Avoid In-Store "Finance Traps" When Buying An HDTV

Several retailers are offering special deals on expensive HDTVs this season—things like no payments until x date or zero percent financing—but PC World cautions that they’re not always the bargains they appear to be. Their advice: “Cash is always best. If you need a special promotion to buy an HDTV, you can’t afford it.”

Retailers often raise the price on free-financing sets, so the first thing you should do is see whether you can get a better cash-only deal elsewhere. Another trick is to approve a customer for a much higher amount than he is expecting, which tends to lead customers to purchase more expensive sets than what they originally budgeted.

Then there’s the old bait-and-switch standby:

…zero-percent offers are used for bait-and-switch sales. Once the offer lures you into the showroom, a sales rep says you don’t qualify, then tries to sell you the HDTV anyway.

Of course, zero-interest deals can be useful if you’ve got excellent credit, always pay your bills on time, and are certain you’ll be able to pay off the set before the grace period ends (and if you’re not paying hidden mark-ups on the retail price). But if you’re that person, you might be better off just paying cash up front and seeking out the steepest flat discount you can find.

“HDTV Buying Tips: Avoid Financing Traps” [PC World]
(Photo: Getty)

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