV news's "Action Hotline" or whatever they might call it there.

Enjoy your television.

I talked to the Circuit City store manager and they still refused to price match. I called the 800 number to complain and I was told that it is up to the discretion of the manager, but nowhere in their website does it say it is. Oh well. Circuit City lost my business and I won't forget this episode. I ended up ordering from the other retailer, Nebraska Furniture Mart. A pleasure to deal with. I paid for it. They will deliver it tomorrow.

This is what I bought: Hitachi 65" CRT RPTV model 65F59.

Hitachi's page: http://www.hitachi.us/tv/browse/projection/16-9digital/65F59.shtml

I did not want to buy a TV for > $2000 and then replace bulbs every few years. I sold my previous RPTV after owning and enjoying it for 5.5 years (Toshiba 57" 57H81 HD-Ready TV). Did not have any problems? I sold it on craiglist for a decent price and was able upgrade to this TV without too much cash.

Wow. Sorry to hear that. I've never heard of that happening before. My CC even price matches Costco pricing. On the other hand, it's been at least a year since I've don that. Maybe CC is tightening up all their PM policies. What a bunch of crap.

That's heinous, bonmai. Check out posting #107 in another thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=650948&page=4&pp=30

It seems that Circuit City adds an 'A' to the end of the model number, and then refuses to price match because it's a different model (even though it isn't).

I don't blame you if you never go back there. If it were me, I'd probably also lodge a complaint with the local Better Business Bureau, the FTC (they have an online form for submitting complaints), and my local TV news's "Action Hotline" or whatever they might call it there.

Enjoy your television.

The thing is Circuit City did not even bring up the 65F59A vs 65F59. The manager just said that it does not make business sense to do the price match and it is at his discretion. He offered that he will give me an open box TV for the same price as the new TV at the competitor or he will give the new TV for $100 more. He acted as if the price match is at his discretion and that is the end of it.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++

Good question, but honestly, no one knows the future. In general, prices are falling on tvs..but now and then, because of market forces, prices go up. Even Costco probably does not know what a product, such as a tv, will be selling for in 3 or 4 weeks. I know Costco has had the 50 inch Panny 6u (same as 60u) for around $2000. Check and see if they have a 42 inch display. You will not get a better tv than a Panasonic by the way. Be sure you have good quality content to play thru it. And..good luck..in everything. Bottom line, keep your eyes open between now and first of year for some very good prices. As of today, 12-7-06, the Panny 42 inch set is selling for $1300 plus shipping online. At times, in-store prices are somewhat less. With the warranty (worth around $500), this is a fairly good price.
Thank You for the Quick reply and I did already know about nort spending a small fortune on Cables as they are Not needed. Costcos sells a set of decent cables which include at least one hdvi cable and componet cables for about $80.00. The Problem is this. I don't Want or Can Fit a 50"panny in my Bedroom where I unfortunately being Ill I spend a lot of Time. I want the 42" Model that I Have Read Loads about and wish to Purchase at Costcos but They have Raised their Price to a Out of the Ball park Level of Over 1600.00. I see someone said the online price is about what it Used to be which was Under $1300. Can I Order It Online and Pick It Up at the Store Near Me saving Shipping costs and state Sales tax in Delaware? I am Not in a Super Hurry but would Like to Buy this Model before Dec 31st just in case the Rumors are True that Costcos is Going to end their Unlimited return Policy Because Many "Renters' Ruined It for Other Customers. Its a Tough Call because I read a Thread on this Great Site from someone who works at costcos thats says They are going to have a week Long sale on Flatscreens in January. I suppose what is worrying me is the Costco Policy ending at the end of Dec. along with for now Not Being able to Buy this 42" Model I want for a reasonable price now that Costcos has raised their in store Price to almost $1600! I am sorry for going on and on I Just Hope I was clear of the problem, the High Price of this Particular Panny that sells everywhere else everyday for less than $1300. Should I wait Until January, Keep Checking back at Costcos for a Price Drop, Buy Elsewhere Losing the Coscto 'Warranty" ( Return Policy ) or Keep Checking this Thread for Imfo since Driving 22 Miles to the Delaware Cosctos will not be Possible for Me when I Leave this beautiful beach House in NJ Next week for good. Thank You for Your Patience with Me and I do research what I Buy subscribing to Consumers Reports for Over 20 Years who Gives this Model, the 60U a Great review. It was Them who said to pay No More than $60 for a good HDVI Cable. The Panasonic DVD recorder VCR Combo I Planned to Buy at the Same time at Costcos Provides a HDVI cable with that Product so at One Time $1600. would of Covered everything I Think I Need for a Cold winter watching My First Hi Def TV. Thanks again for this Wonderful Site! At One time I even Considered the Vizio at Costcos But thatw as Until I saw the Panasonic for Only a few Hundred More Until the Current Price Jump. Peace. .

Can I Order It Online and Pick It Up at the Store Near Me saving Shipping costs and state Sales tax in Delaware?
No, they do not offer such a option. They pretty much operate the online site as a separate business from their local stores, except for the ability to return a item that was bought online to one of the local stores.

Does anyone know if you have to have a Costco Membership to go tv browsing at the store? I wanted to look at the 32" vizio lcd but don't have a membership.

Thank You for the Quick reply and I did already know about nort spending a small fortune on Cables as they are Not needed. Costcos sells a set of decent cables which include at least one hdvi cable and componet cables for about $80.00. The Problem is this. I don't Want or Can Fit a 50"panny in my Bedroom where I unfortunately being Ill I spend a lot of Time. I want the 42" Model that I Have Read Loads about and wish to Purchase at Costcos but They have Raised their Price to a Out of the Ball park Level of Over 1600.00. I see someone said the online price is about what it Used to be which was Under $1300. Can I Order It Online and Pick It Up at the Store Near Me saving Shipping costs and state Sales tax in Delaware? I am Not in a Super Hurry but would Like to Buy this Model before Dec 31st just in case the Rumors are True that Costcos is Going to end their Unlimited return Policy Because Many "Renters' Ruined It for Other Customers. Its a Tough Call because I read a Thread on this Great Site from someone who works at costcos thats says They are going to have a week Long sale on Flatscreens in January. I suppose what is worrying me is the Costco Policy ending at the end of Dec. along with for now Not Being able to Buy this 42" Model I want for a reasonable price now that Costcos has raised their in store Price to almost $1600! I am sorry for going on and on I Just Hope I was clear of the problem, the High Price of this Particular Panny that sells everywhere else everyday for less than $1300. Should I wait Until January, Keep Checking back at Costcos for a Price Drop, Buy Elsewhere Losing the Coscto 'Warranty" ( Return Policy ) or Keep Checking this Thread for Imfo since Driving 22 Miles to the Delaware Cosctos will not be Possible for Me when I Leave this beautiful beach House in NJ Next week for good. Thank You for Your Patience with Me and I do research what I Buy subscribing to Consumers Reports for Over 20 Years who Gives this Model, the 60U a Great review. It was Them who said to pay No More than $60 for a good HDVI Cable. The Panasonic DVD recorder VCR Combo I Planned to Buy at the Same time at Costcos Provides a HDVI cable with that Product so at One Time $1600. would of Covered everything I Think I Need for a Cold winter watching My First Hi Def TV. Thanks again for this Wonderful Site! At One time I even Considered the Vizio at Costcos But thatw as Until I saw the Panasonic for Only a few Hundred More Until the Current Price Jump. Peace. .





I realize these rumors of Costco changing their return policy is something we should not be discussing at this point. I would not worry much about them changing their policy anytime soon. And, once you have purchased your equipment, you will have the warranty..not to worry. Keep checking online and on this forum to keep abreast of the latest pricing (even tho we are not suppose to repeat exact figures). And, as far as HDMI cables..no big deal. Components work just fine but, if you really want HDMI cables, you can buy them cheaply online. Monoprice (above) have them for a few dollars.

You should be able to just walk in. Worst case scenario just say you are considering getting a membership, but want to see what they carry first. I have walked in several times without my card and no one has stopped me.

You need a membership card to enter the store, at least by my local Costco.

thanks for the quick reply

If they have what you want, buy it from them. They return policy is the best out there.

Does anyone know if you have to have a Costco Membership to go tv browsing at the store? I wanted to look at the 32" vizio lcd but don't have a membership.
Just go to the Membership desk....tell them you are considering joining and that you would like to tour the store before deciding. They'll be happy to let you do that as they want you to join. They won't worry about you trying to purchase anything....you have to show your membership card at the checkout to do that.

The only thing that bothers me about the TH-50PX6U which otherwise looks like a great deal at Costco, is lack of inputs. According to the Costco site there is no DVI or VGA in...is this really true?

Has anyone any information or experience with the Sceptre 42" 1080p LCD with external tuner box now being advertised on Costco's web site??

Thanks

no but i was thinking about getting it eventually as its a good price on a 42" flat 1080p lcd

the sep tuner box could be good for a wall mount as you dont have to worry about getting behind it to connect stuff and will just have one wire going to the tv.

on the other hand for me using a floating flat panel pedestal with only 2 shelves the top being small. it adds another component and takes up more room, plus the stand has an area to hide cables thought it doezns't hold all of them well i just really dont need the sep connection box for use with that stand its not ideal

again though for a wall mount i think it would be pretty good as you have one cable from conneciton box to tv that you never have to change undo andall your connections that you might be changing go into the box and you have one neat cable going to tv

I don't think Costco is even remotely worried about "not getting a sale". And seeing as they do not price match with anyone other than themselves, I doubt that you will be able to work out any better deals on pricing than what they already are asking for a product.


Costco wont even price match with Sams Club. because Sams Club sells the Samsung hls 6767 that i am interested in for 100 less then Costco but doen't have it instock at my local one while costco does so they will prob refuse if they would do it all otherwise anyway.

with Sams Club now supposedly matching Costcos return policy i can't see why i wouldn't want to get it for 100 less but if its not an item in stock in store and i'd have to pay shipping which is prob 100 if its same as costco but could be more cus that is low for large rp tv.

so i guess i end up even picking up from costco and can save more if i bother going the 45 min to hour to deleware but then extra gas on rental truck or friends borrow truck big enough to pick up.

While im at it. are there any other good true 1080p sets 60" or larger at any of the retailers in the topic worth considering along with the sammy hls6767?

i think the Toshiba (i think) 1080p dlps at costco which are cheaper then the samsung dont ouput in 1080p or something so those arent in the running.

i'm prob ready to get it this weekend but still contemplating my decision. replacing a 720p/1080i Panasonic rp lcd so want to go larger then 60" on top of upgrading to 1080p as long as it doesnt' have the speakers on the side which make it wider i can fit larger then 60 but think the 71" samsung dlp is a little much

the 65" MItsu dlps and the sammy 67 seem to be the best bet and the sammy seems slightly better then the mitsu especially after pro calibration

The only thing that bothers me about the TH-50PX6U which otherwise looks like a great deal at Costco, is lack of inputs. According to the Costco site there is no DVI or VGA in...is this really true?
I bought this set about 2 weeks ago. No DVI, but 2 HDMI inputs. No VGA.

So I bought my TV at Costco in early August because I wanted piece of mind with their return policy if it ever broke. I've just heard from a co-worker that they plan to make the return policy similar to their computer return policy. Any truth to the rumor?

Anyone know if Costco will carry a 40" 1080p Sony set (XBR or V-series) anytime soon? The 37" Sharp I bought has some glitches. Thanks!

I am looking into returning my Sears EDTV they sold me, and hopefully looking at a TV at Sams. The TV I am looking at is the Phillips 42PF5321D. I cannot find much information on this TV online.

I was also looking into the Panasonic TH-42PX60U. It is about 300 bucks more expensive, and with the re-stocking fee i will pay on the sears TV will add an extra $150 bucks, so the cheapest looks like the best deal to me, as long as there is nothing horrible about the Phillips? Any help would be awsome. Or suggestions on 42'' HDTV's that are around 1100-1300 dollars.

Thanks Guys

I bought this set about 2 weeks ago. No DVI, but 2 HDMI inputs. No VGA.

Thanks for the info! I'm afraid the lack of DVI is a deal breaker for me :(

Thanks for the info! I'm afraid the lack of DVI is a deal breaker for me :(
Note the lack of DVI input is not just a Costco (6u version) issue. No recent Panasonic consumer units have included the DVI port. The 600u series does have analog VGA in. Or, you could use a HDMI-DVI adapter.

By the way, Costco, online, now carrying Sharp 1080p 52" display..and quite a good price. It is probably one tv you would want the best warranty on. If it functions ok for you, it is one of the very best.

Note the lack of DVI input is not just a Costco (6u version) issue. No recent Panasonic consumer units have included the DVI port. The 600u series does have analog VGA in. Or, you could use a HDMI-DVI adapter.

I hope you guys know that HDMI is nothing but DVI-D and audio with HDCP support. Most future TVs won't have DVI connector. That connector has morphed into the HDMI port. So, as long as your TV has HDMI, you are set.

Most modern video cards support a variety of TV resolutions over DVI. Future video cards might actually have HDMI on them. So, either you need a DVI to HDMI cable ($10 online) or a HDMI to HDMI cable ($10 online).

I am looking into returning my Sears EDTV they sold me, and hopefully looking at a TV at Sams. The TV I am looking at is the Phillips 42PF5321D. I cannot find much information on this TV online.

I was also looking into the Panasonic TH-42PX60U. It is about 300 bucks more expensive, and with the re-stocking fee i will pay on the sears TV will add an extra $150 bucks, so the cheapest looks like the best deal to me, as long as there is nothing horrible about the Phillips? Any help would be awsome. Or suggestions on 42'' HDTV's that are around 1100-1300 dollars.

Thanks Guys
You might want to do some more research concerning the Phillips set. I seem to remember reading that the Phillips brand has had some reliability problems. I may be off base on that, however I would want to make sure before spending that many $$. The Panny plasma has recieved a lot of good reviews. Personally, I have the TH-50PX6U and am very pleased with it. You might want to go back to Sears and talk to your original salesman and see if you can get him to waive the restocking fee. When shopping for my current set, I asked the salesman about the Sears return policy. He specifically stated that within 30 days he would take the set back and not charge the restocking fee as long as I bought a replacement set from him. Makes sense, as they are on commision and don't want to lose $$ out of their pocket. So, it's worth a shot on your part.

You might want to do some more research concerning the Phillips set. I seem to remember reading that the Phillips brand has had some reliability problems.

I have a DISH customer who works at Sams Club. He bought a 42" Philips EDTV plasma. Not sure of the model. After six months about one quarter of the pixels on the screen had turned purple. They were concentrated in one corner of the screen. Never seen anything like it.

You might want to do some more research concerning the Phillips set. I seem to remember reading that the Phillips brand has had some reliability problems. I may be off base on that, however I would want to make sure before spending that many $$. The Panny plasma has recieved a lot of good reviews.

Both Phillips and Panasonic have problems. There are many threads on this site discussing them. Just last night someone started a thread about purple banding issues on the panny plasmas.

Both Phillips and Panasonic have problems. There are many threads on this site discussing them. Just last night someone started a thread about purple banding issues on the panny plasmas.


I checked the purple banding post you referenced.....that's good information for those considering the purchase of a Panny. As for me, I haven't experienced that problem on my 50" so far. Before I bought my Panny, I did a lot of research, searched different forums and reviews on the various brands of plasmas. That research led me to the Panny for both performance, quality and cost reasons. I also realized that with anything one purchases, you could get stuck with a lemon or other issue, which is why I bought mine at Costco. Thanks for bringing the banding post to my attention.

Hi Folks: Whats the best set to buy from Costco in sizes between 37-42 & would it be LCD or Plasma??? Thanx! :)

Hi Folks: Whats the best set to buy from Costco in sizes between 37-42 & would it be LCD or Plasma??? Thanx! :)

For 37" - the Vizio VX37L (LCD) seems to be the choice - (especially with the MSRP $100 drop to $899) check this thread:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=746977&page=1&pp=30

faceoff

I had this TV. It is ok tv but it is no match to famous brand names. It comes with only one HDMI input. For its price it has OK picture quality, but when it is bright of you are sitting in a corner, you can tell, which this tv is priced so cheap.

Has anyone any information or experience with the Sceptre 42" 1080p LCD with external tuner box now being advertised on Costco's web site??

Thanks

"No returns"???

On the "Additional Info" tab on the 58PX60U at samsclub.com it says:

Warranty:
1 year limited
No returns

What's up with that???

I'm in the process of purchasing a new LCD or Plasma b/c my 2 1/2 year old Philips Plasma completely died on me (not purchased through Costco and no extended warranty). If Costco's warranty is "longer" then I'd definitely purchase there instead in order to avoid the nightmare I'm going through right now.

This is all I've found on the Costo site so far:

"Costco's Risk-Free 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
On merchandise: We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell with a full refund. Please note, as of November 4th, 2002 , the return policy for all desktop and notebook computers are six months from the date of purchase. Six months after purchase, all computer services and technical support will be subject to the applicable remaining manufacturer’s warranty.
On membership: We will refund your membership fee in full at any time if you are dissatisfied."

I'm not saying if this is for real, as I don't know for sure what's happening but:

See this link:
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/announce...cter-220664.php
and
http://www.consumerist.com/consumer...cter-220616.php

Not that they're a definitive source for this kind of info, but one of the comments listed comes from an employee of Costco, who states that the pilot policy is in effect now in Southern California, and may possibly expand to all stores if it's effective (he alludes that the program is currently successful). Could be just rumours, but what do you guys think?

You might want to do some more research concerning the Phillips set. I seem to remember reading that the Phillips brand has had some reliability problems. I may be off base on that, however I would want to make sure before spending that many $$.

The Philips sets sold at Costco and Sams seem to have lower reliability than the main retail units like the 9631. Also, less features (i.e., Ambilight).

Personally, I'd get the regular Philips (or Panasonics) elsewhere if they're not available at the clubs and get a good warranty.

I'm not saying if this is for real, as I don't know for sure what's happening but:

See this link:
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/announce...cter-220664.php
and
http://www.consumerist.com/consumer...cter-220616.php

Not that they're a definitive source for this kind of info, but one of the comments listed comes from an employee of Costco, who states that the pilot policy is in effect now in Southern California, and may possibly expand to all stores if it's effective (he alludes that the program is currently successful). Could be just rumours, but what do you guys think?


Rumors. I don't believe it for a second. The minute they do that tonns of people will cancel their mmberships. And Costo makes money on memberships and not as much on markups. So no freaking way. TVs to 6 months - maybe. For the rest return policy will not change! Mark my words.

As far as TVs I have hard time to believe that will change as well.

Rumors. I don't believe it for a second. The minute they do that tonns of people will cancel their mmberships. And Costo makes money on memberships and not as much on markups. So no freaking way. TVs to 6 months - maybe. For the rest return policy will not change! Mark my words.

As far as TVs I have hard time to believe that will change as well.

I would have no problem believing it, even under the 'threat' of "tonns of people" cancelling their membership - which I doubt would happen. I would not blame them. They lose $$ every time someone returns an item. A 30 day return period for TVs is more than reasonable - you would still have the manufacturer's warranty.

the bottom line is this: change the policy to 30 days, membership will be cancelled and amex will be cut up.

the bottom line is this: change the policy to 30 days, membership will be cancelled and amex will be cut up.

Are HDTVs the only thing you use Costco for? I considered buying a TV from them, but that's hardly a recurring purchase. We spend hundreds of dollars a month on food and other stuff at Costco (including gas for the cars). So even if they changed their policy on TVs to 30 days, won't matter to me and I bet 90% (maybe higher) of its members. Even if they didn't carry TVs, I'd keep my membership there...we been members for over 10 years and have yet to buy a TV there. I was there this weekend twice (2 different ones)...neither time did I see 1 customer buying a TV. Lines were 10 deep at nearly all the registers.

Now, if they got rid of their $1.50 hotdog combos, I'd consider cancelling my membership :p

Hi Folks: Whats the best set to buy from Costco in sizes between 37-42 & would it be LCD or Plasma??? Thanx! :)

I considered 4 sets in this range and went with the 37" Sharp Aquos LCD........... I'm convinced it was the best overall choice. If you will be sitting 8.5 feet or less from your TV, I highly recommend the Aquos - especially if you'd like a bright, clear, glare-free TV.

Are HDTVs the only thing you use Costco for? I considered buying a TV from them, but that's hardly a recurring purchase. We spend hundreds of dollars a month on food and other stuff at Costco (including gas for the cars). So even if they changed their policy on TVs to 30 days, won't matter to me and I bet 90% (maybe higher) of its members. Even if they didn't carry TVs, I'd keep my membership there...we been members for over 10 years and have yet to buy a TV there. I was there this weekend twice (2 different ones)...neither time did I see 1 customer buying a TV. Lines were 10 deep at nearly all the registers.

Now, if they got rid of their $1.50 hotdog combos, I'd consider cancelling my membership :p




...or chocolate chip cookies!

Are HDTVs the only thing you use Costco for? I considered buying a TV from them, but that's hardly a recurring purchase. We spend hundreds of dollars a month on food and other stuff at Costco (including gas for the cars). So even if they changed their policy on TVs to 30 days, won't matter to me and I bet 90% (maybe higher) of its members. Even if they didn't carry TVs, I'd keep my membership there...we been members for over 10 years and have yet to buy a TV there. I was there this weekend twice (2 different ones)...neither time did I see 1 customer buying a TV. Lines were 10 deep at nearly all the registers.

Now, if they got rid of their $1.50 hotdog combos, I'd consider cancelling my membership :p


Your anectodal evidence of not seeing anyone buying a TV while you are there, is not representative of how many people DO buy their TV's from Costco. Many people purchase their TV's online at the Costco website, because their selection (including the newer models) is much greater than it is in their stores.

Secondly.... if Costco reduces their return policy to 30 days (or even 6 months), they will lose business, because they are not authorized resellers of Panasonic, or Pioneer. Which is why they make this statement on their website:

"This item is covered by Costco's guarantee to refund your purchase price if you are not completely satisfied. Costco's guarantee applies, even though this item may not be covered by the manufacturer's warranty, because Costco is not an "authorized" dealer of the merchandise."

Your anectodal evidence of not seeing anyone buying a TV while you are there, is not representative of how many people DO buy their TV's from Costco. Many people purchase their TV's online at the Costco website, because their selection (including the newer models) is much greater than it is in their stores.

Secondly.... if Costco reduces their return policy to 30 days (or even 6 months), they will lose business, because they are not authorized resellers of Panasonic, or Pioneer. Which is why they make this statement on their website:

"This item is covered by Costco's guarantee to refund your purchase price if you are not completely satisfied. Costco's guarantee applies, even though this item may not be covered by the manufacturer's warranty, because Costco is not an "authorized" dealer of the merchandise."

Which is why in the Southern Californian stores, they're using a 3rd party warranty. With that, they can easily remove their sign/edit their statement. But again, as I stated in the other post, I can't vouch for the authenticity of the blog. I guess January 1 we shall see...

I do enjoy the benefits of the Costco gaurantee, and have used it several times, but I prolly won't be cancelling my membership over it. The benefits still outweigh the disadvantages, and it's not like I purchase a $4000 TV every month and return it.

So what happens if Costco does change their policies on tv's, if you bought one before the change, would their old policy cover you still, or would you now be under their new policy?

Your anectodal evidence of not seeing anyone buying a TV while you are there, is not representative of how many people DO buy their TV's from Costco. Many people purchase their TV's online at the Costco website, because their selection (including the newer models) is much greater than it is in their stores.

Secondly.... if Costco reduces their return policy to 30 days (or even 6 months), they will lose business, because they are not authorized resellers of Panasonic, or Pioneer. Which is why they make this statement on their website:

"This item is covered by Costco's guarantee to refund your purchase price if you are not completely satisfied. Costco's guarantee applies, even though this item may not be covered by the manufacturer's warranty, because Costco is not an "authorized" dealer of the merchandise."

No doubt my observations are not a representation of the number of TVs they sell. I made my post based off a poster above saying he's going to cancel his membership and AMEX in the event their policy changes. I think that's a waste. If you're going to join Costco just to buy a TV, why don't you just cancel your membership right after? If that indeed is your only reason for joining, Costco would not miss out too much on your membership (since you weren't going to renew anyway next year unless you buy another TV). People in this boat are probably better off buying a TV elsewhere w/ extended warranty. Then they never have to worry about a policy change.

I'm just trying to point out that most of their members use Costco for many other purposes besides TVs. If you're joining Costco solely on the purpose of buying a TV, you're not utilizing that membership. Heck, you might not even get the best TV deal. If you say they are going to lose business if they change their return policy on TVs, it will only affect those who go there just for TVs. It will not affect members who 'may' buy a TV there but primarily get diapers, tires, underwear, and blue berry muffins (which is their core business).

Just for the record, I nearly bought my Panny there but didn't because I found a better deal elsewhere. I still have my membership and still shop there.

Are HDTVs the only thing you use Costco for? I considered buying a TV from them, but that's hardly a recurring purchase. We spend hundreds of dollars a month on food and other stuff at Costco (including gas for the cars). So even if they changed their policy on TVs to 30 days, won't matter to me and I bet 90% (maybe higher) of its members. Even if they didn't carry TVs, I'd keep my membership there...we been members for over 10 years and have yet to buy a TV there. I was there this weekend twice (2 different ones)...neither time did I see 1 customer buying a TV. Lines were 10 deep at nearly all the registers.

Now, if they got rid of their $1.50 hotdog combos, I'd consider cancelling my membership :p


Both blogs that broke the news story claim that policy will change for everything for 30 days. That will make huge difference for Costco customers. I think there is a missunderstanding. Changing TV policy is one thing. Changing policy for everything is very different. Everything will be disaster for them as they will loose huge amount of memberships.

If it is just TVs I am certainly keeping my membership and shop for TV somewhere else. I AM ALSO RETURNING MY COSTCO BOUGHT TV! The reason is I can get it for hundreds less and without Costco unlimited warranty why would I pay Costco price!? People who buy electronics from Costco certainly take warranty into consideration. If warranty isn't there buying from Costco is a waste of money.

If it is just TVs I am certainly keeping my membership and shop for TV somewhere else. I AM ALSO RETURNING MY COSTCO BOUGHT TV! The reason is I can get it for hundreds less and without Costco unlimited warranty why would I pay Costco price!? People who buy electronics from Costco certainly take warranty into consideration. If warranty isn't there buying from Costco is a waste of money.

I wanted to weigh in on this converstation. I buy ALOT of electronics. I dont waste money on stupid things like food and heat, i buy alot of gizmo's. I purely shop at Costco cause of their return policy, but not with the intentions of taking things back. I just 4 months ago spent $2500 on a TV that I could have gotten for $1950 else where purely for the convience of Costco. I love the TV to death, but I probably would not have gotten it at all, if it wasnt for costco, but I certainly wouldnt have gotten it from them without there warrenty/return policy. I could have saved $550, but I like costco, so dont mind paying their premiums. I consider myself an average shopper, but I also like to save a buck where I can. I am loyal to costco purely cause of thei convience they offer of "Hey, its broken.... OK, here is your money, go get something else"... Talk about costomer satisfaction.... If costco does change their policy, I will lose all loyalty to them, and go back to who has the best price.

What costco should do, to protect there backs, and still keep members happy is change the return policy to something like a blanket 6month return policy, or even 1 year, which is what most Manufacture warrenties are anyway. What also I am shocked they have done is, say, any return over 6 months, instead of refudning the money (either cash or Credit and paying credit fees), just issue Store Credit... At that point, the member is forced to spend the money at the stores, so costco keeps the money it earns. I know most people that return stuff usually go buy something else, but not all.

I love knowing that my 60" LCD RPTV if something breaks on my baby, i am not SOL. If Costco doesnt offer that peace of mind to me, I will certainly take my business elsewhere for those type of items, but would continue to shop at costco for things like food, but not much else. I would stop buying my tools there cause atleast Home Depot and Lowes offer 90days returns. I certainly would not have bought my 360, Wii and PS3 from there, there were much better deals to be had... I did buy there cause I like what they offered. I really hope Costco knows what there in for with this change.

Now, if they got rid of their $1.50 hotdog combos, I'd consider cancelling my membership :p

The first real truth in this thread!

Shelly

Now here's the question and response I got back from an Attorney friend of mine:

My Question:

So over the weekend my Plasma TV blew up (which is no longer under warranty) and I have to go purchase a new TV.

During the search for a new TV I had discovered that Costco has a 100% merchandise guarantee (not including computers/computer hardware), which supposedly means if I were to purchase a new TV through them, the new TV would be under warranty basically forever. This would be an outstanding warranty for me if the same thing were to happen a few years down the road. Curiously, I inquired about this at the local Costco and the Returns Dept had confirmed this was true. The TV can be returned whenever, doesn’t matter when, today, tomorrow, 10 years from now.

Now the question on hand…it’s been a rumor that Costco may change this warranty beginning Jan 07 because of possible abuse. If so, if I purchased the TV today under the present warranty/guarantee, would I still be covered if they were to change this in January, since I made (or will make) the purchase from them knowing about today’s excellent warranty.

What I found on Costco’s site:

This is all I've found on the Costo site so far:

"Costco's Risk-Free 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
On merchandise: We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell with a full refund. Please note, as of November 4th, 2002 , the return policy for all desktop and notebook computers are six months from the date of purchase. Six months after purchase, all computer services and technical support will be subject to the applicable remaining manufacturer’s warranty.


On membership: We will refund your membership fee in full at any time if you are dissatisfied."

Attorney Answer:

This is a satisfaction guarantee, not necessarily a “if it breaks guarantee”. They can weasel out by giving you your membership back.

So what's everyone think?

Now here's the question and response I got back from an Attorney friend of mine:

My Question:

So over the weekend my Plasma TV blew up (which is no longer under warranty) and I have to go purchase a new TV.

During the search for a new TV I had discovered that Costco has a 100% merchandise guarantee (not including computers/computer hardware), which supposedly means if I were to purchase a new TV through them, the new TV would be under warranty basically forever. This would be an outstanding warranty for me if the same thing were to happen a few years down the road. Curiously, I inquired about this at the local Costco and the Returns Dept had confirmed this was true. The TV can be returned whenever, doesn’t matter when, today, tomorrow, 10 years from now.

Now the question on hand…it’s been a rumor that Costco may change this warranty beginning Jan 07 because of possible abuse. If so, if I purchased the TV today under the present warranty/guarantee, would I still be covered if they were to change this in January, since I made (or will make) the purchase from them knowing about today’s excellent warranty.

What I found on Costco’s site:

This is all I've found on the Costo site so far:

"Costco's Risk-Free 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
On merchandise: We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell with a full refund. Please note, as of November 4th, 2002 , the return policy for all desktop and notebook computers are six months from the date of purchase. Six months after purchase, all computer services and technical support will be subject to the applicable remaining manufacturer’s warranty.


On membership: We will refund your membership fee in full at any time if you are dissatisfied."

Attorney Answer:

This is a satisfaction guarantee, not necessarily a “if it breaks guarantee”. They can weasel out by giving you your membership back.

So what's everyone think?

What do I think? I think there must be 400 posts in this thread already that touch on this question. There is no definitive answer. If you're hoping for one, I think you're not going to find satisfaction.

It is amazing, to me, that people have so much free time for idle chat. I am beginning to drift away from this forum..really see no valid reason for visiting some of these threads.

Was going to buy the Costco 50" Vizio plasma today - last day of sale.
Wife - who has the membership delayed to 8pm, went off sale.
Guess I saved a lot of money, and she gets to keep her 5 year old 19" CRT. :(

Now here's the question and response I got back from an Attorney friend of mine:

My Question:

So over the weekend my Plasma TV blew up (which is no longer under warranty) and I have to go purchase a new TV.

During the search for a new TV I had discovered that Costco has a 100% merchandise guarantee (not including computers/computer hardware), which supposedly means if I were to purchase a new TV through them, the new TV would be under warranty basically forever. This would be an outstanding warranty for me if the same thing were to happen a few years down the road. Curiously, I inquired about this at the local Costco and the Returns Dept had confirmed this was true. The TV can be returned whenever, doesn’t matter when, today, tomorrow, 10 years from now.

Now the question on hand…it’s been a rumor that Costco may change this warranty beginning Jan 07 because of possible abuse. If so, if I purchased the TV today under the present warranty/guarantee, would I still be covered if they were to change this in January, since I made (or will make) the purchase from them knowing about today’s excellent warranty.

What I found on Costco’s site:

This is all I've found on the Costo site so far:

"Costco's Risk-Free 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
On merchandise: We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell with a full refund. Please note, as of November 4th, 2002 , the return policy for all desktop and notebook computers are six months from the date of purchase. Six months after purchase, all computer services and technical support will be subject to the applicable remaining manufacturer’s warranty.


On membership: We will refund your membership fee in full at any time if you are dissatisfied."

Attorney Answer:

This is a satisfaction guarantee, not necessarily a “if it breaks guarantee”. They can weasel out by giving you your membership back.

So what's everyone think?
I think you need a better lawyer :eek:

It is amazing, to me, that people have so much free time for idle chat. I am beginning to drift away from this forum..really see no valid reason for visiting some of these threads.
A bit ironic Richard, given you made a post solely to mention Costco's cookies :confused:

Was going to buy the Costco 50" Vizio plasma today - last day of sale.
Wife - who has the membership delayed to 8pm, went off sale.
Guess I saved a lot of money, and she gets to keep her 5 year old 19" CRT. :(
What, she did not allow you to also get your own card under her membership?
You are allowed another card for a family member with her membership.

What, she did not allow you to also get your own card under her membership?
You are allowed another card for a family member with her membership.
Nope - my daughter has it at college :(
Had saved us a bunch of $$.

Consumerist: Costco changing return policy?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

http://www.consumerist.com/consumer...cter-220616.php


Is the free ride over? :eek:

"Our tipster says Costco will limit returns to 30 days, citing 'abuse.' "

Doh (http://www.fortunecity.com/lavendar/poitier/135/homer.html) :p

Does anyone know if BB pricematches Amazon? I have heard of multiple people who were able to get their local BB to pricematch Amazon when purchasing TVs.

Does anyone know if BB pricematches Amazon? I have heard of multiple people who were able to get their local BB to pricematch Amazon when purchasing TVs.

I'm confused - you say you already know that people have gotten BB to pricematch Amazon .... but there's still a question as to whether they do? Is there some reason why a 2 minute phone call to your local BB wouldn't supply an authoritative answer to this question?

"Our tipster says Costco will limit returns to 30 days, citing 'abuse.' "

Doh (http://www.fortunecity.com/lavendar/poitier/135/homer.html) :p
Just got back from my local costco - trying to buy the vizio 46 LCD. Only had a display model which the manger first offered to sell at full price, then decided he wouldn't sell it. During the calling around 5 were found at a store about an hour away. Ten minutes later 3 were at that store and he told me that they couldn't sell it to me where I was and then I go pick it up.
I figured by the time I got there it would be gone.
Even more important twice I was told the warranty was two years. The second time I told the manager that unless you've changed the policy up front it's still the same "satisfaction or return" policy. He seemd peaved at that and then insisted it's going to change.

With an attitude like that manager I would not be surprised if I went to return it in six months because of some of the common problems with the vizio (buzzing etc.) he would not accept if some of the tape was missing off the shipping container.

I always viewed their policy like that of Craftsman hand tools - it breaks - they replace. Apparently they think they will be able to overcharge and sell you a warranty.

Any recommendations on a similar LCD set available via Costco mailorder?

Yes, I know some people who have done so. At the same time, it may have been something that was NOT store policy but they were able to do so. I was wondering how they were able to get a pricematch.

Just got back from my local costco - trying to buy the vizio 46 LCD. Only had a display model which the manger first offered to sell at full price, then decided he wouldn't sell it. During the calling around 5 were found at a store about an hour away. Ten minutes later 3 were at that store and he told me that they couldn't sell it to me where I was and then I go pick it up.
I figured by the time I got there it would be gone.
Even more important twice I was told the warranty was two years. The second time I told the manager that unless you've changed the policy up front it's still the same "satisfaction or return" policy. He seemd peaved at that and then insisted it's going to change.

With an attitude like that manager I would not be surprised if I went to return it in six months because of some of the common problems with the vizio (buzzing etc.) he would not accept if some of the tape was missing off the shipping container.

I always viewed their policy like that of Craftsman hand tools - it breaks - they replace. Apparently they think they will be able to overcharge and sell you a warranty.

Any recommendations on a similar LCD set available via Costco mailorder?

It's not the same as the Sears Craftsman warranty.

It's a liberal "satisfaction" warranty that gives you the right to return anything that you are unhappy with, no questions asked.

The way I view it is that is I buy a product and it has a one year warranty, if it gives me trouble in that period of time, then I would return it.

If the product is not broken, but does not work as advertised or is not what I thought it would be, then I would return it.

I personally would not feel right about using a product for a few years, be perfectly happy with it.......it either breaks or I see a "better, newer" one and then bring it back for full refund.

They may take it back, but that doesn't make it right.

To bring back a TV after ten years of use and ask for a full refund so you can purchase a new one is definite bottom-feeding as far as I'm concerned.

The abusers will end up costing us all in the end at Costco. :eek:

If you want the Vizio set, be patient and check the store every week.....they are constantly getting new stock.

Im trying to return a week old used Samsung Plasma to Best Buy here in Los Angeles, CA....I spoke with a few customer service reps and each told me they would charge a 15% restocking fee if I want a refund.

Question is if I should just report a false claim stating that the Plasma is defective in some way, that's what my friend who works at a Best Buy is suggesting me....I've heard of several people receiving full refunds for opened TV's from other states, is the law in CA different from other states??

Yes, I know some people who have done so. At the same time, it may have been something that was NOT store policy but they were able to do so. I was wondering how they were able to get a pricematch.

I took an online price of 94x.xx for the Samsung 5086 to one of my local BB and they were willing to sell it to me for 110x.xx, a savings of about $300-400. Other BB's in my area were unwilling to match, however, so your mileage may vary.

Got a quick question for anyone who would know, are the TVs sold at Costco inferior in anyway to TVs sold in B&M stores? I followed a link in this thread that had someone arguing that there's a quality difference when buying there.

I'd love the guarantee (assuming it doesn't change, of course) that Costco has, but you know, if it's of worse quality, then forget it. Oh, and what about Wal-Mart?

[B]Went to Costcos to Check whatever was currently Available and saw the 37" Vizio was selling for less than $900. Decent Picture and nice Looking Tv for the money especially if You Can Get it while still covered under the current return Policy which I would only use as a warranty. I would want a Long warranty of the Vizios after hearing stories of buzzing and Less than Great reliability. I was sure I was going to get the Panny 42" but unless the Price drops to its previous Costcos price of LESS than 1300.00 I am going to Get the 40" Sony that Comes with a 18 month In Home Factory warranty. Picture and sound On this Sony Great But I will miss the 2 extra inches not to mention paying $400+ premium for the Sony. Has anyone bought the 40" Sony Bravia Model? Not the XBR Model. Any Comments. I Finally Got the Extra Cash I Needed to Get a Decent Flat screen under $1800. Sony 40" vs the 42" Panasonic Plasma?

Im trying to return a week old used Samsung Plasma to Best Buy here in Los Angeles, CA....I spoke with a few customer service reps and each told me they would charge a 15% restocking fee if I want a refund.

Question is if I should just report a false claim stating that the Plasma is defective in some way, that's what my friend who works at a Best Buy is suggesting me....I've heard of several people receiving full refunds for opened TV's from other states, is the law in CA different from other states??Are you sure about that? This is the Best Buy's stated return policy:

"We accept returns or exchanges 30 days from the original purchase."

"A restocking fee of 15% will be charged on opened notebook computers, projectors, camcorders, digital cameras, radar detectors, GPS/navigation and in-car video systems unless defective or prohibited by law. A restocking fee of 25% will be charged on Special Order Products, including appliances unless defective or prohibited by law."

My impression is there are no restocking fees applied to TVs returned within 30 days from purchase. This is the "primary" advantage to buying a big screen FP from a B&M.

I'd recommend getting in-touch with the customer service reps you spoke to and point them to BestBuy.com so they can review their employer's return policies.

I returned a Samsung HDTV (over $2700 set) to BB (within the 30 day return period) last year and had no problems AND no restocking fee. They treated me very well and of course wanted me to pick out another set. I declined. I got a 100% refund on my account. Recently, I bought a new set from CC but returned it (also within the 30 day return period) as it had display issues. I also got a 100% refund on my account with no restocking fee. In both cases, when I was considering a purchase, the associates stressed that I could return the set within 30 days for a full refund. I would go up the ladder to the store manager if I were you.

A bit ironic Richard, given you made a post solely to mention Costco's cookies :confused:

he's threatened to stop posting before, but can't resist being the costco advocate.

FYI...at the Foster City, CA Costco (near San Mateo) I was told today that return policy on "electronics" is 30 days now and that after that point you have to deal with the "Concierge Service"...she did not explain what that meant (for example, if I had a camera that broke after 1 year would I still get my money back after having the "concierge service" check it out?)...it's weird how each Costco is telling people different things but in general it looks like things are changing...also when I asked her when the new policy was starting she said "it already has"...

Hello everyone,
I tried searching and found nothing.... I just left costco and i am thinking about purchasing a new tv. I noticed the JVC 56HD and tried to find info on it in the forums and found nothing. I was wondering if anybody has this tv and what they think?? I also noticed the 50 inch panny...and have heard good things about it on here.. I will be using the tv for watching cable, movies and my xbox 360.. Any sugguestions/help on this would be great!!!
Thanks

Not only should you be able to return that for 100%, but right now Best Buy honors returns until the end of January if I am reading my receipt right. I believe the extend the return period to the end of Jan for anything purchased between nov 1 and christmas.

Hello everyone,
I tried searching and found nothing.... I just left costco and i am thinking about purchasing a new tv. I noticed the JVC 56HD and tried to find info on it in the forums and found nothing. I was wondering if anybody has this tv and what they think?? I also noticed the 50 inch panny...and have heard good things about it on here.. I will be using the tv for watching cable, movies and my xbox 360.. Any sugguestions/help on this would be great!!!
Thanks
From what I've learned on this and other forums, most people recommend an LCD/DLP or LCD flat panel if you're planning on doing gaming. Static images such as those found with gaming can cause burn-in on Plasma displays. There may be some correlation between how long you game at one time and burn-in, but I can't attest to that from my experience as I'm not a gamer. I do have the 50" Panny and I love it. However, I only watch tv and dvds on it. I don't know anything about the JVC 56HD, but I read a lot of threads by those who speak highly of Samsung LCD flat panels and DLP rptv's. You might check out Costco.com as they have a larger selection of HDTV's than the store does.

Two weeks ago I returned my Vizio 50" Plasma, which I bought in Nov '05, to my local Costco, citing unhappiness with the picture quality. I received a no-hassle refund, and immediately bought their 50" Panasonic (which I had originally lusted after) and pocketed $500 to boot. Apparently, they haven't changed their policy yet. Life is good... :D

might as well ask here.

I lost the freaking Instruction Manual of my TV & I want to retunr my TV at FRy's Electronics.

Will this affect my return on the TV in any way? Will they charge an extra fee or not even accept the TV back without it???
I have the original box & remote, only the manual is gone!

I'm going tomorrow morning so can anyone answer quickly?

Will this affect my return on the TV in any way? Will they charge an extra fee or not even accept the TV back without it???

They could do either, according to their return policy listed on their website.


"All returned merchandise must be in the original packaging with the UPC or bar code intact, and all components, manuals and registration card(s) included. Products using accessories such as toner, ink cartridges, media, batteries, film, etc. must be returned with the factory-sealed accessory. Product that is returned incomplete, or damaged, -- if accepted -- will require a deduction. This deduction is final.

30-day money back guarantee does not apply to special orders."


I also wonder about this though!



"Televisions (24" or larger)

Refunds cannot be given on televisions 24" and larger. In-home service is offered by the manufacturer on large TV's and may be your most convenient option. Defective items may be returned within 30 days of the purchase date for replacement or upgrade. Please insure sufficient packaging is used to protect any return shipments. Customer is responsible for any damage caused due to insufficient packaging. "

I also wonder about this though!



"Televisions (24" or larger)

Refunds cannot be given on televisions 24" and larger. In-home service is offered by the manufacturer on large TV's and may be your most convenient option. Defective items may be returned within 30 days of the purchase date for replacement or upgrade. Please insure sufficient packaging is used to protect any return shipments. Customer is responsible for any damage caused due to insufficient packaging. "


that part is the online policy, doesn't apply to their B&M store

If this plan goes into effect for Costco I am returning my Vizio and cancelling my membership.

Got a quick question for anyone who would know, are the TVs sold at Costco inferior in anyway to TVs sold in B&M stores? I followed a link in this thread that had someone arguing that there's a quality difference when buying there.

I'd love the guarantee (assuming it doesn't change, of course) that Costco has, but you know, if it's of worse quality, then forget it. Oh, and what about Wal-Mart?

That's completely false. Some of their TV's may have specific model numbers tied to Costco for manufacturer sales tracking purposes, but that's it.

As to the satisfaction guarantee that applies to most if not all of their products, it may very well change if there is a high amount of abuse........Costco is actually a business that is suppossed to make money to survive.....so i would not be surprised to see the policy change on TV's.

I still find it unbelievable that anyone would have no problem using and being happy with a TV for years and return it after it breaks just to buy a new one.

To me that' s abuse. If the thing has problems within a reasonable time such as the warranty period, or was not what you expected, then I can see returning it.

Crazy.

Anyone see the Panny 9UK in their local Costco? They haven't had it on Costco.com for quite some time.

Costco is actually a business that is suppossed to make money to survive.....so i would not be surprised to see the policy change on TV's.


Crazy.

Costco quarterly profit up

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061214/bs_nm/costco_results_dc_4

What is the source of the information on return policy change?

Costco quarterly profit up

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061214/bs_nm/costco_results_dc_4

And in a Capitalist society such as our's that's a good thing. means they will be around for awhile longer. :)

What is the source of the information on return policy change?

If you google "Refunds cannot be given on televisions 24" and larger. In-home service is offered by the manufacturer" you can see that it's actually Fry's policy, not Costco's.

Edit - never mind, I thought there was confusion here but I'm the only one confused. :rolleyes:

As to the satisfaction guarantee that applies to most if not all of their products, it may very well change if there is a high amount of abuse........Costco is actually a business that is suppossed to make money to survive.....so i would not be surprised to see the policy change on TV's.

On the other hand, abuse is often pretty tough to prove. And who knows what percentage of Costco's sales are driven by their unconditional guarantee - they could take quite a hit if they significantly curtail that guarantee, particularly if Sams Club does not follow suit...

On the other hand, abuse is often pretty tough to prove. And who knows what percentage of Costco's sales are driven by their unconditional guarantee - they could take quite a hit if they significantly curtail that guarantee, particularly if Sams Club does not follow suit...

Actually it's pretty easy to prove. They keep records of what you've spent in their database......they used to try and get me to upgrade my membership all the time by showing me what I spent..........of course I'm making an assumption that they would also keep track of returns.....but to be honest, I don't know that.

No one I know has a guarantee as good as Costco and I'm sure that if money was not being made as they expect, they would not offer it.

A few years ago I was in the return line at Costco and the guy ahead of me was returning a bike that had been well used....it was muddy.....tires were flat....just trashed......he got his money back......I asked the clerk about it and he said....."he is returning it because he says the tires won't hold air". I said....it looks trashed...why would you give him his money back? He said..."that's our guarantee....and he is now happy and will spread the word and also spend alot more in this store because of this than what we will loss on the bike".

I don't think their guarantee will go away......it just may be modified on the TV's as it was on the computers......there may be a time limit.

Just my .02.....all speculation on my part.....no basis in any fact whatsoever.

On the other hand, abuse is often pretty tough to prove. And who knows what percentage of Costco's sales are driven by their unconditional guarantee - they could take quite a hit if they significantly curtail that guarantee, particularly if Sams Club does not follow suit...

All - I picked up a Vizio 37" LCD last night at my local store. The guarantees posted were the same as always - Satisfaction Guaranteed . . . . and had the posting about Computers being 6 months. I'm happy, and confident that if there is a problem, they will stand behind their promise.

They did say something interesting - that a LOT of people had been (this is where I thought they were going to say abusing the policy) coming in and asking for chocolate chip cookies. based on Richard's recommendations. They said as long as people keep eating a LOT of their chocolate chip cookies, that they could eat a TV here and there! LOL

(Guys - before you jump all over it - the last paragraph was a joke - it never happened - just though that I could add some levity to a subject that should be fun)

faceoff

All - I picked up a Vizio 37" LCD last night at my local store. The guarantees posted were the same as always - Satisfaction Guaranteed . . . . and had the posting about Computers being 6 months. I'm happy, and confident that if there is a problem, they will stand behind their promise.

They did say something interesting - that a LOT of people had been (this is where I thought they were going to say abusing the policy) coming in and asking for chocolate chip cookies. based on Richard's recommendations. They said as long as people keep eating a LOT of their chocolate chip cookies, that they could eat a TV here and there! LOL

(Guys - before you jump all over it - the last paragraph was a joke - it never happened - just though that I could add some levity to a subject that should be fun)

faceoff
Where's Richard when you need him? :) BTW, forget the cookies, have you ever tried their croissants? To die for (but fattening).

Tell us all about the 37" Vizio. I've been eyeballing it for a while-great price.

Where's Richard when you need him? :) BTW, forget the cookies, have you ever tried their croissants? To die for (but fattening).

Tell us all about the 37" Vizio. I've been eyeballing it for a while-great price.

It's sitting in the box - need to move the old set - and clean up the office. Bottom line - this is the one that wowed the wife at Costco. Unless there are obvious issues - it's a keeper (as is the box and receipt).

The "while-great price" of $899.99 is actually the new MSRP. Set got some great reviews (PC World I think). For the price diff, can get a lot of cookies (or croissants), or my favs - their Jelly beans and Pistachio nuts! LOL

Will post when I actually unbox it. . .

Not going to put down the Price, but for anyone interested in a Panisonic 50" 60U plasma check out [EDIT], i.e. Fry's Electronics. they have free shiping, and the price is under 2K!!!!
Happy Holidays Everyone!! :)

On the note of sales, man I should get a free TV with as much as we spend at Costco. We have the corporate gold card thingy so we get in before everyone else. My wife does catering so you can only guess.... Yeah yeah I like their croissants too! :) I have the spare tire to proove it.. LOL

I like Costco, I like there return policy, I like just wondering around and looking at stuff!! Of course I spend to much when I go there, but I enjoy it none the less.
My one and only beef is I wish they took Visa Mastercard, like they do online, or make it so you can buy online, but pickup at a local store, like Circuit City. That would be soooo coool.... :) Just my two cents... I thnk it would be a really nice adition to their services. This way you can buy online, go to a loading dock for will call, and pick it all up with out having to fight lines, or wonder around needlessly buying DVDs, bottles of wine, or whole peices of rib eye stake to dry age at home.. LOL

On the note of sales, man I should get a free TV with as much as we spend there. We have the corporate gold card thingy so we get in before everyone else. My wife does catering so you can only guess.... Yeah yeah I like their croissants too! :) I have the spare tire to proove it.. LOL



Hopefully, the mods won't ban me for being OT - this is soooo reminiscent of the episode on Seinfeld. . . . . LOL

If they updated the ep - I'm sure that they would discuss large purchases and the return policy.

faceoff

ok, my 50" panny shipped from costco.com yesterday. i'm near boston. does anybody know how long it'll take them to arrive and when they'll call me for that 4 hour time window? thanks in advance

ok, my 50" panny shipped from costco.com yesterday. i'm near boston. does anybody know how long it'll take them to arrive and when they'll call me for that 4 hour time window? thanks in advance

I'm up in NH. It took about 2 1/2 weeks before I got the call to set up a delivery time that was convenient for me.

Does anyone know if BB pricematches Amazon? I have heard of multiple people who were able to get their local BB to pricematch Amazon when purchasing TVs.

I just bought a 46' Sammy LCD from BB last night, they were adament that they would not price match Amazon, or any other online retailer. However, they were willing to deal with me to a certain extent. They have an advertised program where you get $XXX off as an instant rebate if you sign up or upgrade to Direct TV through BB. Well I was already a subscriber, so I had to go through DTV to upgrade and therefore I couldn't get the $200 instant rebate for upgrading to Direct TV HD. But they honored the $200 discount and took that right off the list as if I was getting the instant rebate... I continued to waffle, so they took another $100 off. All they had in stock was an open box, so they took another $50 off and I took it home, much to my wife's chagrin :).

In all, I took home an open box with the full warranty, 30 day satisfaction return, and 60 day price match policy, for $350 less than their list. Which in the end, boiled down to about $25 more than Amazon's price for the identical TV. Although the tax made it slightly more expensive than Online pricing, I felt pretty good about being close to online prices, without having to sweat out a delivery, or worry like crazy if the set is a lemon. So while they don't price match, they will deal with you if you are truly serious about buying.

I'm up in NH. It took about 2 1/2 weeks before I got the call to set up a delivery time that was convenient for me.

thanks, i was expecting to receive it a lot sooner than that but i guess the carrier takes its time. at least it gives me time to receive my tv stand, lol...

can you ask them to deliver on a specific day?

Just got back from Costco where I returned a Philips 42" Plasma I bought in April. They were great, they simply asked what was wrong with it and as I was explaining the synching issues and some other things, the guy stopped me and said, "that's fine, you're all set" and signaled to the cashier to process the return. Costco is really a top notch operation!

Now, if they would only get the 9UK on their website again I'd buy from them rather than TVA!

I was at Costco today returning some stools. Asked about the return policy on TVs changing and both of the cashers said they had heard nothing about a change in policy.

I was in another forum and someone said that Costco online had the Pioneer 6070 plasma. I just checked Costco online but could not find it anywhere. I even did a google search.

Anyone know if Costco ever carried it instore or online?
I know they have the 5070 online.

thanks, rp

I was at Costco today returning some stools. Asked about the return policy on TVs changing and both of the cashers said they had heard nothing about a change in policy.

They didn't tell you that they'd had just about enough sh-- out of you?


[It's a "returning some stools" joke. Get it? OK, sorry, back to your regularly scheduled programming.]

I was in another forum and someone said that Costco online had the Pioneer 6070 plasma. I just checked Costco online but could not find it anywhere. I even did a google search.

Anyone know if Costco ever carried it instore or online?
I know they have the 5070 online.

thanks, rp

Hi, I'm new here, but I've been reading this forum for over 2 years. To answer your question, Yes. Costco did carry the 6070HD for exactly 1 week, then 2 weeks ago, it was removed.

I ordered a 5070HD through them, about 3 1/2 weeks ago, and I've been watching that site closely.

I hope that helps :) .

The irony in the return policy change is that Costco annouced today an increase of 10% in profit for the 1st quarter thanks to strong TV sales, not to mention they are making money off their membership fee.

And what change would that be?

Good one bananfish!

The irony in the return policy change is that Costco annouced today an increase of 10% in profit for the 1st quarter thanks to strong TV sales, not to mention they are making money off their membership fee.


I don't believe policy will change. Especially after 10% increase. No chance. They can't now say they are taking a hit on TVs. So policy will not change!

I was in another forum and someone said that Costco online had the Pioneer 6070 plasma. I just checked Costco online but could not find it anywhere. I even did a google search.

Anyone know if Costco ever carried it instore or online?
I know they have the 5070 online.

thanks, rp

They did have it. Not anymore.

I have watched it on and off... and I notice many different tv's coming on and off the site... do you notice the same?

Do you think they will get the 6070 again?

Are you looking for a 6070 too... (I have the 5070 too but wish for the 60)

rp


Hi, I'm new here, but I've been reading this forum for over 2 years. To answer your question, Yes. Costco did carry the 6070HD for exactly 1 week, then 2 weeks ago, it was removed.

I ordered a 5070HD through them, about 3 1/2 weeks ago, and I've been watching that site closely.

I hope that helps :) .

I have watched it on and off... and I notice many different tv's coming on and off the site... do you notice the same?

Do you think they will get the 6070 again?

Are you looking for a 6070 too... (I have the 5070 too but wish for the 60)

rp


they will have it again. the 50" panny i wanted disappeared for 2-3 weeks, then it reappeared so i think they ran out of stock temporarily. i think they took them off the site so they can halt potential orders, juss a guess

I have watched it on and off... and I notice many different tv's coming on and off the site... do you notice the same?

Do you think they will get the 6070 again?

Are you looking for a 6070 too... (I have the 5070 too but wish for the 60)

rp

I guess they'd carry the 6070 again at some point. I doubt I'd buy one from them though. I think I'd use one of the forum sponsors. I too was considering a 6070, but I think I'll keep the 5070 for a year or so, and replace it with the next-gen Pioneer 60". In fact, I hope Pioneer makes a 65" 1080p panel, that's probably what I'd get. Just to cover that eventuality, I'm mounting the 5070 with a Chief PDR mount :cool: . Damn, talk about overkill!

We can never win at this crazy game we love... Something is always better around the corner..better and cheaper....

maybe I shall just sell every A/V component right now and just wait until 2011 and get a Pioneer 90inch 1080p panel.....

it never ends... does it?

rp : )


I guess they'd carry the 6070 again at some point. I doubt I'd buy one from them though. I think I'd use one of the forum sponsors. I too was considering a 6070, but I think I'll keep the 5070 for a year or so, and replace it with the next-gen Pioneer 60". In fact, I hope Pioneer makes a 65" 1080p panel, that's probably what I'd get. Just to cover that eventuality, I'm mounting the 5070 with a Chief PDR mount :cool: . Damn, talk about overkill!

Do I have to have my original packaging to return a TV to Costco? I purchased the Vizio 37" in April and it has a rather loud buzzing (in addition to the normal buzzing from a TV), but the box is trashed.

Do I have to have my original packaging to return a TV to Costco? I purchased the Vizio 37" in April and it has a rather loud buzzing (in addition to the normal buzzing from a TV), but the box is trashed.

No box required...just TV with remote, manual and any cables that came with it.

Costco needs to get a 55-62" 1080p LCD/DLP RPTV soon. I am getting the 1080p buzz since I just got my PS3

Edit: A good 55-62" 1080p.... the Sammy 67" is tempting, i just think that screen is to big for my room

The Costco by my house had a 62" 1080p set in stock when I was there on Thursday, but I can't remember who made it now. It was a major brand, though...either Sharp, Samsung, or Toshiba...

Me, I was stuck looking at the Vizio 42" LCD set...can't afford it, but it looked nice.

Costco policy changing !!!

Emailed from an associate @ AVS that he was told he could return his plasma right now, but that the 30-day policy is coming.

I'm looking for recs regarding buying a 50" Plasma from Sams/Costco. I'd rather one of the less expensive options as well. Looks like there's a Vizio, Panasonic, Philips, and Maxent....

any recs?

and if "the policy" really is coming, i'd like to make sure i get the best one for me!

Thanks!

I bought my Panasonic TH-50PX6U from Costco on 11/26/06. I am very satisfied with it and plan to do the ISF calibration after the first of the year...although I don't find any problem with the PQ out of the box. I didn't consider the Maxent due to reviews I've read....the Phillips was nice but again I had read about reliability problems....the Vizio (for me) was too new of a brand and didn't have a track record, go or bad, for me to evaluate. So, I decided on the Panasonic.

Costco policy changing !!!

Emailed from an associate @ AVS that he was told he could return his plasma right now, but that the 30-day policy is coming.
No offence meant, but this is still just speculation based on one "source" or another. Until the official word comes from Costco, no one can say for sure. However, even if it is true, I wouldn't let that stop me from buying a set from Costco as long as the price and return policy is competitive with other B & M retailers.

No offence meant, but this is still just speculation based on one "source" or another. Until the official word comes from Costco, no one can say for sure. However, even if it is true, I wouldn't let that stop me from buying a set from Costco as long as the price and return policy is competitive with other B & M retailers.

I've found that Costco's prices are a bit above the Circuit Citys and Best Buys of the world, but it's always been a steal with the included "extended warranty". I think if they kill the forever-return-policy they will lose a fair amount of business, that is unless they revise their prices.

On a related note, I stopped to talk to the customer service counter today and the woman there starting nodding her head immediately when I started my question about a change in the return policy. She thought it would be something along the lines of the 6-month policy they have for computers, but she didn't have any official word.

Just returned my TV 11 months old to Costco. Had problems with it from Day 1 and they just got worse over the year so I finally got around to returning it. They were EXTREMELY friendly and it could not have gone any better. No attitude or anything.

Now I am just torn which TV to get. I was going to get the Panasonic 50" Plasma. But the 52" Sharp LCD looks awesome. Question is can I warrant the extra grand out of my pocket for it. :) Or order it online for a $700 bucks savings. But with all the banding issues I am nervous about ordering online.

can someone tell me the exact name of what Cable I Need to Buy to Connect my Laptop to a hdvi Imput of a Hi Def TV? I also want hook up my basic Toshiba vcr/Dvd Combo Player and another $60.00 HI Fi Panasonic VCR Until I Can Buy the Panasonic Up Converting DVD Recorder/VCR Player they Have in the store that says it Includes its Own HDVI Cable. As for the laptop I Would Like a Cable the is Longer that 6 Feet because spending so Much Time in Bed, I would Need a 12 footer I believe. Does a Cheap $100. DVD/VCR Combo such as I Now Own Have or Need the Componet cables I see at Mono Price ( the Ones with Three Colors ) ? Should I Just Get a Couple Pairs of the 3 Jack Video/Audio Cables for these Two devices for Now? (Yellow/Red/White ) I Hope I am Not Making a Mistake But I Plan on Looking at the SONY Wega 46" Rear Projection set as It would suit My Needs and My Brothers Looks Great as Long as You are looking at It Straight On at Eye Level which I Would be. Does anyone Think I am Making a Mistake? I Never Bothered to Look at Cosctos Offerings on Rear projections and this Sony I saw for $1200 is at another B&M Dept Store. Any advice or should I wait Until after Christmas or the New Year? I don't Want to beat a Dead Horse Over the Return Policy at costcos But I sure would Love to buy whatever I Buy Before the New Year Just "in Case". I am Not someone who would abuse anyones Return Policy But with a Rear Projection and their stated Early Bulb Failure It would be Nice to have Peace of Mind even though I read Bulbs Can be Bought On Line for $150. and Installed Quite easily which is what I would Try to Do Rather than Lug the Set Back after 3-5 Years of Heavy use getting My Promised 5000 Hours. Thank You and sorry if this Posting is somewhat out of Topic. Peace to everyone and I will Try those Chocolate Chip Cookies Richard Talks about all the Time. I Miss His Postings., maybe He Meant what he said about Wasting Time Here about the return policy? I Have to Admit that it Concerns Me too But I agree with Others that if they replace it I would Probably Go elsewhere Saving money & Getting a Much Larger Selection. I Buy a small fortune in their Greta food Products anyway so getting a Hi Def at their Store was ONLY Because of their No Hassle return Policy. Tom in Bed with My 15 year Old Mini Dachshund Murphy Dog Busy Reading Sunday sale Circulars! So Many Sets such Urge to BUY!

can someone tell me the exact name of what Cable I Need to Buy to Connect my Laptop to a hdvi Imput of a Hi Def TV? I also want hook up my basic Toshiba vcr/Dvd Combo Player and another $60.00 HI Fi Panasonic VCR Until I Can Buy the Panasonic Up Converting DVD Recorder/VCR Player they Have in the store that says it Includes its Own HDVI Cable. As for the laptop I Would Like a Cable the is Longer that 6 Feet because spending so Much Time in Bed, I would Need a 12 footer I believe. Does a Cheap $100. DVD/VCR Combo such as I Now Own Have or Need the Componet cables I see at Mono Price ( the Ones with Three Colors ) ? Should I Just Get a Couple Pairs of the 3 Jack Video/Audio Cables for these Two devices for Now? (Yellow/Red/White ) I Hope I am Not Making a Mistake But I Plan on Looking at the SONY Wega 46" Rear Projection set as It would suit My Needs and My Brothers Looks Great as Long as You are looking at It Straight On at Eye Level which I Would be. Does anyone Think I am Making a Mistake? I Never Bothered to Look at Cosctos Offerings on Rear projections and this Sony I saw for $1200 is at another B&M Dept Store. Any advice or should I wait Until after Christmas or the New Year? I don't Want to beat a Dead Horse Over the Return Policy at costcos But I sure would Love to buy whatever I Buy Before the New Year Just "in Case". I am Not someone who would abuse anyones Return Policy But with a Rear Projection and their stated Early Bulb Failure It would be Nice to have Peace of Mind even though I read Bulbs Can be Bought On Line for $150. and Installed Quite easily which is what I would Try to Do Rather than Lug the Set Back after 3-5 Years of Heavy use getting My Promised 5000 Hours. Thank You and sorry if this Posting is somewhat out of Topic. Peace to everyone and I will Try those Chocolate Chip Cookies Richard Talks about all the Time. I Miss His Postings., maybe He Meant what he said about Wasting Time Here about the return policy? I Have to Admit that it Concerns Me too But I agree with Others that if they replace it I would Probably Go elsewhere Saving money & Getting a Much Larger Selection. I Buy a small fortune in their Greta food Products anyway so getting a Hi Def at their Store was ONLY Because of their No Hassle return Policy. Tom in Bed with My 15 year Old Mini Dachshund Murphy Dog Busy Reading Sunday sale Circulars! So Many Sets such Urge to BUY!

...and the answer is...the [ENTER] key!

No offence meant, but this is still just speculation based on one "source" or another. Until the official word comes from Costco, no one can say for sure. However, even if it is true, I wouldn't let that stop me from buying a set from Costco as long as the price and return policy is competitive with other B & M retailers.

There is no official word but I would say since we are hearing more and more of these rumors lately must mean something is coming down the pike...

No offence meant, but this is still just speculation based on one "source" or another. Until the official word comes from Costco, no one can say for sure. However, even if it is true, I wouldn't let that stop me from buying a set from Costco as long as the price and return policy is competitive with other B & M retailers.

Their prices tend to be higher. And (whether or not it's true), Costco certainly indicates that there could be warranty problems in some cases, since they're not an authorized dealer. They're not gonna sell too many TVs at a higher price with a 30-day warranty.

There is no official word but I would say since we are hearing more and more of these rumors lately must mean something is coming down the pike...

What we are hearing is a lot of BS from people who don't know anything about any change in the Costco policy.
Go to the DirecTV HD forums and read all the posts about which new HD channel is coming, from people who have "heard"something. It is all speculation until any official announcement.
I for one enjoy shopping at Costco, but the drawback is you don't know prices or supply until you walk into a store.
It seems that Costco is stocking higher quality electronics, to lesson the returns that would occur with the bottom end stuff.
I bought a small footprint Magnovox DVD standalone player at Walmart recently, for less than $30. It seemed like an item that Costco would have sold in the past, but now you have to shell out more bucks for whatever they have.
I'll believe that Costco has changed their policy when COSTCO announces it.

What we are hearing is a lot of BS from people who don't know anything about any change in the Costco policy.
Go to the DirecTV HD forums and read all the posts about which new HD channel is coming, from people who have "heard"something. It is all speculation until any official announcement.
I for one enjoy shopping at Costco, but the drawback is you don't know prices or supply until you walk into a store.
It seems that Costco is stocking higher quality electronics, to lesson the returns that would occur with the bottom end stuff.
I bought a small footprint Magnovox DVD standalone player at Walmart recently, for less than $30. It seemed like an item that Costco would have sold in the past, but now you have to shell out more bucks for whatever they have.
I'll believe that Costco has changed their policy when COSTCO announces it.

Ummm.....I agree other than the fact that twice in the last week I have asked my local C about the return policy and they both times said "It is now 30 days on electronics - and after that you have to use our free Concierge service"...heard it with my own ears...it is weird though that it isn't the same across all Costcos...

Ummm.....I agree other than the fact that twice in the last week I have asked my local C about the return policy and they both times said "It is now 30 days on electronics - and after that you have to use our free Concierge service"...heard it with my own ears...it is weird though that it isn't the same across all Costcos...

Seems to me that until they change their written policy, it remains as is, regardless of oral representations to the contrary...

Seems to me that until they change their written policy, it remains as is, regardless of oral representations to the contrary...

Yep! Nothing is official, until they make it official.......

Well I'm sure this is a Costco exsclusive model #. I just picked up one for my bedroom and must say I am VERY impressed with the picture quality so far. I have brought home a few others, The Toshiba at Costco and the Samsung at Sam's. All were virtually the same price. I am trying to stay under $1900. I know there are better sets, but like I said this ones for the bedroom. I have it hooked up to Brighthouse HD thru hdmi and DVD thru hdmi. I think the picture is very solid. Granted it only has Pixel Plus 1, But sersion 2 & 3 didn't seem to get great reviews. The head of our bed is about 12' from the screen, did some DIY ambilight, all looks quite well. have not yet tweaked with Avia, but will within the next few days.

By the way I have the Samsung HLS6187 w/ HD-DVD in the family room to compare to.

Any other owners of the 9431 series care to chime in?

One last thought on the Costco return policy change/rumor. Wouldnt you think any purchases made prior whatever change is made would have to still be honored on the old system?

Thanks
Matt

i went to my costco and talked to the membership manager there (also handles returns) and they said there was no new news about the policy change (there was no news at all) but she figured that something would be changed at some point because of people abusing it. Also she thought there would be NO grandfather clause, since there was none for the computer change. Also assured me that it would no way change to 30 days, maby 6months at the least, and I wouldnt have any problem returning my tv if something broke on it (not to upgrade).

this is all speculation from a costco manager though, so take it as a grain of salt.

i went to my costco and talked to the membership manager there (also handles returns) and they said there was no new news about the policy change (there was no news at all) but she figured that something would be changed at some point because of people abusing it. Also she thought there would be NO grandfather clause, since there was none for the computer change. Also assured me that it would no way change to 30 days, maby 6months at the least, and I wouldnt have any problem returning my tv if something broke on it (not to upgrade).

this is all speculation from a costco manager though, so take it as a grain of salt.

There is a grandfather clause in the computer return policy: any computer system purchased before Nov. 1st 2003 is exempt from the newer 6 month return policy.

I'm almost positive that will be the case with the new TV policy.

I've found that Costco's prices are a bit above the Circuit Citys and Best Buys of the world, but it's always been a steal with the included "extended warranty". I think if they kill the forever-return-policy they will lose a fair amount of business, that is unless they revise their prices.

On a related note, I stopped to talk to the customer service counter today and the woman there starting nodding her head immediately when I started my question about a change in the return policy. She thought it would be something along the lines of the 6-month policy they have for computers, but she didn't have any official word.

I wish Costco would do away with speculation and go ahead and officially adopt a 6-month return policy for flat panels, just like computers. I think that a 6-month return to Costco window in combination with another 6 months left on the 1-year manuf. warranty after that is a good deal, far superior than any other vendor.

question about CC and return policy, I am having a tv delivered from cc.com. If there is a problem with the tv or I dont like it, do I have to bring it to the store or can they come and pick it up. I dont have access to a car and I dont want to have to return it. Just want to know what the option is.

question about CC and return policy, I am having a tv delivered from cc.com. If there is a problem with the tv or I dont like it, do I have to bring it to the store or can they come and pick it up. I dont have access to a car and I dont want to have to return it. Just want to know what the option is.

i think you might be able to have them come and pick it up if there is a problem...but if you end up just not liking it, you might have to take it back to the store itself. I had bought a tv at BB and they ended up delivering the wrong model, so I called their customer support and they set up an appointment to come and pick it up free of charge. I would assume that CC has a similiar policy on items that are damaged or defective from an online purchase.

These rumors are making me cranky (and these pretzels.....are makin' me thirsty!). I'm going to call all the "local" wharehouses (4 in Minneapolis, 1 in Des Moines) and ask about this. First I decided to go straight to the source. I just called Costco's general member service # 800-774-2678. I called at approx 1:25 PM CST and was on hold until approx 1:33 PM CST. I spoke with Jen, and asked her if the return policy was changing on 1st of the year or any other time. She said no. I told her that I'd heard it was going to change for televisions, that it would mirror the 6-month policy they had for computers. She said no, that wasn't true.

I know how things work sometimes, you ask different people you get different answers. But you'd think that a customer service rep at for their home offices would've been apprised of a policy change, especially one that takes effect in 2 weeks.

You can read the transcript of a recent Costco conference call with stock analysts at (Im not allowed to post the URL - Google costo concierge) which describes the purpose of the concierge service. It appears to be an attempt at reducing the number of returns without altering the return policy. In short, don't panic, the return policy will change if there's no viable alternative and existing purchases will be grandfathered in.

Quote:
Charles Grom - JP Morgan
Hi, good morning, Richard. Thanks. Clearly, TV returns continue to be a drag. Can you update us on the concierge service in Southern California and the potential implication of a return policy sometimes in the next couple of quarters?

Richard Galanti

Sure. The concierge service has now been started in Southern California. What it is? Basically, it is two things. One, first and foremost is, it's a high quality answering service that answers your questions quickly and at a higher level. What we found by the way is that, a significant number of calls aren’t TV related, but other electronics related, like, dads like me calling -- not that I call. But dads like me calling to say, I got my kids an iPod and I can't figure out how to get the darn songs on there. Simple stuff like that, which arguably helps other returns as well in a smaller way. But also seeing that, we're also testing -- we will roll that out in all of California, which is about 38% of our -- of the US company, of the total company. In terms of -- I am 38% of the US.

In terms of the other aspect of concierge service is home installation service, and I believe we are still testing that in Southern California and whatever we're doing, we're going to rollout between now and the first part of calendar '07, such that by spring we would expect to be rolled out in the US. That is improving the numbers, but it's not fixing the entire thing. We were looking at -- as we've said for and I am not trying to recall it, but obviously said for, gosh, number of months, we are going to do everything short of changing our return policy first. But if we have to, we will look at that and rest assured, it is still going to be a great policy. We haven’t made any announcements on that. We continue to look at it. But I think as Jim said at a recent conference in the fall in New York, at some point during the year, we will make that decision. And the -- one thing I will mention in looking at some of the blogs out there, I saw there was some rumors that we're going to change our policy in the beginning of the calendar year and you better get everything back in, because they are changing the policy. Well, the reality is that irrespective of what we do, if and when we change our policy that will be on a prospective basis. We will never change our policy for things done prior to that. So assuming we were to make any change, whether it's early part of calendar or middle point of calendar, wherever it is, the impact to our numbers will still be a number of months after that. So, I still see this as an impact for ’07 on a comparable basis to ’06 that we were hit pretty hard last year. My guess is, it's still a hit, but on a comparable basis not as big a hit that it was in ’06 versus ’05.

I went to our local Costco and talked with one of the associates. I asked him if the TV return policy was changing and he said yes. He said it will only be 6 months. I asked him if they were going to grandfather purchases before January. He didn't know. I talked to the membership desk and they said they had not heard of any change on the return policy. I bought a 50" Vizio in August and I love the TV...but, I am scared to death that Costco will change their policy and my beloved plasma die a slow out of warranty death.

All of this conjecture makes me want to puke (as does the idea of the policy changing). I wish there was a definitive answer out there either way. The quotes from the conference call were a nice addition, I just wish everyone was on the same page. If the policy is changing nationwide, why don't they release a memo to all employees and customers, something that's easily visible when you walk into the store. If it's going to change, it would be nice to have advanced notice and know all of the particulars.

All of this conjecture makes me want to puke (as does the idea of the policy changing). I wish there was a definitive answer out there either way. The quotes from the conference call were a nice addition, I just wish everyone was on the same page. If the policy is changing nationwide, why don't they release a memo to all employees and customers, something that's easily visible when you walk into the store. If it's going to change, it would be nice to have advanced notice and know all of the particulars.

Don't puke Red Hunk, bad for you. Policy change is strictly hearsay at this point. Don't expect the Costco employees to know anything and do expect to get 15 different answers.

Do know, however, that if you buy something you are automatically grand-fathered in to whatever policy is in place at the time of purchase. Costco has no saying over this, it's the law. If you want to hedge your position (sorry, been trading all day) take with you your trusted pocket camera and snap a pic of the wall signs outlining the refund policy at the time of your purchase.

question about CC and return policy, I am having a tv delivered from cc.com. If there is a problem with the tv or I dont like it, do I have to bring it to the store or can they come and pick it up. I dont have access to a car and I dont want to have to return it. Just want to know what the option is.
I would imagine that if you're buying another set from CC to replace the one you're returning (for whatever reason), they would pick up the old set when they deliver the new one. At least that's what they did for me and at no extra charge. You would have to go to the store to let them know you're returning the set so they can start the process. You may even be able to do this online, but a phone call to their customer service should shed some light on that. Now, if you're not going to buy a replacement set from them, you may have to return it yourself or at least pay a pick up charge for CC to come and get it.

Does Costco have more LCD's in its stores than what's listed on is website?

Which one has more of a variety of LCD's, Costco or Sams' Club?

What are their return policies?

Thanks

Does Costco have more LCD's in its stores than what's listed on is website?

Which one has more of a variety of LCD's, Costco or Sams' Club?

What are their return policies?

Thanks
The items carried in the Costco store are actually quite a bit different than the website. What is in the store isn't always on the web site and vice versa.

Circuit City stock went down 20% today as the price competition in flat-panels and HDTV's was more intense than anybody thought. Best Buy got nailed last week.

I think what this means is that going forward the rate of decline in HDTV pricing will be LESS than what we saw in recent quarters. Biggest positive, if it happens, might be a rising dollar to offset price competition for the oveseas companies. If the dollar is steay or falls, this will mitigate against more price cuts.

Bottom Line: Don't wait months or quarters to save $$$, go out now and get one. Big drops are not likely forthcoming after 2006's 2-big price cuts.

Has anyone seen the Panasonic TH-50PX600U or Panasonic TH-50PX60U on Costco's site lately? I thought they were there and now I only see Panasonic TH-50PX6U.

Hmm, remind me to not sign up for your economics class. As flat panels become cheaper to make their prices will decline in the retail market. The rate of decline will have little or nothing to do with Circuit City and Best Buy stock prices.

What this will probably mean is it will be closer to the pc market where every year, if you want the latest and greatest gaming computer and go to Dell, you'll find that you are still spending $2.5K-$3K but getting one that has better technology in it than the previous year.

The top end won't be falling down that much more and you will be hard pressed to break through a certain floor price; depending on size. However, the low end units will continue to fall.

I think the OP was implying that the big box retailers were finding themselves in a situation where they had to erode their profit margin in order to maintain competitiveness in the marketplace. It makes sense that maybe some of the "price drop" of '06 in the HDTV market was due to retailers getting less of a profit margin.

Hmm, remind me to not sign up for your economics class. As flat panels become cheaper to make their prices will decline in the retail market. The rate of decline will have little or nothing to do with Circuit City and Best Buy stock prices.


What PhilipsPhanatic was referring to is that BB and CC tried lowering their margins to increase the sale of flat screens. But their financials showed that the actual increase was not enough to offset the decrease in their margins (albeit still large relative to other electronics). Therefore, it is not in their interest to continue doing so. The end results may be a slowing down in the rate of price decrease that we have seen in the last 2-3 years.

Of course the value of the US dollar is a dark horse here. If it keeps falling, at some point in time even if the foreign manufacturers maintain their prices in their local currencies, the US$ equivalent would still go up. It's not like we currently have a choice of switching our purchasing decision to buying from a US made flat screens as there are no such plants here.

One other thing, economy of scales dictates that the more the manufacturer produces an item, the more it learns to produce the item cheaper. However, at some point in time (the exact point no one knows as each technology/industry is different), the curve will start to plateau and the incremental decrease in costs per additional unit produced will be smaller leading to smaller price reduction.

Hmm, remind me to not sign up for your economics class. As flat panels become cheaper to make their prices will decline in the retail market. The rate of decline will have little or nothing to do with Circuit City and Best Buy stock prices.

Class in session.....as the operating margins on sales at the retail level decline, they have to be met by declines at the wholesale and manufacturing level. Lately, they haven't.

With warranties falling in price and FEWER people buying them as HDTV prices have fallen, profit margins on accessories to big HDTV's have fallen bigtime.

Think: did the price of VCR's keep falling or did it eventually level off? Similarly, HDTV pricing will begin to level off at a certain price point.

What PhilipsPhanatic was referring to is that BB and CC tried lowering their margins to increase the sale of flat screens. But their financials showed that the actual increase was not enough to offset the decrease in their margins (albeit still large relative to other electronics). Therefore, it is not in their interest to continue doing so. The end results may be a slowing down in the rate of price decrease that we have seen in the last 2-3 years.

Exactly.....do you have an MBA ? :D

Of course the value of the US dollar is a dark horse here. If it keeps falling, at some point in time even if the foreign manufacturers maintain their prices in their local currencies, the US$ equivalent would still go up. It's not like we currently have a choice of switching our purchasing decision to buying from a US made flat screens as there are no such plants here.

Very true....dollar index holding above 80 and looks set to rise...we'll have to see how it plays out but that could help foreign firms get more of their local currency and lead to more modest pricing declines going forward.

One other thing, economy of scales dictates that the more the manufacturer produces an item, the more it learns to produce the item cheaper. However, at some point in time (the exact point no one knows as each technology/industry is different), the curve will start to plateau and the incremental decrease in costs per additional unit produced will be smaller leading to smaller price reduction.

Exactly what happened to regular TV's (including B&W sets), VCR's, etc. Great post !

Can you get 1 day memberships at Costco or Sam's Club or anything less than 1 year?

(I want to see what both Sam's club and Costco have for LCD's in their actual warehouses before buying a membership)

Well, from my point of view the margin decrease on flat screens is offset by the revenue increase in pandering overpriced accessories, such a $400+ extended warranties, surge protectors/powerstrips, $250+ wall mount brackets and $100+ hdmi cables. I spent the last week circulating between several of the big box stores and noted that each person who bought a flat panel also got suckered into on average $800 worth of overpriced accessories. It reminds me of the seventies when car dealers were hiking up the price of cars with undercoating and scotchguard. And keep in mind the profit margin on these accessories is very high. So I'm not crying for these guys.

Jon

You can go to costco. You only need the membership to pay for something. If they stop you at the entrance, tell then you are interested in becoming a member and want to check out the store.


Can you get 1 day memberships at Costco or Sam's Club or anything less than 1 year?

(I want to see what both Sam's club and Costco have for LCD's in their actual warehouses before buying a membership)

Any of you economists ever heard the phrase "don't try to catch a falling knife?" That's what BB and CC would be doing if they tried to level off panel prices for the simple reason that everyone and their mother has joined the flat panel market (Home Depot, Office Depot, Target, Wal Mart, Staples to name a few...flat panels coming to a Jiffy Lube near you next :p )

Several of the above mentioned vendors can use flat panels as a loss leader and they will. BB and CC will have to compete or eat dust.

Significant deals to be had after the Superbowl, mark my words.

BTW, you do know that Vizio is coming out with 1080p LCD panels right? Well, guess what's going to happen to their 720p LCD panels currently retailing for $899, $1299 and $1699 for the 37", 42" and 46"? That's right, falling knife baby.

Has anyone seen the Panasonic TH-50PX600U or Panasonic TH-50PX60U on Costco's site lately? I thought they were there and now I only see Panasonic TH-50PX6U.

the th50px600u is no longer on the Costco website because they are out of stock at their warehouses with this model. it has happened before because i have been watching this tv since late september. it usually pops back in stock and back on teh Costco website within 1-2 weeks. unfortunately, the price of it has not dropped since the second week of november, and the fact you have to pay $165 for shipping kind of kiils the decent price. i watied and waited for it to come down more in price to trade in my philips plasma, but it hasn't yet. luckily for me, Tweeter here in Chicago had a pricing error in their sunday brochure for the th50px600u, so i took the brochure to BB and they matched the price without a problem...now i am getting my new panny this friday for A STEAL!!! friday my problematic philips goes back to costco after 5 months of frustration!

Does anybody know if Costco carries the Samsung 4095D? Even better - if you know what thy are getting for it could you pm me?

Any of you economists ever heard the phrase "don't try to catch a falling knife?" That's what BB and CC would be doing if they tried to level off panel prices for the simple reason that everyone and their mother has joined the flat panel market (Home Depot, Office Depot, Target, Wal Mart, Staples to name a few...flat panels coming to a Jiffy Lube near you next :p )

Several of the above mentioned vendors can use flat panels as a loss leader and they will. BB and CC will have to compete or eat dust.

Significant deals to be had after the Superbowl, mark my words.

BTW, you do know that Vizio is coming out with 1080p LCD panels right? Well, guess what's going to happen to their 720p LCD panels currently retailing for $899, $1299 and $1699 for the 37", 42" and 46"? That's right, falling knife baby.

The 1080p Vizio will be 47" and sell for around $2000. The prices on the 720p sets especially the 46" should drop.

Circuit City attributes their poor performance (and whacking yesterday in the stock market) to the extreme drops in plasma/flastscreen prices -- more than 40% in the last year.

Actually I think this is understated. The Panny 50-- which many people bought at orginal MSRP in May of $3499 can now be found in many places under $2000. That;s more than 40% in seven months.

Other retailers are struggling to compete-- two main players are BB and Walmart.

Forecast is for lower prices and eventually shakeout among retailers. Did not address online vendors--but as plasmas become more of a commodity item my guess is that online folks will have an increasingly difficult time to meet thier goals.

-glenn

Interesting news. No doubt the prices have fallen but that should increase volume...right? Im sure the margins are quite thin with all of the competition for soncumers TV & HD dollars.

I'd still rather buy a TV like this at a store, but thats just me.

Circuit City attributes their poor performance (and whacking yesterday in the stock market) to the extreme drops in plasma/flastscreen prices -- more than 40% in the last year.

Actually I think this is understated. The Panny 50-- which many people bought at orginal MSRP in May of $3499 can now be found in many places under $2000. That;s more than 40% in seven months.

Other retailers are struggling to compete-- two main players are BB and Walmart.

Forecast is for lower prices and eventually shakeout among retailers. Did not address online vendors--but as plasmas become more of a commodity item my guess is that online folks will have an increasingly difficult time to meet thier goals.

-glenn
Yep, you said it, shakeout among retailers is ultimately inevitable. In the meantime, enjoy capitalism and the benefits of a competitive market.

BTW, anyone remembers right after the World Cup last summer when flat panel sales were lower than expected and they were all talking about supply glut, production cut-backs and prices expected to go up? There was even an article headlining this site about it. Needless to say, not only prices did not go up but they fell by about 30%.

"Think: did the price of VCR's keep falling or did it eventually level off? Similarly, HDTV pricing will begin to level off at a certain price point."

But VCR's werent coming out with bigger and better VCRs every year. The techology for the most part stayed the same for 10 years. Once 1080P sets came out I think a lot of people started looking at the 1080i/720P sets as old technology, even though its not. Which is a reason the prices have been dropping. I would say most people dont even know what 1080p means they just want it. Personally I think the changes in technology are moving way too fast for people to keep up. I just got my first hdtv in August and know 2-3 years down the line something will come out that will make it look like a fossil.

Okay, brain hurts now...the upshot of the last few posts or so is that I should probably hold off on buying a new bedroom set for a while longer, right?

Okay, brain hurts now...the upshot of the last few posts or so is that I should probably hold off on buying a new bedroom set for a while longer, right?

My theory has always been..I could get hit by a bus tomorrow and never get a chance to enjoy a new tv. So I say screw waiting and go for it now!

I purchased my 50" Panny back in June, when the 1st price drop appeared. I still paid a heck of a lot more for it than I would now - or a month from now. Do I regret it?? Not one bit.

I purchased my 50" Panny back in June, when the 1st price drop appeared. I still paid a heck of a lot more for it than I would now - or a month from now. Do I regret it?? Not one bit.

I paid $2,200 and that was a terrific deal four years ago for my Sony 34XBR800.
The current version of that CRT based set is now around $900.

Do I regret purchasing it? No. I've enjoyed four years of HD programming.

Prices are going to change and more than likely continue to come down. You have to decide whether otr not it's your time to jump on the bandwagen.

I've looked through some of this massive thread but I simply don't have the time to read every post so please forgive if this has already been asked and answered.

I'm going to be buying an LCD TV next week from Best Buy and I have some questions about what kinds of things I can expect to be allowed to do as far as testing the unit I wish to purchase. As I understand it BB has a very limited return policy which may or may not involve a restocking fee etc. As such I would like to open the exact unit I plan to buy in the store, connect my laptop to it and run it through a series of tests to verify how many dead/stuck pixels exist, image quality on HD movies and various games etc before buying the unit. Does BB allow people to test the exact TV they wish to buy in store before purchasing it?

I'm stuck with BB because I already have a bunch of gift cards I am using to pay for most of the TV.

I've looked through some of this massive thread but I simply don't have the time to read every post so please forgive if this has already been asked and answered.

I'm going to be buying an LCD TV next week from Best Buy and I have some questions about what kinds of things I can expect to be allowed to do as far as testing the unit I wish to purchase. As I understand it BB has a very limited return policy which may or may not involve a restocking fee etc. As such I would like to open the exact unit I plan to buy in the store, connect my laptop to it and run it through a series of tests to verify how many dead/stuck pixels exist, image quality on HD movies and various games etc before buying the unit. Does BB allow people to test the exact TV they wish to buy in store before purchasing it?

I'm stuck with BB because I already have a bunch of gift cards I am using to pay for most of the TV.

HA! HA! HA!

Good luck. let us know how that works out.

Jon

I've looked through some of this massive thread but I simply don't have the time to read every post so please forgive if this has already been asked and answered.

I'm going to be buying an LCD TV next week from Best Buy and I have some questions about what kinds of things I can expect to be allowed to do as far as testing the unit I wish to purchase. As I understand it BB has a very limited return policy which may or may not involve a restocking fee etc. As such I would like to open the exact unit I plan to buy in the store, connect my laptop to it and run it through a series of tests to verify how many dead/stuck pixels exist, image quality on HD movies and various games etc before buying the unit. Does BB allow people to test the exact TV they wish to buy in store before purchasing it?

I'm stuck with BB because I already have a bunch of gift cards I am using to pay for most of the TV.

If you can talk them into it....you da man......however they will probably tell you to buy it, take it home and return it if you don't like it.

That would be my guess.

If you can talk them into it....you da man......however they will probably tell you to buy it, take it home and return it if you don't like it.

That would be my guess.

Not to mention, what happens when your in-store tests show no bad pixels, and then when you set it up at home you find out that 3 of your pixels went bad from the jostling around during the transit? Best Buy ain't gonna take it back at that point.

"Think: did the price of VCR's keep falling or did it eventually level off? Similarly, HDTV pricing will begin to level off at a certain price point."

But VCR's werent coming out with bigger and better VCRs every year. The techology for the most part stayed the same for 10 years.

Actually VCR's came out with quite a few new reasons for buying a new VCR over the years. While dropping prices and then stabilizing in price. In both Beta and VHS versions.


First you just had standard playing times with mono sound, then the both went to various versions of extending playing times, either by more speeds or longer tapes. Then you had the addition of analog stereo play, then they added HI-FI stereo. Then you had picture/resolution improvements, Beta HQ the Beta format and for VHS you had the SVHS format. And then eventually you even ended up with a digital Hi-Def VHS format. So yes, there have been a lot of reasons to buy a new VCR over time, yet the prices still reached a point where they stabilized. A Hi-Def digital player sells for a lower price then what most original mono VHS player sold for, my first mono VHS player was over $1100, yet my last SVHS Hi-Fi deck I bought was about $150. Yet now a stereo VHS player can usually be had for under $50.

Actually VCR's came out with quite a few new reasons for buying a new VCR over the years. While dropping prices and then stabilizing in price. In both Beta and VHS versions.


First you just had standard playing times with mono sound, then the both went to various versions of extending playing times, either by more speeds or longer tapes. Then you had the addition of analog stereo play, then they added HI-FI stereo. Then you had picture/resolution improvements, Beta HQ the Beta format and for VHS you had the SVHS format. And then eventually you even ended up with a digital Hi-Def VHS format. So yes, there have been a lot of reasons to buy a new VCR over time, yet the prices still reached a point where they stabilized. A Hi-Def digital player sells for a lower price then what most original mono VHS player sold for, my first mono VHS player was over $1100, yet my last SVHS Hi-Fi deck I bought was about $150. Yet now a stereo VHS player can usually be had for under $50.

I guess you are right...now it just all seems so lame! I just cant believe how quickly technology changes today. 1080p sets are already dropping and I am sure the hd dvd will becoming down in price soon especially since sales doesnt seem to be doing very well.

$1100 for a VCR!! Jesus and that was what 20 years ago??

$1100 for a VCR!! Jesus and that was what 20 years ago??

It's probably closer to 25 years.. If I remember, it was maybe like somewhere around 1980-1983. It was a top load Quasar VHS deck that weighs about 20lbs and had variable slow motion with a slider control on the remote, and 3 speeds for record and playback speeds, (SP, LP, SLP) and the remote was hard wired to the deck. There were none yet that had IR remotes, and yet at that time it was the top of the line for a VHS deck. And guess what, I still have that Quasar deck in a bedroom and it still works.

I bought sony KDL 46v2500 from costco but I saw 46XBR3 at fantastic price at pcconnection.com, they calim, include full warranty but i am skeptical but deal is simply making me drool! please advise?

So yes, there have been a lot of reasons to buy a new VCR over time, yet the prices still reached a point where they stabilized.
They "stabilized" at $40 a piece. Bottomed out is actually a better word-nowhere else to go. Flat panels (which I believe you used for your initial comparison) are nowhere near bottomed out.

They "stabilized" at $40 a piece. Bottomed out is actually a better word-nowhere else to go. Flat panels (which I believe you used for your initial comparison) are nowhere near bottomed out.
No, I actually used nothing as far as flat panels goes for comparison. I only replied to a post that VCR's did indeed have quite a few technology changes and improvements over a time period and even while prices were going down on them, where someone else thought they did not.


And BTW.... $40-$50 is not by no means the norm for any and all new VCR's.
Because you can still pay a lot more than just $40 for a new VCR!

http://www.jvc.com/product.jsp?productId=PRD4603000&pathId=50

moderator

no prices please

the th50px600u is no longer on the Costco website because they are out of stock at their warehouses with this model. it has happened before because i have been watching this tv since late september. it usually pops back in stock and back on teh Costco website within 1-2 weeks. unfortunately, the price of it has not dropped since the second week of november, and the fact you have to pay $165 for shipping kind of kiils the decent price. i watied and waited for it to come down more in price to trade in my philips plasma, but it hasn't yet. luckily for me, Tweeter here in Chicago had a pricing error in their sunday brochure for the th50px600u, so i took the brochure to BB and they matched the price without a problem...now i am getting my new panny this friday for A STEAL!!! friday my problematic philips goes back to costco after 5 months of frustration!

600u just came back on the website at the same price. 6u went down in price and I think I shall buy 6u instead although I want to buy the 600u. Don't want to pay $500 more for the difference. If the price of 600u comes lower by another 300 or so, I would love to buy it. Do you happen to have the tweeter brochure? :) I would like to do that as well.

the th50px600u is no longer on the Costco website because they are out of stock at their warehouses with this model. it has happened before because i have been watching this tv since late september. it usually pops back in stock and back on teh Costco website within 1-2 weeks. unfortunately, the price of it has not dropped since the second week of november, and the fact you have to pay $165 for shipping kind of kiils the decent price. i watied and waited for it to come down more in price to trade in my philips plasma, but it hasn't yet. luckily for me, Tweeter here in Chicago had a pricing error in their sunday brochure for the th50px600u, so i took the brochure to BB and they matched the price without a problem...now i am getting my new panny this friday for A STEAL!!! friday my problematic philips goes back to costco after 5 months of frustration!

did u mean 60u? 600u is not even carried by BB

did u mean 60u? 600u is not even carried by BB

I was just at my BB not more than 30 minutes ago... and they DID have the 600U.

I'm in Baltimore.

Tim

Well. Since I returned my defective Phillips 50" Plasma back to Costco a few days ago I was debating between the Panasonic 50" 6U or the Sharp 52" LCD. The Sharp was going to cost me a lot more money (over a grand) and with all the banding issues and only slight bump in size I was having a hard time pulling the trigger. Well today Costco's website dropped the price on the Panasonic and has free shipping. Those two things made this move a no brainer I feel. I will have a TV that displays a comparable but better picture than I just had and I will pocket $600+ after everything said and done. Now I plan to use this TV for the next few years and upgrade it when I can get a SOLID 55-60" LCD for under $3k. Once that happnes this Plasma should work prefect in my bedroom. :)

Regardless of what happens with Costco's Return policy I coul dnot be happier with them so far and hope that they continue to offer it. Though I have no intentions to ever return this TV barring a defective upon arrival. Just the luxury of knowing you can if something happens (and Panasonic won't/can't fix it) you have some recourse.

NatasNJ: Costco has the 6u with dropped price and not 60u...I hope you know that. I am about the buy that as well.

I was just at my BB not more than 30 minutes ago... and they DID have the 600U.

I'm in Baltimore.

Tim

Hmm. Website only shows 60u. I shall call the local store and find the price out.

NatasNJ: Costco has the 6u with dropped price and not 60u...I hope you know that. I am about the buy that as well.

Yeah. My bad. I meant the 6U. Which is basically the same TV right? I know the bezel is more gray versus the 60U is more silver. But as far as inputs, quality, etc.. I think they are basically the same TV.

I bought the 6U at Costco about 3 weeks after having decidd I really wanted the 600U. I also could not justify the difference in price. I'm just past my 100 hours and so far I love this set. The only thing I would have liked are the better speakers on the 600U but not for the difference in money.

I bought the 6U at Costco about 3 weeks after having decidd I really wanted the 600U. I also could not justify the difference in price. I'm just past my 100 hours and so far I love this set. The only thing I would have liked are the better speakers on the 600U but not for the difference in money.

Yeah. I am coming from the Phillips Plasma which had some of the worst speakers I have ever seen. But I use my receiver about 90% of the time anyway.


Has anyone submitted for the $200 rebate Panasonic is offering for Installation/mounting? I am wondering what it truly covers and doesn't. Not sure if BUYING a wall mount would be covered in it. Anyone know for sure? I have the pdf rebate form but it makes very little sense to me.

Does anyone know if that Vizio 46" (or 47", I can't remember which) LCD 1080p unit is available in Costco stores yet? People were talking about it becoming available this week but I haven't seen it show up on the Costco website or in the store yet.

I've been holding out from buying anything until I can see what the specs, price, and availability are for that unit. So far, it's between these:

Sceptre X42GV-NAGA (42" 1080P, has external tuner)
Polaroid FLM-4234BH (42" 1080p)
Vizio 46-47" LCD (the one I'm inquiring about)
JVC LT46FN97 (46" 1080p)

Obviously, the 46" size would be preferable, but more expensive. If the Vizio is considered a decent unit with built-in tuners then the price may be just about right for what I can afford right now.

Vince

Yeah. My bad. I meant the 6U. Which is basically the same TV right? I know the bezel is more gray versus the 60U is more silver. But as far as inputs, quality, etc.. I think they are basically the same TV.

I think there are some more inputs on 60u. An SD slot and 2/3 inputs that are not present on the side

Yeah. I am coming from the Phillips Plasma which had some of the worst speakers I have ever seen. But I use my receiver about 90% of the time anyway.


Has anyone submitted for the $200 rebate Panasonic is offering for Installation/mounting? I am wondering what it truly covers and doesn't. Not sure if BUYING a wall mount would be covered in it. Anyone know for sure? I have the pdf rebate form but it makes very little sense to me.


I hope the speakers on Panny are better than Sharp since I am returning Sharp for bad audio

Is Sam's the same as Costco when it comes to returns? I got my tv from Sam's and took 1 back because of a definate problem, and got it exchanged, now the second one died after 1 month. Vizio is replacing that one but it looks like it might be a pattern where even later on it might die. I know Costco would take it back especially if after 14 months it died on you. Will Sam's do the same, considering its a membership store? Only asking if thats been heard of, Im only 12 months into my first membership on both of these stores/

Does Costco or Sam's carry any 32's worth buying?

Just a note regarding the speakers on the 6U. I would strongly recommend keeping the surround sound emulation setting off on this set. I initially had it turned on and all you can hear are the back ground noises (such as the audience in a talk show or the music in a movie). This setting makes it impossible to hear the voices. Setting it to stereo and it's fine. Not the best sound but it works.

Does anyone know if that Vizio 46" (or 47", I can't remember which) LCD 1080p unit is available in Costco stores yet? People were talking about it becoming available this week but I haven't seen it show up on the Costco website or in the store yet.

I've been holding out from buying anything until I can see what the specs, price, and availability are for that unit. So far, it's between these:

Sceptre X42GV-NAGA (42" 1080P, has external tuner)
Polaroid FLM-4234BH (42" 1080p)
Vizio 46-47" LCD (the one I'm inquiring about)
JVC LT46FN97 (46" 1080p)

Obviously, the 46" size would be preferable, but more expensive. If the Vizio is considered a decent unit with built-in tuners then the price may be just about right for what I can afford right now.

Vince

Your answer here: http://www.viziotv.com/news/detail.aspx?nid=53

600u just came back on the website at the same price. 6u went down in price and I think I shall buy 6u instead although I want to buy the 600u. Don't want to pay $500 more for the difference. If the price of 600u comes lower by another 300 or so, I would love to buy it. Do you happen to have the tweeter brochure? :) I would like to do that as well.

actually i do still have the brochure that i used for the pricewatch at BB. i think the ad is supposed to be good until the 24th, so you'd have to try to pricematch it right away if you were able to get your hands on the misprinted brochure. drop me a private message and let me know where you are at in teh chicago area and i might be able to drop it to you if you need it. i going to pick up my new panny 50px600u in about 4 hours and i can't wait!!! i still can't believe i got BB to price match the 50px600u!

did u mean 60u? 600u is not even carried by BB

BB does carry the 50px600u, but only at the ones that have the Magnolia centers at them. i had gone to a few BB stores when first trying to see this tv in person and they on;y had the 60u in stock, and i finally tracked down the 600u at a Magnolia center. the Magnolia center is specifically for the top line of plasmas from each manufacturer, so the 600u falls in that category for Panasonic, and it shows! i thought the picture was amazing. i had compared it to the pioneer elite that was mounted to the left of the panny, and then an ISF calibrated Samsung to the right (which i was not impressed with one bit). anyways, back to the subjust, Magnolia centers at BB do carry the 600u

Yeah. I am coming from the Phillips Plasma which had some of the worst speakers I have ever seen. But I use my receiver about 90% of the time anyway.


Has anyone submitted for the $200 rebate Panasonic is offering for Installation/mounting? I am wondering what it truly covers and doesn't. Not sure if BUYING a wall mount would be covered in it. Anyone know for sure? I have the pdf rebate form but it makes very little sense to me.

i just returned the philips 50pf7220a to Costco last night because it had several features that did not function properly which was extremely annoying and i thought that paying several thousands of dollars for a tv that doesn't work properly is just a joke. i had submitted 8 e-mails to philips concerning their non-funcitoning features and only got 2 e-mails back. anyway, i just checked the philips website and tehy FINALLY posted a new firmware upgrade, but it doesn't even address 2 of the issues that this tv has....aboslutely absurd since i e-mailed them and talked to customer service and their technicians back in august and they still have not taken the time to make their tv fully functional...shame on philips!

anyway, the rebate for the Panasonics might be a tough one to get. i had sent two e-mails to panasonic about it and their reply was that you had to purchase a tv directly from their website in order to get the rebate, and the rebate can be used for installation, and or delivery charges UP TO $200...so if you paid $50 to have your tv delivered, then that is all you will get.

How long did it take for Costco.com to ship a TV to anyone who has purchased a TV from them? Also did you open the TV while the shippers were there? Just trying to get prepared for the arrival of my new TV and what I should do to make sure everything is in good working shape.

BB does carry the 50px600u, but only at the ones that have the Magnolia centers at them. i had gone to a few BB stores when first trying to see this tv in person and they on;y had the 60u in stock, and i finally tracked down the 600u at a Magnolia center. the Magnolia center is specifically for the top line of plasmas from each manufacturer, so the 600u falls in that category for Panasonic, and it shows! i thought the picture was amazing. i had compared it to the pioneer elite that was mounted to the left of the panny, and then an ISF calibrated Samsung to the right (which i was not impressed with one bit). anyways, back to the subjust, Magnolia centers at BB do carry the 600u

Thanks for the info. Makes sense to me. I have ordered the 6u for now. Will go and have a look at 600u at BB.

I went to Costco today (and about every 3 weeks or so) and noticed a lot more flat screens and other tvs everywhere neaqr the entrance.

They had the 67" Sanyo dlp, a new model Sony 62"sxrd (I think an E20 model). And a 63" plasma (can't remember the brand.)

The Toshiba 62HM116 is priced down another $200. The Pan 6U at just under $2000 was prominently displayed along the corridor.

The sight of all the sets gets me pumping but I'm holding out until after CES is January.

I'm hoping that Toshiba will include their Color Management system in all their new sets and that the next 62" Toshiba dlp will have it.

Shelly

I am looking at 3 tv's and am thinking of buying 2 - One a Plasma - the other a LCD - the model i'm looking at in Plasma is a Panasonic TH - 42PX60u OR 6u

And the Sony Bravia S - Series - model Model KDL40S20L1
OR The Sharp Aquos - LC-40C37U

Now I Know these 2 LCD tv's have had Newer sets produced in the series, my Question is, Will costco get the NEWER sets in after the New Year?? or Will it be a while before they get any new lines in?? AND can one - say ME, expect to get an answer if I e mailed them?? I'm in Littleton, Colorado and the 3 sets I listed are at my costco currently, but before I pull the trigger, I wanna know if they'll add new series after new years...

All help and comments would be Appreciated greatly. Even on the Tv's I listed above....

Matt

When you shop at Costco do you look and the back panel to see when and where the set was produced, should give you an idea?

I like the Panasonic over what you had mentioned above.

How long did it take for Costco to ship a TV to anyone who has purchased a TV from them? Also did you open the TV while the shippers were there? Just trying to get prepared for the arrival of my new TV and what I should do to make sure everything is in good working shape.


I was going to get a Pioneer 5070 through Costco online because they don't carry it here in the warehouse, but they want too much for shipping and it said at their site that it won't ship for 20 DAYS after purchase.

I was going to get a Pioneer 5070 through Costco online because they don't carry it here in the warehouse, but they want too much for shipping and it said at their site that it won't ship for 20 DAYS after purchase.
FWIW: Amazon.com currently has free shipping on the PDP5070.

Does anyone know if Costco has the Pioneer 6070 either instore or online?

I heard that they had it a few weeks ago.

Thanks, rp : )

Just had a productive hour at CC here in NJ. They have the 50px60u on display at list. Comp USA is running a 2 day sale at considerably less (the circular can be printed on line). Long story short, the store manager refuses to honor the 125% guarantee which is:

Q: What about the 125% Unbeatable Price Guarantee for TVs?

A: We have an even better price match for TVs. If you find a local competitor offering a lower advertised price on a TV with the same item in stock, show us their offer and we’ll match that price, plus offer you an additional 25% of the difference. If you’ve already bought a TV form us and within 30 days you find a local competitor offering a lower, currently advertised price for the same TV with the item in stock, we’ll refund to you 125% of the difference between our price and theirs.

He points around the store and says, "Do you see any 125% price guarantee? I've never heard of that. The 110% guarantee is on the wall." Then he adds, "And I will only match the price they are advertising, not the extra 10%."

At this point, I'm pissed and he walks away. So I call CC cust. svc. while standing at the counter. I get someone on the line and explain the story. The rep hangs on the phone while the store manager hides in the back for about 15 minutes. He finally comes out and I hand him my cell phone. He readily acknowledges the 125% guarantee with the rep and gives his understanding of the policy. The rep instructs him to honor the 125% policy.

So in the end, I got a huge windfall and justice was done. The Comp USA sale ends today so don't delay!

I just noticed that the Costco Web site has the 50PX6U for a great price including shipping. Do you think the store has it even cheaper?

I just noticed that the Costco Web site has the 50PX6U for a great price including shipping. Do you think the store has it even cheaper?

The store has it for the same price. Just picked one up today. Only 2 left at my local store.
Can't beat the price. 50PX60U is selling for about the same in BB & my local Fry's.

But Costco's return policy can't be beat!! No need for an EW!

Circuit City IS Desperate for business. I keep reading and hearing Bad News about them and their possible folding as a store all together!!! I'd only but small items off them, DVD, CD, i pod dock or and video game or controller..

Costco. I am really hoping they are gonna sell out on all the Tv's and possibly start stocking the NEW lines of sets IE from the prior models...

I67

Has anyone had trouble getting the free stuff from BestBuy that they commit to with the purchase of a big ticket Item?

The Story.
I bought a Sharp Aquos 42" LCD from them online. They were offering a free Homedics Massage Chair. The TV was delivered ontime but the Massage Chair was back ordered. I kept getting E-Mails from them continuing to say it was back ordered. Then the other day I got an e-mail stating that if I do not call them that the order would be cancelled.

So I called them and they extended the order for 30 days and said in the confirmation E-mail that when that expires that the order will be cancelled. I tried to find out what they plan to do to compensate me if they cannot ship the Chair but they completely avoided answering the question.

Anyone have experience with this sort of thing?

Anybody heard anything about Costco not selling plasmas anymore? Thier website had 19 in stock in November (don't ask why, I just remember); they are down to 12 and the models in stock aren't fluctuating. This is the kind of thing you typically see when a retailer is discontinuing the product line.

I don't care to hear any "just because, that doesn't mean" explanation or other speculation. I'm speculating completely, so I'm just wondering if anyone can confirm.

Anybody heard anything about Costco not selling plasmas anymore? Thier website had 19 in stock in November (don't ask why, I just remember); they are down to 12 and the models in stock aren't fluctuating. This is the kind of thing you typically see when a retailer is discontinuing the product line.

I don't care to hear any "just because, that doesn't mean" explanation or other speculation. I'm speculating completely, so I'm just wondering if anyone can confirm.


Costco product list always changes. They sell out certain models and the list goes down. They purchase more the list goes up. Some are directly from brands, some are not for Costco and that makes their inventory fluctuate.

They had the 67" Sanyo dlp, a new model Sony 62"sxrd (I think an E20 model). And a 63" plasma (can't remember the brand.)


wow interesting..Was the Sony model a WEGA series or sxrd?..because the E20 model isn't 1080p

didn't think Costco would carry highend HDTV's instore

Thanks for the info-might have to stop by Costco to check that out

Anybody heard anything about Costco not selling plasmas anymore? Thier website had 19 in stock in November (don't ask why, I just remember); they are down to 12 and the models in stock aren't fluctuating. This is the kind of thing you typically see when a retailer is discontinuing the product line.

I don't care to hear any "just because, that doesn't mean" explanation or other speculation. I'm speculating completely, so I'm just wondering if anyone can confirm.

they are going to get more models of tv's in on their website in a few weeks. you have to remember that it was the christmas shopping season and there were an unusually high number of people buying plasma's and lcd's this year due to the falling prices. last year it also happened when their invientory ran down around the holidays. it might take a few weeks for them to get more inventory and show it on their websites.

of course, there are those people out there that are going to see this and automatically start up the speculation that costco is getting out of the tv business, or changing their return policy and reducing the amount of tv's they carry....why would they do that when they just released their yearly profit statement showing a 10% increase in profit and sales on tv's for the year

I purchased costco version of sony 46v2500, and warranty card says 18 months as compare to standard 12 months?

Costco product list always chances. They sell out certain models and the list goes down. They purchase more the list goes up. Some are directly from brands, some are not for Costco and that makes their inventory fluctuate.

If I don't see a particular TV on Costco's website, I can usually find the cached page via Google search. :) (assuming Costco carried that Tv recently)

SIGH, my panny 600u shipped from Costco.com on 12/6/2006 and still NO phone call from the carrier on making a delivery date. i'm beginning to think my TV is stuck somewhere all alone :(

anyone else had to wait 20+ days for the Costco.com carrier to call you?

so still no word on costco changing their policy... i would have thought we would have heard something by now

Shelly,

I've been looking for an SXRD at Costco (B&M/Web) for sometime. Could you please jot down the item number and/or price the next time you see it.

Thanks,

Z

Shelly,

I've been looking for an SXRD at Costco (B&M/Web) for sometime. Could you please jot down the item number and/or price the next time you see it.

Thanks,

Z

I will the next time I am there. I seem to recallthat it was a 60A20E something. At first I thought itt might be the a model but then thought it was the e. It is sxrd but was $100 or so less expensive than the 60" Sony lcd tey have been carrying.

Shelly

I was looking at the delivery date for the Sceptre 32" LCD TV (Black version) for [EDIT] from Costco and it says between 10-15 business days. That seems abit long for processing and delivery. I say at the most ground delivery would be 5 business days, but 5-10 days of processing is kind of long.

Does it usually take 10-15 business days if that's what Costco lists?

SIGH, my panny 600u shipped from Costco.com on 12/6/2006 and still NO phone call from the carrier on making a delivery date. i'm beginning to think my TV is stuck somewhere all alone :(

anyone else had to wait 20+ days for the Costco.com carrier to call you?

yes

I just wanted to ask for anyone's recent experience returning a TV to Circuit City. I've been searching on these forums and from what I've read, CC doesn't charge restocking fees. I just wanted to confirm that and ask if anyone knows how much of a pain it is to return stuff there.

Joe,
No restocking fees at CC. Returns are easy as long as they are in the first 30 days. I returned a Sony in September and another in October without a problem. Used the box and all else that came with the television. No pain.

I just wanted to ask for anyone's recent experience returning a TV to Circuit City. I've been searching on these forums and from what I've read, CC doesn't charge restocking fees. I just wanted to confirm that and ask if anyone knows how much of a pain it is to return stuff there.

I haven't returned a TV, but I have returned other things there and it's no problem at all. I bought my TV there last week and they told me it was no problem to return if I wanted. I did have to exchange my defective 50" plasma this week and they simply sent a truck with a replacement and took the defective one away.

Personally the only reason to buy at the big box stores is the 30 return policy and the 30 day price matching guarantee. Go for it!

Jon

I just wanted to ask for anyone's recent experience returning a TV to Circuit City. I've been searching on these forums and from what I've read, CC doesn't charge restocking fees. I just wanted to confirm that and ask if anyone knows how much of a pain it is to return stuff there.
return 2 sets in oct06. no problems. no restocking. shipping/delivery is not refunded but that is expected.