Buying Tips

[MaxMercury]

I couldn't figure out where to post this, so feel free to move it.

I'm sure that some people reading this forum are trying to decide whether or not to buy from PCC. For those of you who are new to buying a custom system online, I have some suggestions:

1. Don't be fooled by a flashy website. Substance means more than appearance. Fortunately, PCC excels at both. :)
2. Make sure you actually communicate with prospective vendors before you buy. Ask questions that you know the answers to already. If you know more than they do, and you're not a PC expert, that would be a red flag.
3. READ the policies, warranties, and all fine print thoroughly. I've been amazed at how many vendors have restocking fees or only allow you to try out your system for 14 days (way too little time), or they will not refund your money for XP if you activate it!! The list of unreasonable policies goes on and on.
4. Make sure they are at least somewhat flexible and will work with you to get what you want. PCC really excels at this.
5. While testimonials and user ratings are valuable in assessing a company, we all know people who rave about a company (or product) because they're loath to admit they made a bad purchase. So, again, make sure the company you're considering offers a service like PCC -- free, extensive, comprehensive, terrific pre-buying consultation.

I think that's enough for now. I hope some of you find that helpful!
-- Max, way too verbose :)

[PCC-Jon]

Great info!

[PCC-Richard]

Amen. I strongly emphasize #3. You'd be amazed at how many companies sneak little "fees" in here and there. :thumbsdown

[RamenNoodleGod]

Agreed. I almost went with ABS, but I couldn't get in contact with them, and when I finally got an answer (on the forums, I got no answers elsewhere) it took weeks and their answer was the typical salesman type. Reading from a list of pre-conceived answers is NOT expertise. Be extra careful about anyone who actually sounds good. As for reviews, like resellerratings, I think it's important to keep up with them. Some of those guys provide real, detailed accounts of their dealings with companies.

Ask yourself, do these guys really love computers or do they just love selling them? Don't pay any attention to all the deals and offers--at least, not until you get real info on the systems and the companies. Like Max said, read everything: warranties, fine print, if there's text, read it. Heck, view the source code of the website if you can. But the only thing I really have to add is to pay attention to the customers. Ask any Dell customer with tech savvy, and you'll know why we run to online resellers. What I like about Puget is that they let their customers speak for them. They don't sell rebates and deals, like other companies do. They sell computers. No bells and whistles.