Target launches $99 TV delivery, installation service

Consumer Reports News: January 19, 2010 03:45 PM

With just a few weeks to go before the Super Bowl kickoff, Target has just kicked off a delivery and installation service for TVs, with prices starting at $99. The retail giant has partnered with Zip Express Installation, a nationwide provider with 16,000 installers, to do the heavy lifting and fine-tuning.

Here's how the $99 deal works: Once you buy a TV, you'll get a 3-hour window for delivery, then a one-hour window for installation. Basic installation includes unboxing and setting up the TV and connecting it to your cable or satellite or antenna. The technician will make sure the HD connections are working properly, then demonstrate how to use the features. And he'll take all the debris with him.

For $199 to $299, you get delivery and more. Depending on the package you choose, you can have Zip Express cart off and recycle your old set, connect up to three components to the new TV, wall-mount it, and hide the wires.

Target says it will provide this service for TVs you buy elsewhere. Alternatively, you could deal with Zip Express, which offers its services directly to consumers as well as through retailers like Target.

Best Buy stores have been offering free delivery and basic setup for TVs that cost $999 and up for several months. Their service includes delivery, unpacking and assembling the set, and connecting it to an existing source.

You can often get free shipping with online purchases from other retailers, notably Amazon.com and Crutchfield, but that typically doesn't include any setup or installation.

—Eileen McCooey