How to Buy a Used Flat Screen TV

Buying a flat screen TV can be an intimidating adventure especially given they are a huge investment. Fortunately, you can often find great deals on gently used flat screens through various different avenues. The savings can often mean the difference between affordable and out-of-reach. There are important factors to remember when buying used flat screen TV's - follow these tips to help you find the best deal out there.

Instructions

1. CHOOSE YOUR METHOD - There are several ways you can find used TVs but I will focus on the two most popular. These two options are eBay and the classifieds. Both have their positives and their negatives but both are excellent sources for purchasing a used flat screen TV for cheap!

2. EBAY SEARCH TERMS- eBay is a excellent option because you may be able to get a product guarantee on your purchase. When searching for your used flat screen TV be sure to use appropriate search terms. State your desired brand, if any, size (usually stated as "40 inch" or " 37" "), LCD or Plasma, and whether you'd like full HD (1080p) or standard (720p). These terms are great starts to narrowing your search results.

3. EBAY PRODUCT/SELLER - If you have found several sellers that are selling the used flat screen TV that you want check their statistics. Refer to their feedback rating as a resource for reliability. Do they have high praise in their feedback? Do they sell frequently? Are they a new account? eBay has an excellent rating system and legend - refer to it if you have any questions about the seller's quality.

4. EBAY SELLER PROMISES - After evaluating the seller's ratings, take a look at shipping and money-back promised. Is your used flat screen TV going to be a money back guarantee? What kind of insurance is offered on shipping? If you have any questions about whether or not the shipment can be returned if it is damaged during shipment or if it is not in the conditioned promised - contact the seller PRIOR to putting in a bid. If you feel comfortable with the purchase and shipping terms, you may have found the perfect used flat screen TV for cheap!

5. CLASSIFIED ADS CHECK - Classified ads, whether online or in the newspaper, can be a little more sketchy only because you may not get the quality guarantee that you would with eBay. If you do choose this method make sure you see the flat screen television in action. Verify the wires are all original, the remotes are there and any other accessories that may be required to run the television. Ask to see the TV working - check that there are no faulty pixels (no dead spots in the TV - even super small ones can be costly to repair) and make sure to listen to the sound. Let it run for a few minutes to make sure it doesn't fail after a while.

6. CLASSIFIED ADS PROMISES - Talk it over with the seller and let them know you'd like to have some time to use the TV. Ask if they will offer a 'used flat screen television trial period'. If they find that unreasonable it may not be cause for alarm. Check to see if the manufacturers warranty is transferable or if the original store purchase warranty will switch to your name after the purchase. If after verifying all of the information you still feel comfortable with the purchase - you may have found your perfect used flat screen television!

Tips & Warnings

• Always do your due diligence when purchasing any used electronics. Do not do business with any person or entity with which you do not trust.