Buying stereo components online can score some real bargains if you have a good strategy. Ebay, an online auction site is great if you have a good bidding strategy, and Craigslist is an online classified site that allows you to buy items locally. In both cases, before you bid or buy be sure you know what you want and need and be certain about its value.
Ebay is a good source for new and used audio components and speakers. Before you make a bid, be sure you know it is the item you want, you are confident about its condition and you know its value. If your bid wins the auction, you are obligated to purchase the item, so be sure not to overbid. Set a maximum price you are willing to pay and stick to that price. Consider waiting until the bidding is almost finished and make a last minute bid. Sometimes you'll get lucky and your bid will be the winning bid. One disadvantage of bidding on Ebay is that you can't see or hear the item before bidding and you are dealing with a seller who may be across the country, which means paying shipping costs. Learn more about
Effective Ebay Bidding Strategies.
Craigslist is an online classified ad service, and it's local. When you log onto Craigslist you can select your city or region and view items that are available locally. It is different from ebay because it is not an online auction, only a list of items that someone wants to sell at an advertised price, usually accompanied by photos and a contact phone number for more information. Like most classified ads, you can negotiate directly with the seller. I recently purchased a pair of used speakers on Craigslist for a real bargain price. They needed some reconditioning and refinishing, but after a little work I have a pair of speakers that are like new and I bought them for a great price.
3. Buying From an Online Store
Many consumer electronics retailers have extensive online stores that sometimes offer a broader product selection and some good bargains and sale items. At
Best Buy you can compare products, features and prices using their helpful charts,
Circuit City offers special Internet deals and bargains of the week on their homepage and at
J & R you can also place an order by phone. Shipping rates and policies vary by company and in some cases you can place an order online and pick it up and your local store. Check the websites of your local independent consumer electronics retailer as well by doing an Internet search for their online stores.
