When things are sold at a discount, we inevitably wonder why prices have been cut down. The same is true with televisions, which have become a major buying decision in the past few years, thanks to significantly improved technology and rising prices. But should discount televisions scare you?

Where discount televisions come from

There is a well-designed marketing strategy behind the move to offer discounts on electronics such as TVs. In fact, many of the reasons why discount televisions are being offered should encourage you to buy cheaper TVs. Here are some of them:

Sales

Clearance and seasonal sales, for example, frequently allow retailers to slash down prices in order to 'move' unsold television units and make way for new ones – usually new models or brands. There really is nothing wrong with the units, except that no one has bought them yet and they're about to be replaced by a new batch.

Generics

Another reason discount televisions come to you is the emergence of new brands. These are companies that are trying to enter a market dominated by top players such as Sony, Pioneer, Philips, LG, Samsung and Sharp, among others.

Some of these new brands have been manufacturing televisions or TV components for years for other brands and have only recently decided to manufacture their own. Some of them are just simply new players. Since you'll be buying a generic brand, you get a discounted television unit.

Second hand and re-furbs

Second hand and refurbished units are also another reason why you can buy televisions on a discount. Second hand or used units are of course offered 20% to 75% its original price depending on its brand, model and 'age' while re-furbs are simply brand new units that have been repackaged after inspection and quite possibly, after undergoing some very minor repairs.

So should you buy discount televisions? If you don't mind doing some research and are quite willing to explore new ways of finding a cheaper alternative, then definitely, you should not be scared of buying one. After all, it's still your dream TV, only at a cheaper price.

Posted under *Buying Advice*