I've been comparing prices and have found them considerably lower when purchasing through a site. I've bought electronics from Boat US and when I had an issue they where 10 minutes away making it convenient. The other thing is, is the quality of the product any different if it is $300 cheaper. I'd much rather deal with a local retailer/tackle shop when buy expensive items, should there be any exceptions?

What considerations come to mind when making a big purchase on-line vs buying at a store?

Most brick and mortar stores will either price match or discount big ticket items if you show them a lower price you found online. In most cases, they want your business and will cut down their profit to keep you from buying elsewhere. I have found that you can save a good deal just by asking. I used to think it was stupid to ask because the price is clearly marked on the tag, but not anymore. I got a very good discount on a plasma tv from a big box retailer because I showed the manager a print out of the same tv with a much lower price from an online site. I'd rather buy local if possible because I want to be able to go to the store and talk to someone if I have a problem.

Don't forget sales tax. I'm not advocating tax evasion, as one is legally obligated to pay "use" tax on items bought out of state in most places----but how many do, and how strictly are those regs enforced? ;)

For big ticket electronic stuff i go here first http://www.pricewatch.com/

With few exceptions, I see no difference between the customer service associated with buying something in a store versus online. I can usually find better information by reading online reviews or message boards than I can by asking a part time sales person.

A few examples:
The other day, I went to Best Buy to buy a monitor and made the mistake of asking questions that couldn't be answered by reading the 5 bullet point product tag. Big mistake.

Similar situation with the guy in the Cabelas REEL DEPARTMENT and a Shimano Spheros reel - never heard of it.

I just saved $200 on a camera between Ritz and Amazon. They would not price match an "online" retailer and cautioned me to make sure I was buying the same thing. He said it as if I had found some obscure grey market internet site from which to buy this (as does exist in the world of camera buying) and that somehow my price wasn't legit even though I had the print out. I actually wanted to buy it from Ritz since unlike Circuit City, Home Depot, etc., they actually tend to know what they're talking about. So I bought it online and use an internet site to get help using the thing. It's probably more convenient than driving to the store with quetions anyway.

Anyway, unless you know that a given shop will give you something more than the stated warranty, or the shop gives you some other kind of appreciated assitance, I don't see a difference.

It's interesting you posted this, because one of my French colleagues was just saying how US stores tend to be filled with employees who know nothing or next to nothing about what they're selling - which for me is the one thing that could make me pay more to buy from a brick and mortar. After thinking about it a little, I agreed completely.

Don't forget sales tax. I'm not advocating tax evasion, as one is legally obligated to pay "use" tax on items bought out of state in most places----but how many do, and how strictly are those regs enforced? ;)

Most web site stores charge tax is if they have a store in your State that the goods are delivered to,So in the long haul your paying tax's & S/H.unless you surf around and find a site that won't charge sales tax and has cheaper shipping rates,and if you don't mid waiting.

If you purchase a big ticket item from a big box store, you should know that most likely that store was built with local government support in the form of "tax income financing."

In plain language, that means that the big box store charges you sales tax, but they don't have to hand it over to the government...not a bad deal...if you are a big box store, that is.

I never tried it, but you could try to negotiate down based upon that.

More people are more price-motivated more than any other factor - that's why the parking lot at Wal-Mart and Cabelas is so big - and that's why they seldom close one once they open it.
There are other factors that influence purchasing - but taken collectively, all other factors do not equal the price determinate.

Comp-USA closed this week, there is still hope. I hated that store. I knew when my friends 17 year old daughter was promoted to front end manager after 3 months employment that the place was doomed. Other big boxes took it's place but, the little guy in the shop around the corner still gets my computer repair work.

Fore electronics,
Buy on line.
Prices most always much cheaper,
no sales tax,
If there is a problem with the item, the store will make you deal with the manufacturer anyway !