Alternative to Best Buy

**dmclone** · 08-25-2010, 09:17 PM

About 20 years ago I used to drive 80 miles from Cedar Falls to Cedar Rapids just to go visit Best Buy. I don't know if it was because I was young and didn't know any better or if they have just taken a nose dive. I now can't stand the place.

With that in mind, has anyone been to a Hhgregg? To be honest I've never heard of the place but I saw it on some stock picker web site and it looks like they have 100's of stores on the east cost.

**ianoconnor** · 08-25-2010, 09:24 PM

Amazon.com

**alarson** · 08-25-2010, 09:24 PM

If we're talking national, i think fry's would have to get mentioned.... i wish we had one here.

And it seems like best buy used to be better. Probably has something to do with the lack of competition.

I'll give another vote to amazon.com. Especially with prime, its great.

**Clonehomer** · 08-25-2010, 09:26 PM

I've come to order all of my electronics. It will save you a lot of money and you don't have to rely on what the high school employees tell you. If you get a lot of stuff, I'd recommend signing up for Amazon prime. Not having to worry about paying for shipping is nice (if you are a college student/faculty it is free). The only time that I go to Best Buy now is to look at something that I want to get an idea of size or feel of. I then use CNet.com to check reviews and search Amazon, Newegg, or google to find the best price.

**JP4CY** · 08-25-2010, 09:27 PM

I get quite a bit from Amazon. I too have lost my Best Buy appetite. It'll be tough for them to grow as much as they have with the internet now a days.

**hawkeyeh8r** · 08-25-2010, 09:27 PM

they have gotten to be a lot more expensive lately..i rarely go there anymore. If i were you id use the internet if you are going to buy anything. Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, LED LCD TV, Digital Cameras and more! is a reliable site that has pretty low prices. you can also search ebay for wholesaler's that sell there. that route will usually save you 50% for the exact same thing of the same quality. haven't had issues with anything from ebay or newegg before

**clonecard** · 08-25-2010, 09:55 PM

Strongly recommend buy.com. Super pricing/quality, free shipping and wonderful to deal with if there is a problem. Dont be afraid of their refurbished items....if someone opens a package and then returns it to the retailer, it is classified as refurbished.

**MadCy** · 08-25-2010, 09:58 PM

I like Newegg.com like someone mentioned, or tigerdirect.com.

A lot of items tigerdirect ships out of IL, so the shipping is almost overnight. Pretty nice if you're in a hurry.

**kilgore_trout** · 08-25-2010, 09:58 PM

newegg? ever heard of it dmclone?

but i guess that wasn't the question. i've never been to one. but i do remember thinking Best Buy was the greatest place ever, back in the day.

Originally Posted by hawkeyeh8r

they have gotten to be a lot more expensive lately..i rarely go there anymore. If i were you id use the internet if you are going to buy anything. Newegg.com - Computer Parts, PC Components, Laptop Computers, LED LCD TV, Digital Cameras and more! is a reliable site that has pretty low prices. you can also search ebay for wholesaler's that sell there. that route will usually save you 50% for the exact same thing of the same quality. haven't had issues with anything from ebay or newegg before

**Bobber** · 08-25-2010, 10:07 PM

Got a couple of the Insignia TV's at Best Buy in the last 18 months. Reveiws were good on them and price was right. I've been happy with the TV's.

I haven't bought much else there.

I agree, it was funner shopping there 20 years ago. Better prices and you could deal more.

**CyBroncos** · 08-25-2010, 10:12 PM

Originally Posted by kilgore_trout

but i do remember thinking Best Buy was the greatest place ever, back in the day.

Me too man. When I was at ISU (1999-2001), me and my friends would take a road trip down to the Best Buy in West Des Moines about once or twice a month. That's when DVDs were becoming popular and you could get them for cheap. I loved Best Buy back then but have probably stepped in one only once in the last year

**JP4CY** · 08-25-2010, 10:24 PM

The TV's and computers are a little bit more at BB than some online retailers but the accessories, cables, ram, etc. are just so expensive there.

**dmclone** · 08-26-2010, 05:27 AM

I'm well aware of the online sites but once in a while I want to see/touch something or I need it today. It's just too bad that BB is about the only show in town. American is better but they don't have the same selection.

**jtd9046** · 08-26-2010, 07:40 AM

Originally Posted by Clonehomer

I've come to order all of my electronics. It will save you a lot of money and you don't have to rely on what the high school employees tell you. If you get a lot of stuff, I'd recommend signing up for Amazon prime. Not having to worry about paying for shipping is nice (if you are a college student/faculty it is free). The only time that I go to Best Buy now is to look at something that I want to get an idea of size or feel of. I then use CNet.com to check reviews and search Amazon, Newegg, or google to find the best price.

This ladies and gentleman, is why you are seeing a decline in the quality of employees. They know this is happening, they're not going to pay knowledgeable people to teach someone who isn't going to buy there anyway.

They don't make their money on the electronics, it comes from the accessories. There will always be big business in having the ability to grab these when you need them and not have to order them online.

**BryceC** · 08-26-2010, 07:45 AM

I just always shop for the best deal. I bought a Samsung LED at Best Buy for almost 200 less than I could get it used on Amazon. I too love Amazon and I have a prime account but there are good deals all over the place. I always buy my accessories from newegg or something like that.