How to Avoid Problems with Computer Companies FAQ
dkirk
FAQ:
How to Avoid Computer Company Problems
Last Updated: Friday, March 1, 1996
This is FAQ is designed to prevent the computer consumer from
getting "taken." All of these are suggestions and advice that my users
have related to me. If you have a comment or suggestion, please e-mail
me <dk...@email.tsixroads.com>. Feel free to link this page or copy it
for your own personal use. Please do not modify it without my
permission or use it for commercial purposes.
The most updated text version can always be found at
http://www2.tsixroads.com/Moan/moanfaq.txt
The most updated HTML version can always be found at
http://www2.tsixroads.com/Moan/faq.html
Before the Buy
Call the support line. This will allow you to judge how overworked the
support staff really is. Also, this will give you a chance to ask
questions about your product before you buy.
Call the Better Business Bureau. This will at least allow you to see
how many other people have filed complaints against this company.
Although many people say that this organization favors on the side
of business, it may be the only way for you to find out any
information about a local company beforehand.
Check the Moan and Groan Page. This page references people's bad
experiences with computer companies and products. This mass collection
of horror stories allows you to see which companies and products
people complain about the most.<http://www2.tsixroads.com/Moan/>
Check out local deals. If you are inexperienced in computers, then you
will probably need someone who can personally help you with any
problems you have. Many local dealers will provide on-site service for
a year or more. You will probably pay more, but often it is worth it.
Examine advertisements carefully. Is the hard drive really 480 megs or
is it a 240 meg that has double space installed? Type and manufacturer
of the CPU, the existence of cache, memory speed, versions of
software--all of these things are often overlooked by potential
buyers.
Check on tech support. Many companies still do not have an 800 line
for tech-support. Even more disturbing is that many companies are
going to expensive 900 lines for support. Likewise, support via the
internet is very important for some people.
During the Buy
Keep records of everything. The more information you keep, the better
off you will be. If you have an answering machine, it is easy to
record your conversation. If you really want to be certain, request
that your specs and the price be sent to you before you buy. That way
if they make an unauthorized substitution, you can easily challenge
it.
Use a credit card to purchase your product. If you never receive your
mail order, credit cards will often credit your account until you do
receive it. Many cards will also provide extended warranties. Two
highly recommended cards in this area are Mastercard and Discover.
After the sale
Immediately check your system. Everything should be working fine.
Manuals and software (including the original disks) should be
included. If not, they should be requested immediately. The system
should be left on for a couple of days to insure that the system has
been burned in properly. Also, it would be wise at this time to open
up the computer to make sure that you have exactly what you bought.
Don't forget to save all your paper work and your boxes.
If you have problems
Immediately call tech support or leave e-mail. If they are
uncooperative, sending a certified letter is a good way to voice your
complaints. If they still will not help, you should first call the BBB
and follow whatever they recommend. Placing your complaint on a web
page and in the newsgroups is also a good way to get action. Of
course, a lot of companies scan The Moan and Groan Page as well, so do
not forget to relay your story there. Although it should not be this
way, it is never too early to contact a lawyer.
Feel free to visit the Moan and Groan Web page at
http://www2.tsixroads.com/Moan