When you are buying electronics, it is a safe bet that you want current information and quality advice. There are basically two places you can shop, electronics stores, and the electronics department of your local retailer. Each option has pros and cons.
Retail Electronics
Most all major retailers have an electronics department. Generally speaking, they will have the most popular brands and models in stock.
You can expect the prices to be lower at a retail outlet as opposed to electronic stores, as the major retailers deal in bulk or volume. Nevertheless, you will be unlikely to find true high-end electronics.
Another issue you will have is the knowledge of the employees. At retailers, the person in electronics is likely to be an average Joe with limited knowledge to draw on. Hence, if you are not sure what components you need or other technical information you are better off going to electronic stores.
Electronic Stores
Nearly every small town in America has electronic stores such as Radio Shack or an equivalent. These are usually small stores that specialize in providing electronics only. Occasionally they will have a few other supplies but only minimally.
Electronic stores are unable to carry large quantities of merchandise, for this reason, they cannot get the bulk discounts that larger stores do. Therefore their merchandise will be higher than retail. Of course many times the quality, makes up for the difference in price, but not always.
Store personnel in electronic stores should be more knowledgeable, their only job is to work with and around electronics. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule so it is not unheard of to come across and employee who is less informed than you are.
Choosing
Now you have to decide which one you should use, let’s recap:
Retail:
• Less expensive
• Top name brands
• Less knowledgeable
• Convenient (you will likely be there for other merchandise)
Electronic Stores:
• More expensive
• High end equipment
• Educated
• Less convenient (will have to make special trip)
The question remains which of the pros are more important? If you are on an extremely strict budget and must have a DVD player then retail is your best bet. However if you are setting up a home office with multiple computers requiring a network that you know nothing about setting up, you are off to the electronics store.
Each has their function and place as you can see. Take your time and never forget you could always ask about price matching or go to the electronic stores for information, compiling a list of needed electronics and then take that information to the electronics department of your local retailer.
