After recently making several online purchases from different retailers, I have a few tips for those new to e-shopping. Many of us check with Pricewatch or Pricegrabber for the lowest prices on merchanise, but rock-bottom price shouldn't be your only concern. One resource is the user ratings on those two websites. This can often give valuable data about a company's performance, but many times there are not enough ratings to make an infomed decision. Plus, there are rumors that some companies post good reviews on themselves to boost their ratings. It's a bit of a dodgy business if you ask me. One more impartial resource that I use is the good 'ol Better Busniess Bureau. <A HREF="http://search.bbb.org/search.html" target="_new">http://search.bbb.org/search.html</A>
Maybe that seems obvious to some, but you'd be surprised how many people have never heard of it.
Once you've scoped the company out and feel relatively safe that they're not out to scam you, the next step is to verify inventory on the items you want. Don't just go by what their website or what Pricegrabber says because that information is not always very current. Call them if possible. I went through this process with several companies when ordering the RAM I wanted and was told by the person on the phone that it was in stock. After asking politely if they would verify that for me, I was told that (oops) "that part is back ordered." I've seen so many people complaining about being charged for something that was back ordered, while the web site and sales person said it was in stock. If time is a factor then don't be afraid to insist that they verify invetory. It's your money and your time! If you don't believe them, move on to the next vendor. It took me about an hour, but I finally found a vendor that had my RAM, and as a bonus, it was cheaper than the others', who's inventory check revealed that it was back ordered.
Before you buy anything, you should always go over the company's return poliy in detail. I know it's about as interesting to read as the end user license agreement on software, which most people skip anyway. (you know you do) 🙂 But, especailly with sensitive electronics like processors, it's important to know their policy. You know that most companies will not accept opened software, but did you know that many companies will not accept opened processors? It becomes the manufacturer's responsibility at that point. Plus many retailers have a 15-day return on processors as opposed to the usual 30 days on other items. This can be a problem if your shipment is held up for any reason. Does the company pay for shipping on returns? Is there a mandatory restocking fee? Basically, just be informed.
It goes without saying that you should print and keep your receipts. Not until you get your parts, or until they are installed, but for at least 3 months. I personally keep my receipts longer for tax purposes, but if you have an extra hanging file folder, there's no reason not to keep them. Who knows when you'll need them?
Not all companies are created equal. Some cut costs by using refurbished parts or other less than desirable means. You'll occasionally find really good deals, but just as often you get what you pay for. Just be smart about it and do a little research. Remember, if it seems to good to be true...well, you know the rest.
"I think we should take Iraq and Iran and combine them into one country and call it Irate. Put all the pissed off people live in one place and get it over with." --Denis Leary
Maybe that seems obvious to some, but you'd be surprised how many people have never heard of it.
Once you've scoped the company out and feel relatively safe that they're not out to scam you, the next step is to verify inventory on the items you want. Don't just go by what their website or what Pricegrabber says because that information is not always very current. Call them if possible. I went through this process with several companies when ordering the RAM I wanted and was told by the person on the phone that it was in stock. After asking politely if they would verify that for me, I was told that (oops) "that part is back ordered." I've seen so many people complaining about being charged for something that was back ordered, while the web site and sales person said it was in stock. If time is a factor then don't be afraid to insist that they verify invetory. It's your money and your time! If you don't believe them, move on to the next vendor. It took me about an hour, but I finally found a vendor that had my RAM, and as a bonus, it was cheaper than the others', who's inventory check revealed that it was back ordered.
Before you buy anything, you should always go over the company's return poliy in detail. I know it's about as interesting to read as the end user license agreement on software, which most people skip anyway. (you know you do) 🙂 But, especailly with sensitive electronics like processors, it's important to know their policy. You know that most companies will not accept opened software, but did you know that many companies will not accept opened processors? It becomes the manufacturer's responsibility at that point. Plus many retailers have a 15-day return on processors as opposed to the usual 30 days on other items. This can be a problem if your shipment is held up for any reason. Does the company pay for shipping on returns? Is there a mandatory restocking fee? Basically, just be informed.
It goes without saying that you should print and keep your receipts. Not until you get your parts, or until they are installed, but for at least 3 months. I personally keep my receipts longer for tax purposes, but if you have an extra hanging file folder, there's no reason not to keep them. Who knows when you'll need them?
Not all companies are created equal. Some cut costs by using refurbished parts or other less than desirable means. You'll occasionally find really good deals, but just as often you get what you pay for. Just be smart about it and do a little research. Remember, if it seems to good to be true...well, you know the rest.
"I think we should take Iraq and Iran and combine them into one country and call it Irate. Put all the pissed off people live in one place and get it over with." --Denis Leary
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