|
How To Buy Computers and Technology
By Steve Beard
www.21biz.com
Over the past 20 years I've purchased literally thousands of computers, monitors,
printers, and related equipment. Here are some of the
ideas I use to get the best equipment at the lowest prices
for my customers.
1. Make a list of the
key components you're shopping for. Is the system
for home or business use. Don't spec a home PC for a
business application unless its truly a dual use system.
A simple spreadsheet will help you evaluate configurations
and pricing from several vendors.
2. Add shipping charges
and taxes. Some companies seem to make a living off
of high shipping charges so add them to your spreadsheet
so you get a delivered to your doorstep price. If an
Internet company has a facility in your state they will
have to charge you sales tax - otherwise probably not.
3. Look for the Sweet
Spot in the Pricing. Unless you have unlimited funds
or need top of the line performance there's almost always
a "Most Bang for Your Buck" model.
4. Sometimes Cheap is
Just Too Expensive. Some of the new low price inkjet
printers are a good example. Manufacturers are almost
giving these away because they know you'll be buying
expensive print cartridges very frequently. For a few
dollars more you may find a printer that gets double or
triple the mileage from its print cartridge. Check out
the reviews before you buy.
5. Sometime Cheap is a
Great Deal. Take a look at
Refurbished Equipment. You might
save 40% to 80% on your next tech purchase - Here's How:
Every manufacturer
has product that is damaged in shipment, or is refused by
the person ordering it, or is returned to them for any of
a multitude of reasons. Consumer law requires them to
fix the problem if any and rebox the item but does not
allow them to sell it as new.
Dell
and
Gateway each have their own Refurb departments.
PC Mall carries refurb's from many manufacturers
including HP, Sony, and Compaq. You will find great deals
on Flat Panel & CRT monitors, Computers, notebooks,
printers, and accessories. The main note of
caution is that the warranty will be reduced in most cases.
For example: a 3 yr warranty on new equipment might be
reduced to 1 yr or a 1 yr warranty to 90 days.
6. Look
for special deals and promotions. Most PC stores and
manufactures run special promotions frequently.
7. Make
sure you read and understand the vendors return policy.
Make sure they have one.
8. Enjoy your new
hardware!
|
