Abe's Of Maine....VT50....

They're just trying to make extra profit from you. No reputable online retailer charges extra for "shipping insurance".

Did you use a coupon code with it? they aren't much but if you spend over a certain amount you can get 10 or 15 bucks off

Curious how this comes out, have read lots of bad things about them review wise. That freight insurance sounds fishy to me

The best price is not always the best deal. Abe's is often a bit disreputable, and good luck if the TV ends up being defective. IIRC, their return policy is pretty poor.

When the driver brings the TV into the house, quickly pop the upper box shell off and plug the TV in to test for buzzing and to make sure you get a picture before you let the driver leave. Shine a flashlight over every square inch of the screen to look for small stress cracks before powering it up. When you sign the delivery slip, first write the words "SUBJECT TO INSPECTION FOR HIDDEN DAMAGE" before signing your name. That will help your case if you have to file a damage claim with the freight carrier.

I bought a cheap point and shoot camera from them and it was okay. But I wouldn't buy a $1600 TV from them. I lived in NYC and visited places like Abe's of Maine (they are actually in Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY), B&H Photo (West Side of Manhattan) etc. While it's amazing how they've set those places up (conveyer belts in the store to get product to the customers), they aren't really online customer oriented shops. You could find some oddball stuff in them. Weird lenses, filters, old radio parts. Even some grey market items. But I would not buy a TV there.

I'd pay a little extra to get it from someplace reputable.

And yes, that's their racket. Several online places like All Time TVs etc. do that. They advertise a low price, them call you to complain about extra costs. Then if you don't fall for it they will be out of stock (often holding your money) until you finally cave in and pay the extra.

That's why Best Buy/Amazon/Pauls TV etc. usually won't price match them.

You'd have better luck playing Best Buy against Paul's and see if you can get them to compete for your business.

Personal opinion of course. Hope it works out for you in the end. Good luck and enjoy your new TV when you get it!

Just looked around a bit and see Cleveland Plasma has them for $1850. Cheaper than Amazon and they are a forum sponsor so you know they'll give you good customer service. Heck call them, mention you say their ad on AVS and maybe they'll even knock off a few more bucks. Can't hurt to ask. They're probably trying to make room for ZTs anyhow.

http://compare.ebay.com/like/170898785550?var=lv&ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar#

They used to have a good reputation but no longer. Read the reviews on Yelp. They are hard to find but remember, the company is based in New Jersey now. I purchased an 60ST50 and a week later they told me that they didn't have it in stock and I took the opportunity to cancel the order. They are horrible with communication, horrible with pressured sales tactics and cannot be trusted. Thankfully I used Bill MeLater and they will work hard to get their money back and not hold me responsible.

I would never order from a non-authorized dealer, but that's just me.

Okay, well it is becoming increasing difficult to find one at a dcent price. I may just wait for an ST60 or get a Sammy...

Yeah, I would just wait for a 2013 model at this juncture. The price will soon drop anyway as we get into spring and summer if you can wait a little.

I believe you are right. I can wait.