I'm thinking about purchasing a Pioneer Elite Receiver & DVD Player from an online reseller (such as HookedOnTronics, etronics or Cameras and Electronics). However, I am concerned that they may not be "authorized" resellers of Pioneer equipment and so if anything goes wrong that Pioneer will refuse to service or repair or replace them. First, has anyone had any good or bad experiences with these online resellers and/or problems with the equipment that Pioneer refused to handle as a result of pruchasing from such resellers. What is the likelihood that such resellers would sell inferior, grade B, grey market or previously returned stuff? Buyer beware? Or, would I be better off paying more to buy from a local authorized Pioneer reseller? Unfortunately, the authorized online resellers that Pioneer lists on their web site seem to sell very little, if any, Pioneer (Elite) stuff available.
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Well they certainly are not authorized to sell any Pioneer Elite equipment online, and maybe not even the regular Pioneer line.
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Yes. Pioneer will probably refuse any warranty issues on any Elite gear that was sold online. And it's almost certain that they will if it's from any unauthorized dealer, regardless if it was bought online or not.
Only you can decide if it's worth paying more to buy local. Or if you want to risk trusting the online sellers that "say" they will "match" the warranty, and will handle any warranty issues for you if you send the unit back to them if there is a problem with it. Personally, I would not trust them for that. Plus the shipping charges back and forth to them to have it fixed, would also be a sticking point/issue with me.
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That is because Pioneer does not really allow/authorize anyone, to sell their Elite branded equipment online. And that even includes their authorized B&M Elite dealers. They just do not want the Elite gear sold online, so they just don't authorize anyone to do so.
You can always try calling some authorized dealers, and see if they are willing to do phone sales, and if they are willing to work with you on pricing. As technically that is not the same thing as a internet sale. So you might find one willing to do so.
| Originally posted by AkaStp I'm thinking about purchasing a Pioneer Elite Receiver & DVD Player from an online reseller (such as HookedOnTronics, etronics or Cameras and Electronics). However, I am concerned that they may not be "authorized" resellers of Pioneer equipment |
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| Originally posted by AkaStp and so if anything goes wrong that Pioneer will refuse to service or repair or replace them. Or, would I be better off paying more to buy from a local authorized Pioneer reseller? |
Only you can decide if it's worth paying more to buy local. Or if you want to risk trusting the online sellers that "say" they will "match" the warranty, and will handle any warranty issues for you if you send the unit back to them if there is a problem with it. Personally, I would not trust them for that. Plus the shipping charges back and forth to them to have it fixed, would also be a sticking point/issue with me.
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| Originally posted by AkaStp Unfortunately, the authorized online resellers that Pioneer lists on their web site seem to sell very little, if any, Pioneer (Elite) stuff available. |
You can always try calling some authorized dealers, and see if they are willing to do phone sales, and if they are willing to work with you on pricing. As technically that is not the same thing as a internet sale. So you might find one willing to do so.
I'm lucky in the fact that I have 4 B&M Pioneer Elite dealers locally so I can get a little competition in the pricing. I don't know how many are near Lafayette, Co so you may be at a disadvantage in that regard.
Don't risk it is my advise. Pioneer Elite is great equipment but you many be the unlucky one that gets a lemon. That's the way taking a chance always works it seems........
Don't risk it is my advise. Pioneer Elite is great equipment but you many be the unlucky one that gets a lemon. That's the way taking a chance always works it seems........
Unfortunately, in my case there are no authorized Elite dealers in NYC. The nearest authorized dealers are in NJ. Ever since J&R Music lost their Elite franchise I have no immediate place to go except for E-Tronics(unauthorized), from which I can walk right in and pick an Elite reciever up. Even if I do go to NJ a place like Sixth Avenue Electronics doesn't want to give much in the way of discounts on Elite gear. Some of us don't have as many choices, even in a big city.
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Lafayette, CO is near Boulder, CO. SoundTrack (aka Ultimate Electronics) is my favorite. There are a few others also. But, no-one in the near area seems to carry Pioneer Elite. I plugged Lafayette and Boulder zip code into Pioneer's dealer locator but came up with nothing! There is always Denver to consider. The item I'm looking for is the Pioneer Elite EX-500, a matched combo DVD Player and slim digital A/V Receiver. The folks at SoundTrack claim it is no longer obtainable even though its listed on Pioneer's web site. The afore-mentioned online unauthorized resellers have it for $350-400 but I'm not sure I want to take a chance with them. I would prefer to obtain locally so can return if is unsuitable (i.e. no better than Panny XR-50S + S47S or F87S DVD player).
| Originally posted by Fred Krampits I'm lucky in the fact that I have 4 B&M Pioneer Elite dealers locally so I can get a little competition in the pricing. I don't know how many are near Lafayette, Co so you may be at a disadvantage in that regard. Don't risk it is my advise. Pioneer Elite is great equipment but you many be the unlucky one that gets a lemon. That's the way taking a chance always works it seems........ |
I have purchased quite a lot of gear from soundpros.com. They are in California I am in Pennsylvania. They ship for free and there is no sales tax which is nice.
Anyway, I purchased an Elite Receiver from them about 3 years back. The unit one day just had no sound from any channel. I took the unit to an authorized elite dealer in my area and it was repaired at no charge. I did not even think about not having a valid warranty. I hope my experience helps you.
I would give Pioneer a call they have been very helpful to me in the past. They even shipped me a new CRT for my Elite projection TV that went bad (the fluid leaked out of it) for free even though the warranty was long gone.
Anyway, I purchased an Elite Receiver from them about 3 years back. The unit one day just had no sound from any channel. I took the unit to an authorized elite dealer in my area and it was repaired at no charge. I did not even think about not having a valid warranty. I hope my experience helps you.
I would give Pioneer a call they have been very helpful to me in the past. They even shipped me a new CRT for my Elite projection TV that went bad (the fluid leaked out of it) for free even though the warranty was long gone.
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CALL Pioneer up to ask them for the latest info on local dealers, do not depend on that online list being 100% accurate about where all the dealers are!
Because I have found almost every manufacturer that has a "online" dealer list, that their lists are almost always usually outdated in one way or another. And they almost never seem to add anything to the listings, in the form of any of the newer dealers that were signed on after the initial list was made.
| Originally posted by AkaStp Lafayette, CO is near Boulder, CO. SoundTrack (aka Ultimate Electronics) is my favorite. There are a few others also. But, no-one in the near area seems to carry Pioneer Elite. I plugged Lafayette and Boulder zip code into Pioneer's dealer locator but came up with nothing! |
Because I have found almost every manufacturer that has a "online" dealer list, that their lists are almost always usually outdated in one way or another. And they almost never seem to add anything to the listings, in the form of any of the newer dealers that were signed on after the initial list was made.
Me personally, I would pay for peace of mind...The last thing I would do is plunk down good money for a receiver and find out later that I can't get it serviced from Pioneer. BTW---When i did have an issue with an older Elite receiver that was out of warranty, PIoneer repaired my unit, free of charge, which I thought was great.
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Pioneer's customer service is excellent, but only if you buy from an authorized dealer. If you are buying an Elite receiver, the couple of hundred dollars you will save by buying online will not be worth the ag if you have a problem. Buy from Tweeter or some other reputable b and m store. You won't be sorry.
I have bought some pieces of gear online. I bought a Sony S9000ES DVD/SACD player in 2000. It started exibiting some errors, tray sticking 80% out then would just close on it's own.. I bought it from Vanns.com which is an authorized Sony ES dealer. Now this unit is four years old. I called them two weeks ago and they emailed me a receipt. BAM, took it to my local Tweeter...it's being repaired under warrannty as i type. My point, i suppose is, it's electronic's. The stuff can and will malfunction. You could get lucky and never have to get it serviced but, ya just don't know..
BTW, big & important pieces like my HDTV and, the hub of my rig, my receiver, i always buy locally...it's just easier and gives me piece of mind. I bought a Pioneer Elite 56txi last week from the same Tweeter.
BTW, big & important pieces like my HDTV and, the hub of my rig, my receiver, i always buy locally...it's just easier and gives me piece of mind. I bought a Pioneer Elite 56txi last week from the same Tweeter.
Elite is one of the manufacturers that will not ship a repair center any parts for product purchased from an unauthorized merchant.
They do track serial numbers and use the info to shut down merchants like J&R's.
This is where the "we wil cover it with our own warranty" message becomes BS., because without the schematics, parts, and support from PIONEER how can they?
A recent conferance of state's attorneys general, had them agreeing that on-line fraud has become a huge source of buisness complaints and suits.
I have heard estimates that something over 20% of on-line purchasers will encounter some sort of fraud this year.
They do track serial numbers and use the info to shut down merchants like J&R's.
This is where the "we wil cover it with our own warranty" message becomes BS., because without the schematics, parts, and support from PIONEER how can they?
A recent conferance of state's attorneys general, had them agreeing that on-line fraud has become a huge source of buisness complaints and suits.
I have heard estimates that something over 20% of on-line purchasers will encounter some sort of fraud this year.
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Mixdoctor. I know how you feel. I miss being able to go to J&R to check out the Elites. I believe Harvey's on 45th Street carries the Elite line, but they pretty much sell close to retail. I had to go to Sixth Ave Electronics in Paramus to check out the Elites. PM me an I can give you the name of an authorized dealer that I spoke with who seemed reasonable.
| Originally posted by Mixdoctor Unfortunately, in my case there are no authorized Elite dealers in NYC. The nearest authorized dealers are in NJ. Ever since J&R Music lost their Elite franchise I have no immediate place to go except for E-Tronics(unauthorized), from which I can walk right in and pick an Elite reciever up. Even if I do go to NJ a place like Sixth Avenue Electronics doesn't want to give much in the way of discounts on Elite gear. Some of us don't have as many choices, even in a big city. |
Well I did pay a little extra when I got my 45tx from J&R. they did give me break, but that's why they lost their franchise, discounting too much. I will not pay list or even close to list on these receivers.I'll pay a little more but not a lot more. It will mean the difference betwwen me getting the 52tx and the 54 tx. I'll take the risk and or buy an extended warranty for cheap. I also believe NY consumer laws are more stringent in regard to product manufacturers giving warranties on goods they make.
Good news/Bad news ...My brother-in-law's Law firm partner had problems with his Elite receiver and Pioneer refused warranty service and wouldn't supply a Part to an authorized repair facility because he had purchased it from an unauthorized dealer.
This guy filed cosumer complaints and a small claims suit, and eventually Elite relented and gave the service center the Part for free but refused to pay for labor . This (I think ) was the compromise they worked out. So after 4 months he had his repaired receiver back , of course he had already bought a new model.
Of course, his legal work was a bit easier for him than for most of us.
It's like any other problem..what could be the hassle factor....
Will you spend $30 in gas, and 4 hours of your time to drive somewhere to get a $100 discount on a product?.....If so, you have differant priorities than many of us.
Many "roll the dice" in regards to unauthorized discounts because they "can't pay retail" , while never counting the potential hidden costs of inconvieniance.
This guy filed cosumer complaints and a small claims suit, and eventually Elite relented and gave the service center the Part for free but refused to pay for labor . This (I think ) was the compromise they worked out. So after 4 months he had his repaired receiver back , of course he had already bought a new model.
Of course, his legal work was a bit easier for him than for most of us.
It's like any other problem..what could be the hassle factor....
Will you spend $30 in gas, and 4 hours of your time to drive somewhere to get a $100 discount on a product?.....If so, you have differant priorities than many of us.
Many "roll the dice" in regards to unauthorized discounts because they "can't pay retail" , while never counting the potential hidden costs of inconvieniance.
Well that's the point I am making, convenience. Why should I travel far to go to get an authorized Elite dealer pay close to list, when I can travel a few blocks away to Etronics and get it for less, without a hassle. There are no Tweeters within 50 miles of here. J&R is gone as an Elite dealer, not as cut and dry as some make this out to be.
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I bought my 49TXi from eTronics about a year and a half ago. So far, so good. My 49TXi has never required any service.
Lately I've been wondering, does anyone know what happened to DocDVD? About a year ago he was on this forum offering deals from authorized dealers, including full factory warranty. I know that several forum members bought Elite equipment through him, but I haven't seen anything posted lately. Is he still around?
Lately I've been wondering, does anyone know what happened to DocDVD? About a year ago he was on this forum offering deals from authorized dealers, including full factory warranty. I know that several forum members bought Elite equipment through him, but I haven't seen anything posted lately. Is he still around?
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I believe he's still around, but not to be discussed publicly on these forums.
| Originally posted by WS65711 I bought my 49TXi from eTronics about a year and a half ago. So far, so good. My 49TXi has never required any service. Lately I've been wondering, does anyone know what happened to DocDVD? About a year ago he was on this forum offering deals from authorized dealers, including full factory warranty. I know that several forum members bought Elite equipment through him, but I haven't seen anything posted lately. Is he still around? |
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