Buying from Computer Retailers

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PHTech

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Hi there...

Just something that crossed my mind today...

What is the use buying from any local computer hardware / software retailers, as most people with some IT knowledge know, they can get it cheaper at cost, at a supplier like Rectron, etc...? Sometimes the odd requirement like CD/DVD-RWs would be quicker to come by at a local guy, but buying major stuff...? :confused:

Again, this is just they way I see it, as alot of local companies and guys claiming they have the superb knowledge of computer hardware & software, retail components, and then they sell crap (not even to mention the complete limited knowledge)...!
 
Well for one suppliers wont give you the same support levels as a retailer. Some retailers goes the extra mile when it comes to support, and they are the ones doing good.
 
An advantage of retail is support. I`m not talking about big franchises like Incredible, or Computer Corporation.
I`m talking about the small 1-shop guy who will hunt down an AT power supply for you, or fix your crt monitor.
Its worth supporting some of them for the meager 10%-15% markup they get.
 
I have heard that dealing with suppliers is not always the best of experiences and in some cases you will need to register with multiple suppliers in order to get the items you want. Since not all suppliers stock the same items.
 
Ya suppliers arnt always the greatest. My mate bought a CPU, he opened the box and found 2 pins were broken. He took it back to them and they come up with BS stories saying he broke it. Took about 3 weeks to get a replacement as they ran out of stock in 1 day....
 
Valid points concerning the support you get. And it is true that most of the guys charge only a 10-15% markup.

For me the big thing is the people (some private retailers) who bs the people to such an extent, where it can lead to serious consequences. Someone once asked me to have a look at his PC (a guy who is Technologicaly impaired) so I thought, I would give him an honest opinion. He told me he took his PC to a guy who "upgraded" his PC. After alot of info gathered from the user, the guy who "upgraded" the PC charged the guy around R1.5k for an S3 Trio...! WTF...! So that is where I saw alot more guys doing that... Its a bit of topic I know, but some private guys are waaaaay to dodgy... And still people go back to be screwed again...!
 
Yep you can't compare the support between the i man shop and the big suppliers like Rectron.
1 Man Shop will go out of his way to get you what you want and will generally help you sort out your PC problems. Sit down and have a cup of coffee while we sort out your pc. Shows you a gadget or two and lets you fidget with his latest Gizmo.
Beeg Wholesaler - You wait in the line of about 20 people and there's only 2 people serving. You get a muscle strain in your left leg by the time they serve you. You want it or not......No stock available, get it from someone else and stop harassing me. You want a drink!!!! There's the half broken vending machine. Oops no change.....Fook.

I'll pay the extra for the service and in most cases it's cheaper that driving half you way around Gauteng going to 3 different wholesalers just to get a better deal.
 
PC Direct said:
YA! We've been a reseller of ESET for ages. Going to be listing it on the website today or tomorrow ;)

So much to do, not enough time in the day!
Click to expand...

Have saw it now on your site...

BTW - who designs your website, and if possible, with what software... I like the look and feel of it, and as I want to host a new site (which will do stuff different that PC-shopping) I am looking for something which might help. Used Dreamweaver, but CS4 doesn't have ASPX support...
 
PHTech said:
Have saw it now on your site...

BTW - who designs your website, and if possible, with what software... I like the look and feel of it, and as I want to host a new site (which will do stuff different that PC-shopping) I am looking for something which might help. Used Dreamweaver, but CS4 doesn't have ASPX support...
Click to expand...

Thats OSCommerce or ZenCart looking at the url structure. All opensource and free to use and modify to suite your needs.
 
You have to be carefull of the one man show IT guy. Not all of them obviously, but there are some real sharks out there that will sell you a whole bunch of sht that you just dont need. Sadly a lot of people don't know any better.
 
Grimspoon said:
You have to be carefull of the one man show IT guy. Not all of them obviously, but there are some real sharks out there that will sell you a whole bunch of sht that you just dont need. Sadly a lot of people don't know any better.
Click to expand...

Sad but true...
 
Only thing is you have to be a registered dealer at rectron and submit credit details
 
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