Bait and switch, or something less sinister?

June 27, 2009 3:22 AM

Is this a scam? I'm looking at buying a LCD HDTV and found this offer online: Samsung LA40B750 40 in. LCD TV for AUD$ 1,450.00 from www.marthaelectronics.com How can I determine this is a legitimate firm? Google searches offer no consumer reports or angry bloggers, but it seems too good to be true...
posted by man down under to Computers & Internet (7 answers total)

If you're in Sydney, hold off if you can until tomorrow, I've been told there's a place where you can get exactly the same tv but series 6 (better - yours is series 4) for pretty much the same price (legit). I'm checking it out myself tomorrow and if that's the case I'll write back and let you know. Then we can both get an awesome new tv for a steal! Woohoo! (I'm really excited if you can't tell. I've never had a new tv before for some reason).
posted by Jubey at 4:14 AM on June 27, 2009

Sorry. Yours is series 7. Will check it out for you anyway if you'd like.
posted by Jubey at 4:19 AM on June 27, 2009

Response by poster: I'm in Melbourne, but not in a rush so would appreciate the tip if yours turns out well, thanks.

Is yours from an online retailer or a store in Sydney?
posted by man down under at 4:29 AM on June 27, 2009

FWIW, their FAQ indicates it's an Indonesian company, in Surabaya.
posted by Nelson at 7:52 AM on June 27, 2009

The FAQ implies they ship these internationally. If that is the case, you should expect to pay 10% GST plus an admin fee when it clears customs. In my experience, it is a hassle to deal with Auspost if they are collecting duty/GST and the shippers like FEDEX/UPS charge significant handling fees. The uncertainty of these has made me reluctant to order high price stuff internationally, but it appears that at this price you would be well ahead.
If you do buy it, make sure you use a credit card so you can file a dispute if it never arrives.
posted by bystander at 9:17 PM on June 28, 2009

Hi, I went to a Samsung factory outlet in Alexandria but it was shut and I won't be able to get back there until later. This is the ad I saw:

Hope it helps.
posted by Jubey at 5:49 PM on June 29, 2009

Sorry, having issues with the link. Will try again;

http://sydney.gumtree.com.au/c-Stuff-for-Sale-tv-audio-music-ELECTRONIC-FACTORY-OUTLET-W0QQAdIdZ137940830
posted by Jubey at 5:49 PM on June 29, 2009