🚀 go-pugleaf

Darren Fuerst (a10@server.uwindsor.ca) wrote:
:In article <3fm1ri$egt@casaba.srv.cs.cmu.edu> lowekamp@cs.cmu.edu (Bruce Lowekamp) writes:
:>You were not.  Most of those are their standard policies, though.
:>They do charge in advance for replacement cards and they take their
:>time refunding the credit when they receive the broken card.

:[longish horror story - snip!]

:I just don't understand why people buy low-end clones mail order.  You 
:know that these companies keep prices low by cutting corners on quality,
:testing, and service.  You get what you pay for (generally), and you
:get what you deserve when you deal with these outfits.

:I live in a relatively small burg, yet, if I want to buy a low-end clone,
:I have a choice of at least 10 local stores that are willing to scrap it
:out for my business.  I can get a system locally for less than mail-order,
:and generally get better quality to boot.  If something dies, I take it back
:to the store and get on the spot replacement.  No RMAs, no shipping charges,
:no hassles.  Most local stores will bend over backwards to keep me
:happy because they know that they need my future business.  If they try to 
:screw me over, threats of legal or physical action work MUCH better when
:delivered in person, directly to the owner.

:Buying mail order makes sense ONLY when you can't get a specific item 
:locally.

:Darren

:[another horror story - snipped]

I live in a relatively metropolitan area yet the prices of local companies
that I've been able to find are consistently higher than mail order.  The
ordering price-wise seems to be:
	department stores / general electronics places =
	more reputable mail order (i.e., Gateway 2000, Dell, etc.) + $300 =
	less well-known mail order + $200

Locally, prices tend to fall into the second category.  That's the reason
people spend so much time searching through Computer Shopper and then
taking their chances with a more low-end company.

--
Mike Kwan
mkwan@mit.edu