1. Decide What Features You Can’t Live Without–then Price Out Those TV Models.

There’s a reason you’re in the market for a new TV. Maybe your expectations aren’t that high and you just want a TV that works–and fits in the space you have for it. Maybe you’re just now making the switch from the old CRT (tube) style TV and you’re ready to take your first plunge into the world of LCD. Or maybe you’re excitedly searching for your first 3D TV. Whatever the case, clearly define the main features you’re looking for in a TV, then price models that meet your needs.

2. Don’t get Suckered into Buying More TV Than You Need

Mainly, this just means don’t be impulsive when finalizing your new TV purchase. This doesn’t mean that you can’t decide to purchase a model with more features–but it does mean that you should take a few extra days before purchasing the TV to make sure you still want the extra features–assuming they’ll cost more than the TV model you originally planned to buy. Taking a few extra days to decide can go a log way to preventing buyer’s remorse.

3. Make Sure Your TV Comes with a Low Price Guarantee

One place that I know for sure has a low price guarantee on TVs is Amazon.com. (Buying from Amazon often means you’ll get an extremely competitive price to begin with.)

Amazon’s low price guarantee policy on TVs is pretty simple. If you find a lower price on another qualifying website within 14 days of the day they ship your order, just inform them and they’ll credit your original payment method for the difference. This low price guarantee even applies to Amazon, itself–if they lower the price on the TV model you ordered within 14 days of shipment, they’ll refund the difference. (You can request a refund right through the “Found a lower price?” button on your order summary page.)

(He’re where you can read the full details of Amazon’s Low Price Guarantee for TVs.)

This list could change, but as of the time of the writing of this article, here’s a list of the online retailers that Amazon will match prices with on TVs:

• bestbuy.com
• bhphotovideo.com
• cdw.com
• circuitcity.com
• compusa.com
• costco.com
• dell.com
• electronics-expo.com
• frys.com
• hhgregg.com
• newegg.com
• paulstv.com
• 6ave.com
• samsclub.com
• sears.com
• target.com
• tigerdirect.com
• us-appliance.com
• vanns.com
• walmart.com

I always feel better when I buy things with a low price guarantee because it means I won’t have to go through the inconvenience of returning an item I purchased because I found it cheaper elsewhere.

4. Beware the Package Deal

Sometimes, a retailer–online or otherwise–will offer a package deal that includes “freebies”  along with your TV. This can sometimes be a great value–but it can also preclude you from taking advantage of Low Price Guarantees. Because Low Price guarantees require an exact product match, a package deal that isn’t identical would not qualify. The key here is to always consider the package deal on a case-by-case basis–and if it seems to be a good enough deal to give up whatever Low Price Guarantee you might have otherwise qualified for.

5. Buying Online Will Save You Money on Taxes

Here in Maryland, sales tax is 6 percent; so when I buy stuff online–from Amazon, anyway–it’s like giving myself an instant 6 percent discount. This adds up fast on larger purchases! (Of course, some states may start charging sales tax on items purchased online, even from Amazon–but you’ll see this on your checkout page, if this ever happens in your state.)

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By planning carefully and making sure you get a low price guarantee, you’ll get a TV that you’ll love at a price that doesn’t suck. 🙂

Resources:

Check out Amazon’s selection of  TVs.

Check out Amazon’s Low Price Guarantee for TVs.