Buying a Computer Guide – Buyer Beware

We very often receive questions from people who have purchased a computer that does not perform as required or simply does not work properly from delivery.

The following steps can help to make sure that you get a computer that does what you need, and how to make sure your covered if the worst happens.

The Price
you first see the price of a computer advertised and go to place your order and the price increases
make sure the price you are paying includes VAT/TAX, delivery and the specification you need.

Delivery Dates
if you order a computer to be delivered on a priority basis make sure you have this in writing, priority orders usually cost more, this way you will have grounds for complaining and refunds.

Delivery
When the computer arrives make sure you check any boxes for damage before signing for it, if there is any damage make a note of this on the couriers delivery/receipt, and contact the supplier as soon as possible.

Payment
If possible it is a good idea to pay on a credit card if the computer is going to be delivered, simply because you are protected, if the computer never arrives you should get your money back.

Buying on Credit
Retailers offer just about everything on some type of credit agreement these days and computer are no exception, if you decide to go down this route make sure you get a credit quotation stipulating the interest rate, even if the interest rate is 0% how long does this last for? When the 0% credit finishes check to see what the rate will then be.
It is also worth noting very often a loan from a bank will work out much cheaper.

Problems
check everything on the computer is working as soon as possible, if there are any issues it is far easier to get it resolved by contacting the supplier quickly.

Warranties
Just about all companies offer extended warranties, but at an extra cost.
A standard computer warranty consists of a 1 year return to base type, this means if the computer develops a hardware problem it will need to be sent away for repair.

Extended warranties normally run for around 3 years, and depending on the type of warranty can offer return to base or home visits.

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