Rick, not that they are the end-all, be-all of ratings, but the latest Consumer Reports ratings of appliance retailers (Aug. 2010 issue) had them rated #1. Go figure.
(The following was edited to include only the info about Abt)
If you're in the market for new appliances, you probably want to find a store with reasonable prices, good selection, trained help, and a smooth shopping experience. But results of two recent surveys from the Consumer Reports National Research Center show that no one retailer was able to provide all of those things.
We did find some cause for hope. Abt Electronics, in the Chicago area, and independent local stores garnered high praise from shoppers who bought a major appliance in the past year. For small appliances, independents also rated highly, along with Costco, though the standout was Amazon.com, as in past years.
The hunt for low pricesOnly Abt Electronics scored better than average on price for major appliances. The almost 25 percent of Abt shoppers who bought via the Internet or by phone got a bonus: free shipping for many products and, if outside the four-state regional delivery area, no sales tax. For small appliances, Amazon.com and Costco got our readers' highest marks for price for the second year in a row.
Service makes a differenceIndependent retailers, Abt Electronics, and Pacific Sales in California received top marks for having salespeople knowledgeable in major appliances. The trio also stood out for service rendered.
Selection is importantFor major-appliance product quality and selection, Abt Electronics and Pacific Sales scored best.
Troubles completing the saleFor major appliances, no retailer scored worse than average. Abt Electronics and independents fared best.
