Panasonic TC P65VT50 - Macmall Preorder Deal

Me: [5:11:46 AM] I am interested in the Panasonic TC P65VT50 on your site. When does it expect to ship? And are you an "Authorized Panasonic Dealer"?
roserwinh@macmall.com: [5:14:00 AM] Pre-order, minimum 2-3weeks.
Me: [5:14:23 AM] ok, thanks. Are you guys an "authorized panasonic dealer?"
roserwinh@macmall.com: [5:15:28 AM] We sell them, but not authorized.
Mike: [5:15:58 AM] ok. if I have any issues with the TV, how does the return policy work on an item this large/expensive?
roserwinh@macmall.com: [5:19:03 AM] Its covered by the warranty, unless dmaaged by carrier in transit.
Me: [5:19:41 AM] are returns possible?
roserwinh@macmall.com: [5:20:14 AM] if its damage in transit yes.
Me: [5:20:33 AM] but otherwise not?
roserwinh@macmall.com: [5:23:21 AM] Yes.
Mike: [5:24:31 AM] ok, one last question-since it's a preorder, can I cancel anytime before it ships?
roserwinh@macmall.com: [5:25:08 AM] yes, you can.
Me: [5:25:24 AM] ok, thanks for your help

When you buy from an Authorized Panasonic Retailer, you can be assured that…

...the Retailer is properly trained, so that they can provide the correct answers to your questions
...In many cases, the Retailer can provide assistance to you with the proper setup of your Panasonic purchase
...Authorized Retailers stay informed regarding new technologies, so they can provide information on the latest Panasonic products
...Authorized Retailers have demonstrated a commitment to outstanding customer service and support
...Authorized Retailers can directly contact Panasonic employees, including product managers and customer service team members
...Authorized Retailers receive ongoing product and sales training, ensuring that your purchasing experience is consistently outstanding
...Authorized Retailers have the latest information regarding Panasonic promotions and special offers
...Authorized Retailers will also have access to official accessories for your Panasonic products
...Authorized Retailers only sell factory-fresh Panasonic products with original, unaltered serial numbers
...the full benefits of Panasonic’s limited product warranties will be in effect

...the full benefits of Panasonic’s limited product warranties will be in effect

Originally Posted by biggerdaddynj

I know you can through Costco if you're a member. They seem to have the best prices. Sure you can probably buy one through other vendors too. Good luck with the set. Let us know how the VT50 is!!!

Originally Posted by rogo

Macmall has been in business for more than 20 years. I'm not saying "buy your plasma there", but I find them a reputable retailer for a long time.

They aren't some fly-by-night outfit, they aren't like one of those sleazy Brooklyn dealers (and I grew up in Brooklyn so I know from those), they are a legitimate discount retailer.

Originally Posted by Citivas

There have been long raging posts on this "authorized retailer" issue for Panasonic before and there seems to be a lot of misinformation floating around about it, perhaps exasperated by poor Panasonic call center drones and people at "authorized retailers" who spread it to posters. I don't want to be considered the definitive word on this but my recollection is the people in the know not his (Randy Waters, etc.) were pretty clear that Panasonic honors the full warranty whether you buy from an "authorized retailer" or not. You might do a search of the forum if you want to learn more.

Originally Posted by Citivas

Yeah, I was wondering if this would happen since I first say the deals at MacMall and a few other sites. Since it hadn't even been determined yet which retail channels Panasonic was going to sell the VT50 too, it seemed from the start that they really early pre-sales were more to identify potential customers than to definitely lock in actual sales. Sorry to hear my suspicion was correct, at least for MacMall. It will probably prove true for the few other places that were doing sub-$3K pre-sales too.