The place to go when you know what you want... and when you don't!
Written: Aug 12 '01
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The Bottom Line
A great online store
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| Full Review |
When I was recently shopping around for a car CD player, I had absolutely no idea what I needed, how much it would cost, which ones I could use in my car, and how I was supposed to install it once I had it.
Basically, I didn't have a clue about anything. I just wanted to listen to CD's in my car.
My first stop was Best Buy. The salesman told me that while the $99 CD player wasn't bad (and it included free installation), what I really needed was this fancy deck, these new speakers, this amplifier, and this subwoofer. Total price, $700. I've been told that Best Buy employees don't work on commission, but I left the store pretty cranky. I hadn't learned anything at all, other than I wasn't going to buy anything from Best Buy!
I decided I wasn't going to shop anymore without knowing a lot more about car audio. Unfortunately, most specialty sites on the Internet are targeted towards the truly knowledgeable shoppers. I needed to be walked through the process like the entirely uninformed shopper I was.
I found just what I needed at Crutchfield.com!
As soon as I loaded the site, a menu choice at the top was "What fits my car?" Upon clicking it, I was able to enter the year, make and model of my vehicle, and Crutchfield automatically removed all of the models that wouldn't fit my car. My first problem was solved.
I looked through the list of in-dash car CD players and was initially intimidated by the sheer number of choices. However, when I chose the option to display a small thumbnail picture of each unit next to the model number, it made my choice much easier. Based on the price and attractive design, I chose a Panasonic CD player/receiver for $219.
Pleased with my selection, I entered my credit card information and selected standard shipping for the very reasonable price of $9.99. I submitted my order at about midnight Sunday night.
The next morning, I checked my email before work as I always do and was surprised to receive in my email an order confirmation and a shipping notice! My order shipped literally hours after I placed it. I followed the provided UPS tracking information until it was delivered that Thursday.
One of the main reasons I chose Crutchfield's online store as opposed to one of its competitors' was the included wiring harness (a part that was $17.99 at Best Buy), which simplified the installation process, and "Master Sheets," which are instructions specific to your vehicle. The site claimed that the stereo I bought was in the category of "E-Z: Easiest Installation" and while I did have a bit of trouble, I did get it installed.
Although I didn't need to return anything to Crutchfield, they offer free return shipping if you're not satisfied with your purchase in any way, which is reassuring when you're not quite sure of yourself.
They also have free telephone support for life as well as numerous options for online technical support and customer service.
Although the prices for some of the equipment was a bit higher than average prices on other sites, the included "extras" were more than worth it.
Crutchfield.com is one of the better sites I've seen for online shopping and I recommend them highly.
Recommended:
Yes
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About the Author
Member: Brandy LeRoy
Location: Ely, MN
Reviews written: 19
Trusted by: 2 members
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