LCD TV Purchase: Outlet vs Store

[Monkeybone]

Hello, I'm looking at buying a Sharp Aquos 40" LC40E77U.

Most retail stores are selling this for $1100-$1200 with the occasional sale around $1000.

I notice on sites like Kijiji have ads from companies with "warehouse outlets" which are stating they are selling these units (boxed) for $700-$900. The places I've viewed do have a full store front.

My question is...has anyone had experience from buying from these sources? The ads state it's in a sealed box, but they don't use the words "factory sealed", so I'm trying to understand what the issue/difference would be from a normal retail store. I'd suspect if they were refurbished they'd have to state the unit is referbished. Any thoughts?

Here's an example http://oshawa.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-se...AdIdZ200562032

Thanks

[lekate]

Look into the return policy/warranty policies. If it's not "factory sealed" it may not come with the company warranty....

[Sabina]

yup look in to it first but I do know some people who got a TV sharp 54in LC 1080p or whatever for $500 or $800 each in China town in Toronto two years ago on boxing day but no return policy/warranty policies. And they still work

[Monkeybone]

So you're reliant pretty much entirely on the warranty that comes with the store rather than the manufacturer. You take the risk with that company still being there.

Such a big difference in price 30-40% less.

[lekate]

So you're reliant pretty much entirely on the warranty that comes with the store rather than the manufacturer. You take the risk with that company still being there.

Such a big difference in price 30-40% less.

That's not entirely what I meant, but if you buy from some random warehouse, the manufacturer may not cover the warranty, again they only cover the warranty if when bought the item is still factory sealed. Do research on the tv set and figure out whether there have been problems in the long run with them. And most people knock best buy and futureshop's extended warranty, but I've gotten many things replaced at times that I could not afford to buy new electronics because I had paid for an extended warranty when I did have the extra money....