"Michael "Dog3" Lonergan" > wrote in message
6.121...
> Went to Best Buy last night to look at some fridges they had on sale.

Michael, it would be advantageous for you to open your yellow pages, find a
few locally owned dealers that also offer repair service, and consult with
one or more on this purchase. About 15 years ago, these dealers had a choice
of either finding a way to compete, or facing extinction. The result was the
formation of nationwide buying groups, similar to Ace & Tru Valu hardware.
When I shopped for new appliances 2 years ago, I checked a couple of big
discounters, but as usual, ended up with a local independent whose prices
were within a few percent of the big chains, and in the case of my
refrigerator, actually cheaper.

This is important because if you need repairs, the big discounters are not
involved, other than recommending someone unconnected with their company.
Best Buy may have some sort of "deal" with local repair-only companies, but
the fact is that neither party has a reason to provide great service. If
you're OK with "We'll be there a week from tomorrow", then by all means, buy
from a big store. But, the independents have a very good reason to be at
your house today, before your food spoils: Survival of their business.