Action 9: Searching for a great deal during the holiday season

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Many are looking for a deal this holiday season on a big-screen TV, but the sales and offers can be overwhelming.

There are so many to choose from, and it's hard enough to pick one and figure out where to buy it.

Allanna Bell is in the market for a new big-screen TV. She said she and her husband have a 50-inch television.

"I think he deserves a little bigger," Bell said. "We just bought a new house, so I want to treat him a little bit."

She's thinking about getting a 65-inch television and she's waiting for Black Friday.

"I think people are going to come out and get great deals," Bell said. "So, I may be one of them."

Action 9 found six televisions that Consumer Reports rates among the best. Action 9 picked a popular six 55 to 59 inches.

Action 9 went to eight stores.

Best Buy had the lowest prices on four of the six. An LG TV was $1,499.99, a Samsung was $1,297.99, a Sony for $1,999 and another LG for $1,349.99.

Action 9 found it was less expensive in the store than on Best Buy's website.

Sears had the lowest prices on the other two TVs. One was a Panasonic Viera at $1,349.99 and a Samsung at $1,299.99.

"You might go in armed," said BBB president Tom Bartholomy. "I've got my circular. I've done my Consumer Reports."

Bartholomy said consumers should do their homework. Once a person knows which TV to buy, consumers should check the BBB for which stores have the best ratings.

Big box chains don't always score the highest.

"It's one thing to say, 'OK. I'm buying a great TV and I've got it at a great price,' but if they're not going to be there to back it up and something goes wrong. That's when you're going to be running into problems," Bartholomy said.

Be a savvy consumer and Jennifer Studer said you can land a great deal.

Studer owns two 52-inch televisions and bought both this time of year.

Be careful of great online deals. Channel 9 was told some websites, mainly based in China, offer great prices and free shipping, but that's all they are – websites with no actual TVs.

If you've been ripped off, overbilled or misled; or if you see something that is hurting all consumers, contact Action 9.

WSOC