buying saws online

bto · Oct 23, 2005

ive been looking at getting a husky 345 or 350 retail in my town are about $289 and a little higher for the 350
ive been checking online and i can get these saws alot cheaper. Im wondering if its a good idea has anyone bought saws online before??.
are these saw refurbished or seconds or something???

ccicora · Oct 23, 2005

Or for around $300 you can get an 029 stihl with 56cc....

fishhuntcutwood · Oct 23, 2005

Are the saws in your town at a dealer, or are they at Lowe's? If they're at a dealer the extra price is you buying the service and support of someone who knows what they're talking about. If they're at Lowe's, then you're no better off than buying them online, other than you can take them back.

I gotta say, if given the option of paying more and buying from a good dealer over buying online, buying from the dealer is the better choice hands down. (If he's not so good, well then that's a different story.) But having a good dealer you can go talk to and who can help you over the counter is worth every penny. And should you buy from the dealer I can surely bet that your service would be better, quicker, more friendly than if you bring in a brand spanking new saw that he didn't sell you, and ask him to adjust the carb for you. He'll know where it came from and you'll likely end up spending the difference you saved when he charges you for the little stuff like that, whereas it'd just be part of the service you'd of gotten had you bought from him.

Jeff

West Texas · Oct 23, 2005

Be careful when buying online, especially this time of the year; as newbies are buying chainsaws for firewood; and , they are sometimes running the price up beyond the price of a new one at your local dealer. Secondly, read the 'shipping cost' as some will sock it to you there. Third, read the sellers feedback if its less than 100% positive. Finally, do your homework, know what you are looking for, what is its 'fair' market value, know what your maximum bid is going to be before you start, lest you get emotionally involved and pay too much. etc. etc. etc.

And don't bid up the price of a saw, four days before the auction is over; wait until the end and make your bid; you either get it or you don't. And there is always another one coming on soon.

I and others have bought a lot of good saws on ebay; and, I and others have bought a bad one now and then. All part of the risk when you buy 'sight unseen' from people you don't know.

Good luck.

TimberPig · Oct 23, 2005

From his post, I think he was meaning he was thinking of buying from one of the online dealers selling new Husky saws, rather than an ebay saw. If he is looking on eBay, then he should follow West Texas' advice.

mbb · Oct 23, 2005

i bought a husky 353 earlier this yr. Online could buy it delivered, from someone that would set the rpms, for $350. From dealer was full retail $399 + tax = $427 . But, got about $10 worth of free oil etc from dealer. So buying from dealer was really only $67 more ($28 of that was sales tax which isnt the dealers fault) . Worth it? Maybe. If I have a problem I got someone local to go to, AND sometimes getting service on warranty issues take a dealer going to bat for you.