From tablets to TVs to laptop computers, electronics are likely to be the hottest gifts this holiday season. Consumer Reports’ recent survey covering more than 42,000 electronics purchases can steer you to the best places to buy.
The survey found that people who shop for electronics online are happier with their experience than those who shop in the stores, and they’re more likely to say they would do it again.
Bhphotovideo.com gets top marks for service, selection, and price. And shoppers say the checkout process is easy. Crutchfield, Amazon, and Newegg are also standouts for online shopping. Even so, the Consumer Reports survey found that most people still shop with their feet. Even younger shoppers—those 40 and younger—are more likely to do their buying at a store.
Apple shoppers give the retailer top marks for quality and customer service, but they are not happy about the prices. GameStop customers aren’t pleased with the prices, either. At Costco, shoppers like the price but not the selection. Walmart also gets thumbs-down for selection, along with customer service.
Whether you shop in a store or online, the survey found that it pays to bargain. Walk-in shoppers who simply ask for a lower price get one more than half the time.
Consumer Reports says TV shoppers are particularly successful at bargaining. The survey found that almost 70 percent of those who asked for a better deal on a television got one. Their savings averaged close to $100.
