[Resist]

The Web Special at Tivo.com for a factory renewed S3 comes in at $449.99 (not including the service), of which they also throw in a free factory renewed network adapter.

Why would anyone jump on this deal when you can buy a NEW S3 on Amazon.com that qualifies for the $200 rebate bringing its price down to $358.59 and get a NEW network adapter for $37.99. For a total cost of $396.58, all with FREE shipping.

The Tivo Web Special for a used S3 and network adapter isn't so special afterall.

 

[TexasGrillChef]

Does Amazon offer Free Shipping? What about Tax? When I ordered my S3 a year ago from TiVo they didn't charge me Tax & I got free shipping. Amazon always charges me Tax, I also don't think Amazon gives free shipping either do they?

TGC

 

[dswallow]

The Web Special at Tivo.com for a factory renewed S3 comes in at $449.99 (not including the service), of which they also throw in a free factory renewed network adapter.

Why would anyone jump on this deal when you can buy a NEW S3 on Amazon.com that qualifies for the $200 rebate bringing its price down to $358.59 and get a NEW network adapter for $37.99. For a total cost of $396.58, all with FREE shipping.

The Tivo Web Special for a used S3 and network adapter isn't so special afterall.

It's not TiVo's intent to be in a price war with their retailers; the simply are offering the product at retail prices as a convenience, though they do sell refurbished equipment discounted which generally isn't offered elsewhere.

Some people may also not want to wait 2 months to get the rebate back or to even deal with rebate applications and followup at all.

 

[Resist]

Amazon has free shipping deals on many items that are shipped from Amazon directly. They do have other retailers that sell items, so you have to watch for that. If you purchase from those other retailers then you could be paying for shipping and state tax. But right now the Tivo S3 has free shipping. Items sold by Amazon.com LLC, or its subsidiaries, and shipped to destinations in the states of Kansas, Kentucky, North Dakota, or Washington are subject to tax. So if you are not in those states you won't pay tax. It appears that Tivo.com only charges state tax if you live in one of 7 states.

For me the savings I would get from Amazon, plus the mail in rebate for a NEW S3 and NEW Network Adapter are much better than buying a used refurbished unit. I will never pay more money for a used product than a new one.