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For well over a decade now, I have purchased all types of merchandise online and I am finding it increasingly difficult to tell the good merchants apart from the bad ones. This is the reason I think reviews like this one are so important - both to warn others about merchants with bad business practices and, possibly more importantly, to glorify merchants who resist taking the low road so often traveled by those who use bait-and-switch tactics to lure unwitting customers. This review is intended to serve both purposes. It documents my entire buying experience and mentions both the good and the bad by name.

After doing extensive research to determine the make/model of my next TV, I began the comparison shopping process as I always do when making any major purchase. Not only do I look for the best bottom-line price, but I also check an online merchant’s reviews/ratings, even if I have done business with them before because ratings can change over time. Generally, I limit myself to merchants with 4 ½ to 5 stars.

I started with BroadwayPhoto.com as they seemingly had the best price and pretty decent ratings. After I placed my order they sent me an email asking that I call them to confirm my order. When I called them back they used the opportunity to employ high-pressure tactics to try to sell me the TV stand (which was apparently not included in advertised price), a mounting bracket, a cable, and an extended warranty. Then, after they had failed to sell me any of those items, they told me their free shipping did not include mandatory insurance, which amounted to around $200. I cancelled my order.

After doing more research I placed another order with BestBuyPCs.com because their ad touted free shipping as well as included insurance. I promptly received a phone message asking me to contact them to confirm my order after which I returned their call only to have a sales representative offer to sell me all of the above mentioned accessory items (albeit without the high-pressure tactics) and then tell me the included insurance does not include surcharges, which amounted to around $300. To be fair, he did point out that their web site includes a disclaimer about insurance surcharges for large items. I cancelled my order in any event.

At this point I was resigned to the fact that I would have to either purchase my TV from a merchandiser widely known for their integrity and outstanding service (e.g. Crutchfield) paying several hundred dollars more for the privilege, or continue my search for the right combination of low price and good service through a process of elimination.

I placed my order with OneCall.com and braced myself. Within 2 hours I received a call from a sales representative telling me my TV was ready to be shipped. She went on to explain in great detail how the delivery process works. While she was talking I was waiting for her to mention additional charges but it never happened. Then I asked her how much the TV was actually going to cost and she said the price was the same as the price on their website. I was floored. Moreover, FedEx contacted me on Friday, the day after I placed my order, to schedule the delivery on Monday, the very next business day. Granted, OneCall is located in Spokane, Washington but that is just another advantage for those of us in the Western US as most online electronics merchandisers are located in New York or New Jersey it seems. Still skeptical, I waited all weekend for the charge to hit my credit card and SURPRISE, I was charged exactly the same amount as is shown on the OneCall.com website.

Yesterday my TV was delivered in pristine condition (stand included) as scheduled. Well, actually it was ½ hour after the four (4) hour window I was given had closed but I blame FedEx for that, not OneCall. Keep up the good work OneCall! You have my recommendation.

P.S. It is difficult to compare apples to apples at this point since one company was trying to sell me the TV without a stand. I am not sure how much the stand would have cost if I had paid for it separately, but as near as I can figure I saved about $250 (not to mention the potential delivery headaches) doing business with OneCall. The thing to remember is not to assume the prices you see when you use an online shopping service are the bottom line prices, even when it says shipping is included.