Computer Buying Tips: Where to Buy

Article submitted by MTS Computer Service.  Located in Appleton.  For more information call 731-7220

With the holidays fast approaching, computers and electronics are sure to get a lot of attention. In this article we'll discuss the various places you can buy a computer, as well as some advantages and disadvantages associated with each. LOCAL RETAILER A Local Retailer is one of the safest places to buy computer hardware and software. You can see it in advance, ask questions and take it with you after paying. As with any purchase, beware of incorrect information. Sometimes a salesperson is not quite as knowledgeable as he or she attempts to appear. If you are confused about a feature or terminology, ask for clarification. If you are still uncertain, check with another salesperson or visit another retailer. AUCTIONS/INTERNET SALES The main advantage of an auction is the potential to get a good price. However, there are some things to watch out for when deciding to bid. One of the biggest drawbacks of any type of online purchase is the shipping cost associated with getting the item to you. Always calculate the exact shipping charge before committing to buy any product online. In addition, on-line auctions are now the number one choice for thefts and scams. If possible view the sellers history and profile. Remember - if it sounds to be good to true, it probably is. Piracy is another problem. It's so easy to make copies of CDs. It's also easy to sell them. Ensure that the software you are buying is authentic. Make sure documentation is included, and that the CD does not appear to be burned (copied). When you send your credit card information, you really have no idea who the seller is or whether the item actually exists. Check out a sellers "Feedbak" score. If there are a lot of negative comments from other buyers, stay away. Conversely, if thousands of people have bought and been satisfied, you can be reasonably assured of a safe transaction. When entering personal information including credit card numbers, make sure the page is secure. Check the web address of the site selling the product. The billing page should be secure, usually indicated by "https://" instead of the usual "http://" (notice the letter "s" in "https://"). The "s" stands for SECURE. In addition, look for a small padlock / symbol on your browser toolbar indicating that the site is secure. You can usually see this symbol in the bottom left or mid left of your browser. Check the seller's return policy. Avoid AS-IS sales. If a product is not functioning properly, it could take awhile to send it back, wait for repairs or replacement and ship it out again. Who is responsible for shipping if there's a problem? Find out before bidding. So what's the BEST way to buy a computer. We recommend researching your purchase online, then visiting a local retailer to purchase. You can find local retailers right HERE on TheCommunityPage.com!