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Release date 10/20/2011
“Our survey shows that consumers are getting more and more comfortable making electronics purchases online — even big-ticket items like TVs,” said Paul Reynolds, electronics editor at Consumer Reports. “But there are also many shoppers who prefer to see items up close before buying. Some walk-in stores are among the best electronics retailers in our Ratings.”
The full report is featured in the Consumer Reports December Annual Electronics issue and at www.ConsumerReports.org.
The top websites in Consumer Reports’ Annual Electronics Buying Survey received high scores across the board, including on price, selection, customer service and product quality. Consumers who want or need personal buying advice, but who want to buy online, might like Crutchfield.com, where shoppers have access to specialized advisers via phone or online chats to assist them with their orders. And Amazon.com offers a vast amount of user reviews for electronic products, neatly organized and ranked by their helpfulness as judged by fellow shoppers. BHPhotoVideo.com received the top score for product selection, while Newegg.com garnered the highest score for price.
For shoppers who want in-person assistance with their electronics purchase, an independent store is likely the best bet. In Consumer Reports’ walk-in store Ratings, only the Apple Store matched independent stores in customer service and product quality. While independent stores only received an average score for prices, survey respondents indicated that they were more successful at negotiating lower prices at independent stores than at some large national retailers.
Warehouse stores like Costco, BJ’s Wholesale Club and Sam’s Club were among the top walk-in stores for price, but all received lower scores for selection and customer service, and therefore aren’t the best option for electronics shoppers who need help with their purchases or are looking for a specific brand or model. And the annual membership fees charged by warehouse chains may negate any price savings unless consumers shop there for other items regularly.
How to Pay Less
Electronics shoppers should follow these tips to save money this holiday season:
The Annual Consumer Reports Electronics Issue will be on newsstands November 1 and online at www.ConsumerReports.org. The issue features 30 pages of buying advice and Ratings and reviews of more than 400 of the hottest electronics products including TVs and 3D TVs; laptops, netbooks, desktops and tablet computers; e-book readers; printers; cameras; camcorders; headphones; Blu-ray players; and home-theater systems.
Consumer Reports is the world’s largest independent product-testing organization. Using its more than 50 labs, auto test center, and survey research center, the nonprofit rates thousands of products and services annually. Founded in 1936, Consumer Reports has over 8 million subscribers to its magazine, website and other publications. Its advocacy division, Consumers Union, works for health reform, food and product safety, financial reform, and other consumer issues in Washington, D.C., the states, and in the marketplace.
Consumer Reports is a nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.
© 2011 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to work side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports® magazine, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our prior written permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent unauthorized commercial use of its content and trademarks.
Consumer Reports is a nonprofit membership organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. For 80 years, CR has provided evidence-based product testing and ratings, rigorous research, hard-hitting investigative journalism, public education, and steadfast policy action on behalf of consumers’ interests. Unconstrained by advertising or other commercial influences, CR has exposed landmark public health and safety issues and strives to be a catalyst for pro-consumer changes in the marketplace. From championing responsible auto safety standards, to winning food and water protections, to enhancing healthcare quality, to fighting back against predatory lenders in the financial markets, Consumer Reports has always been on the front lines, raising the voices of consumers.
© 2011 Consumer Reports. The material above is intended for legitimate news entities only; it may not be used for advertising or promotional purposes. Consumer Reports® is an expert, independent, nonprofit organization whose mission is to work side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. We accept no advertising and pay for all the products we test. We are not beholden to any commercial interest. Our income is derived from the sale of Consumer Reports® magazine, ConsumerReports.org® and our other publications and information products, services, fees, and noncommercial contributions and grants. Our Ratings and reports are intended solely for the use of our readers. Neither the Ratings nor the reports may be used in advertising or for any other commercial purpose without our prior written permission. Consumer Reports will take all steps open to it to prevent unauthorized commercial use of its content and trademarks.