Choosing a buying location can be the most costly mistake made by end user in
purchasing computer. Below are the list of the main location where you can buy
a computer.
Auction
High Street
Auction
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You can see the actual computer in action here before you pay and you can take
it back for a full refund if not functioning well. The computer here comes with
complete operating system and some bundled software and has easy payment terms.
But commonly the staff at these stores may have limited knowledge and could
give you a wrong information. |
Online
Auction
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Many Internet companies provide an online auctions that other people have the
capability of listing products that they are selling. If you buy through online
auction, it is safe that you purchase through check in order to prevent
possible credit card fraud. Below are some guidelines to ensure the success of
your purchase:
• Ensure that the you verify what the resellers return policy may be in
case the device is not functioning or is not compatible with your computer.
• Verify the warranty on the product insuring that it is either provided
by the manufacturer of the product or the place of purchase. |
Local private computer shop / local retailer
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You are more likely to get a personal service, where a computer is built to
your exact specifications. The local shop tends to be a little more informed
and may be able to give you some good advice. You can, in many cases, actually
speak with the person who is building your computer and raise any questions you
have with him/her. Should you need to take your computer back for whatever
reason, local is obviously a lot more convenient. However, there are some
guidelines to ensure the success of your purchase:
• Ensure that the you verify what the resellers return policy may be in
case the device is not functioning or is not compatible with your computer.
• Verify the warranty on the product insuring that it is either provided
by the manufacturer of the product or the place of purchase. |
Internet
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With the increase popularity of the Internet it is becoming easier, faster, and
cheaper to buy over the Internet. However here is some guidelines in purchasing
through internet.
• In purchasing through Internet, it is generally a good recommendation
to ensure the page you are purchasing from offers some type of security. When
entering your credit card information look for a small padlock / on your
browser toolbar indicating that all information entered will have additional
security helping to prevent information from being stolen by another entity. If
you do not see this icon in the bottom left or mid left of your browser its a
good possibility the page does not offer this additional security. |
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• Ensure that the company you are purchasing your computer from is a well
known company. It is possible for anyone to setup a web site, make sure the
company has an official domain (e.g. www.yahoo.com). It is more difficult from
someone to setup fake domains then for someone to setup a fake free server such
as a Geocities account.
• Ensure that the page your are purchasing from has contact information
for the company in case issues arise.
• Ensure that the you verify what the resellers return policy may be in
case the device is not functioning or is not compatible with your computer.
• Verify the warranty on the product insuring that it is either provided
by the manufacturer of the product or the place of purchase. |
Via Mail Order
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Prices are usually more competitive. Staff may be better at answering technical
questions you have. You can usually spread payments. You can usually have your
computer built to a specific order. It usually comes complete with operating
system, some bundled software and easy to understand set-up guides. But
purchasing through Mail order is sometimes considered an unsafe location to
purchase your computer. However, taking the correct steps can help prevent
issues from occurring.
• Get a valid phone number from the company so that you can directly talk
to someone if needed.
• Ensure that the you verify what the resellers return policy may be in
case the device is not functioning or is not compatible with your computer.
• Verify the warranty on the product ensuring that it is either provided
by the manufacturer of the product or the place of purchase.
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