Why buy at a store

[temnik]

Checking out Nokia 6230 for Cingular (with 2yr plan): $100 on Cingular website vs. -$80 at Amazon.com.

Why would anybody except impulse shoppers buy anything in store? I could have phone overnighted for much less than $180... Am I missing something?

[johnner1999]

Checking out Nokia 6230 for Cingular (with 2yr plan): $100 on Cingular website vs. -$80 at Amazon.com.

Why would anybody except impulse shoppers buy anything in store? I could have phone overnighted for much less than $180... Am I missing something?

Amazon normally takes about 10 weeks..... and if you break contract you pay a fee to the phone co and amazon :-(

[MOTOhooligan]

Why would anybody except impulse shoppers buy anything in store? I could have phone overnighted for much less than $180... Am I missing something?

Also, Amazon's prices are usually based on more than one rebate and there are many "hoops" they require you to "jump" through in order to receive the rebate. Personally, I do my research online and then call the sales line so that I can order my service/phones through a live person and ask any further questions I may have but going to a store would basically be the same thing.

I don't trust authorized dealers, either, only corporate sales offices and even then, you can be misled if you don't do your research beforehand.

[M in LA]

If there is one benefit to purchasing at a store is "instant" access and the ability to check out the phone that has you mesmerized on the Internet. Sometimes what looks awesome online isn't quite what you'd thought it would be in person. Plus, you get it activated and in-your-hands the same day. Some people are impatient and want it NOW! There are pros and cons of both methods. To each his/her own.

[ShoresGuy]

Ditto, you can also check out accessories in advance and visually compare the phone to other models on display.

[dallison]

if you have problems with your phone or acct, don't plan on the store to be much help

[ShoresGuy]

It depends on which store we're defining here . You could probably expect a better service performance at a provider store than at a local wireless dealer. Of course, it's also worth asking whether you can get the same level of service at an established chain like Best Buy or Circuit City instead of going to your provider's store.