WARNING:

TO NEW COMPUTER BUYERS

THIS ADVICE WILL SAVE YOU MONEY

AND UNDOUBTEDLY ANNOY MY COMPETITORS

 

Are you frustrated or confused when it is time to purchase a computer? There is just so much computer jargon and specifications and different pricing to contend with. The more you look, the more confused you become! All you want is to use the internet; or run your accounting system or convert your old VHS movies to DVD! Why is it so difficult?

No matter who you talk to, everyone seems to be an expert and is willing to give you well-meaning advice. Just as you wouldn't ask a carpenter to overhaul the engine in your vehicle, you shouldn't ask for, or follow the advice of, someone who is not qualified to give that advice. The problem is that not everyone is looking for the same solution and by following your friend’s advice; you will probably not correctly solve your requirements.

 

This is why you need to talk to people that have all the facts and experience; and are willing to spend the time listening to your requirements and explaining their solution. A lot of time, money and unnecessary hassles can be saved by buying your computer system from these type of people.

Working out what you need in a computer system

Your new computer should have the Windows Operating System and any new software properly installed. If you are upgrading from an older computer, then any required data should be copied and/or imported. Any programs from your old computer that works on the new computer should be installed also. These things should not be left to friends, relations or your next door neighbour!

 

Let me tell you a little story about my wife.

 

Now, let’s have a look at the average person who asks us to quote on a computer system. These people fall into one of three groups.

 

Group #1:  Price Frenzy Jack

This person

• knows what he needs in a computer system;
• purchases the cheapest computer available;
• believes that computers are simple devices requiring no technical expertise;
• relies on his next-door neighbour; friend and/or relative to set up and configure his computer;
• gets his quotes by fax. phone or email;
• will have a short warranty period;

The total cost of ownership of the computer will be greater than No Trust Sam because he has disregarded the fact that there are differences in hardware quality and software configuration expertise.

 

Group #2:  No Trust Sam

This person ends up better off than the group #1 person. At least his hardware and operating system has been set up correctly. But, how is he going to use the computer other than to access the Internet?

• knows very little about computers;
• feels safe buying a brand name from a large retail store;
• from people that are selling an over-priced product;
• has little or no knowledge about computers;
• are rehearsed in what they are to say about the products they sell;
• has no regard to their customer’s requirements;

The problem in purchasing a name brand is that after sales problems are diagnosed in an impersonal manner over the phone. If it is a hardware problem you have to send it to a third-party repair center; not the people who sold you the computer nor the people who own the brand.

 

Group #3:  Smart Fred

This person will purchase their computer following the sound purchasing rules that my wife used in purchasing her fridge. Colette would have sought out reliable computer experts for advice, creating a relationship with someone she trusted, and purchasing from them even if they were a little more expensive because

• knows she will get a computer with the benefits she required;
• will be set up for her requirements and ready to use immediately;
• confident that the warranties would be honoured.