New TV Set

Michael Our TV developed some serious issues after three years, as it decided to only display channels 7 to 50. However, since in America the upper channels mostly show junk and shopping shows, while the interesting things, including our favorite show "Seinfeld," are on the lower channels, we faced the dilemma of either getting it repaired, which is quite difficult here due to the scarcity of good craftsmen, or fully embracing the American throwaway culture and buying a new one.

When Angelika was in Portland, I seized the opportunity and toured the electronics superstores of Silicon Valley in search of the best deal. Once, at "The Good Guys," the salesperson had already taken my name and address, only to then claim that the TV I ordered was not in stock. Of the super cheap offer, only 3 were available today, and that was for all the stores in the entire Silicon Valley. The model could only be delivered in 3 weeks, but he would be happy to show me the more expensive models. "Yeah, right," I thought, and left the store.

And you can even negotiate: If you say that a competing store has a similar offer, the store you are currently in will always offer the product at the same low price. After lengthy discussions at "Circuit City," I finally got the TV as cheap as it was advertised. The salesperson then offered me an extended warranty. If I had paid 100 dollars more, the warranty period would have been extended to 3 years. When I said I didn't want that, the salesperson made a disgruntled face and asked if I had really thought it through, saying he wouldn't like to see the set break down, etc. But I stood firm; I'm not going to buy a warranty for a new product. By the way, delivery was free, and the old TV was taken away. There was also a price guarantee: If I managed to find the TV cheaper at a competitor or even in the same store within 30 days, "Circuit City" would pay me the difference plus a 10% bonus. I didn't succeed. So far, everything is working wonderfully--the 83 cm screen diagonal is pure TV enjoyment!