When it comes to shopping for electronics online, the old adage, “If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is,” definitely applies. There are seemingly endless numbers of great deals on electronics in the online marketplace, both for supposedly brand-spanking new or used components. But the problem is you just never know what you’re getting. Consumers succumb to too-good-to-be-true pitfalls every day, often with little recourse. Here are a few of the problems that you could encounter when purchasing electronics online.

1. It might not have a warranty – This is especially true for used equipment. But even if it’s brand-new merchandise, if you’re not buying the equipment from a reputable, manufacturer-certified dealer, there will be no warranty. This means that any repairs that have to be done will be paid for out of pocket. All the big manufacturers, including Crestron, Sony, Samsung, Sharp, Panasonic, etc. won’t do anything for you if you don’t have the correct paperwork.
2. It could be a fake – There are huge amounts of fake electronic merchandise floating around out there that look just as good as the real thing, just like knock-off jewelry, clothes, sunglasses, bags, and cosmetics, etc. There are also lots of bait-and-switch operations out there. You could get your equipment in the mail only to find out that it’s a hollow replica of what you intended to purchase.
3. It could be stolen – If you’re shopping online for electronics via an eBay- or craigslist-type service, there’s always the possibility that the highly discounted merchandise could be stolen. Do you really want to get wrapped up in some black market smuggling operation?
4. It doesn’t work – Many higher-end components, like those sold by Crestron, Control4, Lutron, Universal Remote, or RTI, require specialized programs in order for them to function that are accessible only to dealers. How disappointing would it be to get your equipment only to realize that you can’t do anything with it?
You should always make sure that you buy your electronic equipment from and work with a reputable dealer to make sure that you’re getting everything that you paid for and more.
Certified Connection is the premier provider of custom-designed home control systems and home theaters to residential and commercial customers. For more than 10 years, Certified Connection has served homeowners and businesses in and around Boston, throughout the South Shore, and the entire Cape.
Additional Reading
Think You’re Getting a Good Deal? Think Again.
Getting the Most Out of Your Audio/Video System
Think You Can Get it Cheaper? Maybe. But You Might Pay for It
Certified Connection’s Eytan Vestin has received the Crestron DigitalMedia™ Certified Designer (DMC-D) certification.
The DMC-D course and exam were held on March,22nd, 2011. As an authorized Crestron Dealer – the world’s leading manufacturer of advanced audio visual control and automation systems – Certified Connection is fully trained and qualified to design and configure Crestron DigitalMedia™ systems. Crestron DigitalMedia™ is the solution for the digital age, able to distribute all analog and uncompressed HD digital signals as well as manage embedded data.
The DigitalMedia™ Certified Designer course is intended for industry professionals. This course provides all the skills necessary for designing and configuring a Crestron DigitalMedia™ system.
Certified Connection is offering a *FREE 30 day trial on
a Crestron Prodigy® Control System + Handheld Touchpanel
to selected participants.

Control your home from an Apple iPad
Requirements
- You have to live within 60 miles of Boston, MA.
- You have to be 25 year old or older.
- You have to own a recent: display, set top box (cable or satellite), an optical drive player (DVD or Blu-ray player), surround sound system not necessary.
- A valid major credit card.
Here is how this works
- We will come to your residence and customize a proposal which will fit your needs.
- We will install the system at no charge.
- We will program 1 system of your choice (living room, master bedroom, media room).
- We will program 4 video or audio sources (TV, cable or satellite set top box, DVD or Blu-ray player and an audio receiver.
- We will program 9 AM/FM or satellite radio favorite channels you will provide.
- We will program 9 TV favorite channels you will provide.
*What happens on day 30?
- You are satisfied with the product, you can purchase it at the price quoted when initially installed; (each installation is different and based on existing equipment and customer customization requirements).
- You get ONE FREE Crestron Mobile Pro® G license for your iPad/iPhone or iPod.
(Apple iPad/iPhone and iPod are NOT provided). The Crestron Mobile Pro® G license is provided ONLY after purchase.
- If you are NOT satisfied, we will pick up the equipment from your residence and reconfigure the system the way it used to be prior to our work. You owe us nothing.
- Equipment must be returned in the same condition it was delivered. Participant will be charged full price for any damage incurred during the 30 day trial.
Offer subject to eligibility requirements
This offer ends Feb. 28th. 2011.
Learn More
Information Request
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