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Need a TV? Read on to see why Costco could be a good place to purchase one.
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Having a TV technically isn’t a necessity. But it’s certainly a reasonable item to have access to. So if your TV is on the fritz, or you’re ready for an upgrade, and you don’t have nagging credit card debt, then it may be a purchase worth prioritizing.
There are plenty of stores you can hit when you’re seeking a new TV. But if you have a Costco membership, you may want to buy your next TV there. Here are some of the reasons why.
1. Extended warranties
When you buy a TV from a regular electronics store, it’s common to get a one-year warranty. When you buy a TV from Costco, you get a two-year warranty. That time frame begins on the day you purchase a TV from a warehouse club store or the date of delivery if you order your TV online.
This perk is also available to all Costco members. Even if you only have a basic membership, you still get the extended warranty.
2. Technical support
Installing and operating a TV is, for many people, a fairly simple thing. But you may run into trouble, especially if you’re not the most tech-savvy person.
When you buy certain electronics from Costco, including TVs, you’re eligible for free technical support. Costco also has a whole section on its website dedicated to technical support for TVs. You can choose your product and manufacturer and get access to helpful resources.
3. Low prices
Buying a TV at Costco often means paying less for it than buying a TV elsewhere. If you need a new TV but don’t want to ding your savings account too badly, then Costco could be a good choice.
That said, it can be tricky to compare TV prices at Costco versus other retailers for a few reasons. First, Costco prices vary by region. The cost of a given Costco item in Ohio might differ from the cost in California — even when that item is purchased online.
Also, the cost of a given Costco item online might differ from its local in-store price. This holds true across a range of product categories.
Finally, some electronics are made specifically for Costco, so you may not find the exact same model at another store or retail site. And it’s a little hard to compare prices when you’re not talking about the exact same model. However, you can try to get close.
As an example, right now, Costco has the LG 75″ Class – QNED80 Series – 4K UHD QNED TV on sale for $1,199.99 (Note that this item may not be available in all markets, or at this price in all markets). And that TV comes with a $100 streaming credit toward services that include Google Play, Paramount+, Sling TV, or Xbox. There’s also an extended warranty bundled into this specific TV purchase beyond Costco’s standard two-year warranty.
Amazon has a similar LG TV available for $1,939.99. That’s clearly a big difference in cost, and you don’t get the added perks like the streaming credit and extra coverage.
To be clear, Costco will not always have the best TV prices. It pays to do your research to see who has the best deal for the specific type of TV or model you want.
Buying a TV at Costco is a decision that might work out very well for you. But remember, if money is tight or you’re behind on bills, it’s a purchase worth putting off until your financial picture improves — especially if you happen to have a functional TV at home already.
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The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Maurie Backman has positions in Alphabet and Amazon.com. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Amazon.com, and Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
