I decided to buy the Sony KDL46XBR3, and hoped to find it at a reasonable price from a local B&M in the event I should need to return it due to the potential clouding issue. BB and CC want WAY more than some of the reputable on-line retailers, but I thought I had found salvation in another B&M chain. Their name is the same as a small speaker (sits on top of a woofer), and similar to the name of the bird that Sylvester the cat is always trying to eat in the Warner Brothers cartoons. A salesperson told me that they would match the on-line price of a well-known and respected on-line store if I would purchase from them instead. He also told me that this chain gets the "A Grade" panels from Sony, whereas BB & CC get the "B" and "C Grade" panels. A few days later I decided to purchase the TV and drove to this store. A different salesman told me that they could not price-match after all, and that the first salesman was mistaken. I expressed dissapointment, and the salesman kept going back to see his "manager" to "try and help me out with a killer deal". I offered a compromise price, and the answer still came back "No."
Then, a funny thing happened. The salesman told me that there was a sale the next day, and the TV would be marked down. He told me to "Come back tomorrow at 1:00pm. Park your Mercedes on the side of the store, and don't wear your sunglasses. Otherwise, you will look like you have money and I will not be able to get you the deal. If you do as I say, I can get you the price that you are offering." When I expressed an interest in upgrading my speakers and maybe a new Rotel amp, he told me to bring some CD's for an audition. Now, all of this seemed strange and reminded me me more of buying a used car than a TV. It was very creepy. The next day I drove an hour back to the store to meet the salesman. He wasn't there. Another salesperson said that he would be there any minute, but could they help me instead? I politely stated that I had already been discussing a purchase with the first salesman, and would wait. Supposedly, calls were made to his cell phone, and he did not answer. After waiting for almost 2 hours, I finally started to leave. I was accosted by another salesperson who said that they would take care of me and put the purchase under the first salesman's name. Naturally, however, his manager would not approve the sale, and I was quoted the same price as the previous day. The original salesman NEVER showed-up. The manager would not speak with me. I left.
Now I know why this company is closing 1/3 of its stores, and likely filing Chapter 11. I called Sonystyle and got a better price.
As to the "Grade A" panels going to this chain, and not BB or CC, I have no idea. I suspect more BS, but the Sonystyle rep with whom I spoke could not categorically refute the assertion, only express doubts. I did , however, notice something I have never seen before on the XBR3 on display at the store. There was a huge 8" vertical band just left of center, much worse than any Sharp I have have ever seen. I thought it odd, since I don't recall ever having read of this particular defect in the XBR3 thread. Just another indication that the "Grade A" panel statement is probably bunk.
Does anyone know if different B&M stores get different grades of sets for sale?
BTW: For those of you in the DC area, this store is in Bowie. I left out some of the other "nighmare" details, but I've never encountered a more disingenuous outfit in my life.
Then, a funny thing happened. The salesman told me that there was a sale the next day, and the TV would be marked down. He told me to "Come back tomorrow at 1:00pm. Park your Mercedes on the side of the store, and don't wear your sunglasses. Otherwise, you will look like you have money and I will not be able to get you the deal. If you do as I say, I can get you the price that you are offering." When I expressed an interest in upgrading my speakers and maybe a new Rotel amp, he told me to bring some CD's for an audition. Now, all of this seemed strange and reminded me me more of buying a used car than a TV. It was very creepy. The next day I drove an hour back to the store to meet the salesman. He wasn't there. Another salesperson said that he would be there any minute, but could they help me instead? I politely stated that I had already been discussing a purchase with the first salesman, and would wait. Supposedly, calls were made to his cell phone, and he did not answer. After waiting for almost 2 hours, I finally started to leave. I was accosted by another salesperson who said that they would take care of me and put the purchase under the first salesman's name. Naturally, however, his manager would not approve the sale, and I was quoted the same price as the previous day. The original salesman NEVER showed-up. The manager would not speak with me. I left.
Now I know why this company is closing 1/3 of its stores, and likely filing Chapter 11. I called Sonystyle and got a better price.
As to the "Grade A" panels going to this chain, and not BB or CC, I have no idea. I suspect more BS, but the Sonystyle rep with whom I spoke could not categorically refute the assertion, only express doubts. I did , however, notice something I have never seen before on the XBR3 on display at the store. There was a huge 8" vertical band just left of center, much worse than any Sharp I have have ever seen. I thought it odd, since I don't recall ever having read of this particular defect in the XBR3 thread. Just another indication that the "Grade A" panel statement is probably bunk.
Does anyone know if different B&M stores get different grades of sets for sale?
BTW: For those of you in the DC area, this store is in Bowie. I left out some of the other "nighmare" details, but I've never encountered a more disingenuous outfit in my life.
