Joined May 2008
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Forum Thread
AV Company Overcharged on the Price of Equipment During Home Theater Install
August 10, 2017 at
12:00 PM
Wanted to get opinions on this issue I've had, tangentially deal related:
I recently (July) hired a home AV company to mount a TV on the wall over the fireplace, run the appropriate cables from this location, under the house, then to the AV equipment, as well as upgrade my home theater setup (AV receiver and other equipment). I was very happy with the customer service and work that was done, but after receiving the invoice something puzzling jumped out at me:
The AV receiver that was installed was the 2016 model, and I was billed significantly more for it than it would've cost to buy on Amazon or a number of other online stores. Comparatively, the receiver than Amazon indicated was the "newer model," released in 2017, was available for the exact price that I paid ($599). Also, the speaker selector used had an even wider price differential between what I paid ($399) and what I could've paid, had I shopped for it myself online.
During the initial in-home consultation, I asked if it would be beneficial for me to purchase the equipment and let the AV company install it. I was told no, and that "we get everything at cost" so it was unnecessary. I also got a big speech about the speed at which technology is updating, even year to year, so seeing I was given the 2016 model (and not asked about this) and not the 2017 model, was particularly irksome. I have been unable to reach the lead consultant since I noticed this price issue, but I don't want to assume anything more than it's prime summer vacation season.
How much should I be upset by this? Is something fishy about this situation, or is this standard business for AV installs? Like I said, the company was great in all aspects of their customer service, start to finish. They are HIGHLY rated by Angie's List, Home Advisor, Yelp, etc. Any tech differences in the receiver models would likely be minor and go over my head anyway, but again it's the principle of the issue. Plus, I probably paid at least an extra $300-400 than what I could've, had I been in charge of the purchasing.
Thanks.
I recently (July) hired a home AV company to mount a TV on the wall over the fireplace, run the appropriate cables from this location, under the house, then to the AV equipment, as well as upgrade my home theater setup (AV receiver and other equipment). I was very happy with the customer service and work that was done, but after receiving the invoice something puzzling jumped out at me:
The AV receiver that was installed was the 2016 model, and I was billed significantly more for it than it would've cost to buy on Amazon or a number of other online stores. Comparatively, the receiver than Amazon indicated was the "newer model," released in 2017, was available for the exact price that I paid ($599). Also, the speaker selector used had an even wider price differential between what I paid ($399) and what I could've paid, had I shopped for it myself online.
During the initial in-home consultation, I asked if it would be beneficial for me to purchase the equipment and let the AV company install it. I was told no, and that "we get everything at cost" so it was unnecessary. I also got a big speech about the speed at which technology is updating, even year to year, so seeing I was given the 2016 model (and not asked about this) and not the 2017 model, was particularly irksome. I have been unable to reach the lead consultant since I noticed this price issue, but I don't want to assume anything more than it's prime summer vacation season.
How much should I be upset by this? Is something fishy about this situation, or is this standard business for AV installs? Like I said, the company was great in all aspects of their customer service, start to finish. They are HIGHLY rated by Angie's List, Home Advisor, Yelp, etc. Any tech differences in the receiver models would likely be minor and go over my head anyway, but again it's the principle of the issue. Plus, I probably paid at least an extra $300-400 than what I could've, had I been in charge of the purchasing.
Thanks.
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Biggest thing you have to remember when buying retail. Were you happy when you bought it? Did you believe it was a fair price when you paid for it? (Obviously, or you wouldn't have paid for it.) Don't beat yourself up too much over it.
If you want to try to salvage some money, you can always try calling the company. Tell them how you feel, and that you would like to return the items and buy them yourself. Worst case if they won't work with you, tell them you'll write reviews about your situation on facebook and google reviews.
They didn't lie to you. They told you THEY get it at cost, they never said YOU'D get it at cost. They led you to make that leap on your own.
Why would they go through the hassle of buying AV equipment, store it somewhere, drive it over, and not upcharge you for the service? That's unAmerican.
Also, speakers don't change much year to year, so don't worry. And receivers have slowed down too. Mine is probably 4-5 years old now, and I'm not really missing any of the new features. I'll upgrade when it dies.
You either wait for a sale, or you email the store and tell them what you're interested in and ask what their lowest price is. I bought 3 of my speakers at a 50% sale, and I was waiting for the rear ones to go on sale, got tired after a few weeks went by and emailed a few stores, best offer I got was 35% off, so I took it.
I've been leaning towards letting it go re: getting in touch with the company, but I am no longer planning on referring them to people whom I know are also considering home AV upgrades, and may leave a lukewarm online review.
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You know you're paying them to provide a seamless install right?
"Customer Service was great. On the other hand, company insinuated that I would get "latest" equipment at "cost." But equipment was outdated (by one year) and marked up significantly over online prices."
Perhaps you'd be offered an "incentive" to "update" your review.