Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => Hardware and Software => Topic started by: eskimo2 on August 27, 2007, 06:16:15 PM
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The point of this thread is to help guide new game machine builders in selecting good trustworthy online stores. Please add your experiences with any online PC parts store.
Mwave.com
Prices = A+
Of any online store that I trust to this point they had the best prices on most items by a few dollars.
Website = B
It was hard to narrow down searches for some specific items like DVI cables, they had them lumped in with others.
Online Communication = D+
Email was minimal. They didn't tell me that/when my order was shipped or provide a tracking number. (logging into their site produced one, however.) Shipping info did not mention the carrier! They just gave a tracking #, it would help to know if I needed to log into UPS, Fed-Ex, USPS or ? I should have noted when I placed the order, but still Fed-Ex is 6 characters. They didn't tell me that the USB hub was on back order and didn't include a packing slip. Logging on to my account does not show the hub on back order and shipping today. I spent too much time calling them to figure out what was going on.
Phone Communication = B-
Medium long holds. They did speak clear English and were polite, however. All issues resolved.
Returns
Their site said that they do not accept returns on retail boxed items. My Antec PSU (in a retail box) went bad after 4 minutes; I called and they said they would give me a refund. I shipped it off today; we'll see if they keep their word.
I would probably buy from Mwav again.
Newegg.com
Prices = A
Of any online store that I trust to this point they had the best prices on a few items by a few dollars; most others were pretty good. Free shipping noted on some things that I didn't buy.
Website = A+
Their website rules. I love the built in customer product reviews.
Online Communication = A+
Everything that you would want and expect to be communicated through email was.
Phone Communication...
Wasn't needed, see Online Communication above.
Returns
In reviews I've read other customers praise Newegg about their returns.
I would definitely buy from Newegg again.
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I have also had excellent results purchasing from Newegg. I've looked at other online sites, but now I always end up buying from Newegg. Prices are as low as you are likely to find anywhere, and the service has been outstanding. I did have a problem with a new motherboard a few years ago, and it was quickly exchanged with no hassle. I give them an A+ :aok :aok
Joker
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Their website rules. I love the built in customer product reviews.
Enough said "NewEgg rules"
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Originally posted by airspro
Their website rules. I love the built in customer product reviews.
Enough said "NewEgg rules"
Agreed. I just had to rma my first piece last week, a doa drive. They issued the rma in a couple of minutes, set me up to print out their formatted shipping label, etc. Had it back in the box and left for the UPS place all in less than 30 minutes. All done without waiting, being run around or speaking to a live human.
I've never had a complaint about a single transaction.
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My last system I did a price comparison check between Mwave and Newegg.
Same parts, Mwave was 12$ cheaper and another 6$ cheaper on shipping.
I have in fact had to return several items back to Mwave, never had a problem.
Call, get an RMA number, ship it back and got my refund inside 10 days. Only exception for me was they didn't want the CPU back.
Personally I prefer their web page layout to Neweggs, although user reviews would be a nice added touch.
I've been on the phone with them several times over the last several years.
And I'd have to rate them at least a B+. Quick action, no real hassles at all, no explanation needed, just which order and what did you want returned.
Compared to trying to get your money back from say a Best Buy, there is no comparison. I'm so burned on them I'll pay more for something rather than go there. Because I know it will be less frustration in the long run.
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Originally posted by Ghosth
Compared to trying to get your money back from say a Best Buy, there is no comparison. I'm so burned on them I'll pay more for something rather than go there. Because I know it will be less frustration in the long run.
That should be a sticky LOL. :D
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Newegg just rocks, been buying from them for 10 years now, 8 of them for my workplace as well.
They don't ship late, don't show stuff in-stock that's really out of stock, don't ship the wrong thing, don't have people cold-calling you once you order something expensive (like CDW), and the prices, if not the lowest on the internet, are damn close. No one does it better.
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Dittos on Newegg. I bought most of my system from them and would certainly do it again.
Another place I also like is ZipZoomFly. Very similar in all respects to Newegg. When I built my system, they were just a little more expensive on a couple of items than Newegg but certainly a good place to shop.
As far as buying CH Products controllers, provantage.com has the best prices I've seen. I highly recommend them.
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Originally posted by BoilerDown
don't ship the wrong thing
Well I've had ram shipped from Newegg to me that was different in packaging and appearance than what was pictured on the item. However, once intsalled the part number was the same. 4 months later I ordered the exact same ram from Newegg and received the ram in the packaging and appearance that was pictured. Once installed, same part number. I didn't care, but if someone was building a system for 'looks' I can see their beef.
When I did order my 20" LCD Viewsonic few months back it was listed as saying it came with an HDMI cable, but it did not. No beef, I needed to place another item shortly after and got a decent one for $8.
I love buying stuff there as compared to say Best Buy. I laughed the other day. Gold plated USB cable 6ft.....$31.99. I bought a 10ft one off Newegg (non gold plated mind you, i mean seriously!) for....$1.99.
I rarely ever shop at Best Buy. So many poor saps that shop their for some of their items and just get ripped off. Not so much on the item, but the accessories like cables etc.
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Back in the day before I found Newegg, 1999-2003, I used to shop all over. Just trying to find the cheapest price online. Once I found newegg I was very pleased and have only shopped elsewhere at ZipZoomFly.com because Newegg has 1 item I needed out of stock and ZZF had a rebate offer on another item. I've never had to RMA anything back, but I have dealt with their tech support before both on the phone and online chatting. Both were very helpful.
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Originally posted by HomeBoy
As far as buying CH Products controllers, provantage.com has the best prices I've seen. I highly recommend them.
I think I bought my CH stuff from them as well (long ago). They had the best prices anywhere. The only glitch was that it was delivered to a house accross the street. I don't recall if UPS or provantage made the address typo.
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Newegg.com
Prices = A
I'll usually shop 'em around, and can sometimes find better prices - usually at ZipZoomFly when factoring in the cost of shipping.
Website = A+
Great navigation, easy to find stuff and organize it by price or best reviewed, and the reviews are a great resource.
Online Communication = A+++
It's nice to know exactly what's going on with your order without having to dig for it.
Phone Communication = A
There was a problem with an order I made a while back - I think I mis-typed the 800 # for my CC. They actually called me to verify the correct # so they could move the order along and get it shipped for me. I was impressed that they called instead of just sending me an email.
Returns = n/a
Never returned anything with 'em, but have heard good stuff
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PCClub.com
Prices = C-
Usually worse than you'll find at most online places, but sometimes they'll surprise you. Mostly when factoring in shipping costs, since you can go into your local store to pick the item up. (this is assuming you have a PC Club near you)
Website = B
It's OK, and stuff can be found, and there are a limited amount of customer ratings. What I like is being able to see what's in stock at the local store...and then I can go to the store and purchase it.
Online Communication = D
You can see what's "IN STOCK", and that is nice. They also have something called LIMITED STOCK, which in my experience means Out of Stock and it will be shipped to the store in about a week. Unfortunately, there is no explanation on the site of what "LIMITED STOCK" means or any communication made to you about ETA of the part at your store. Simply an email confirming your order and letting you know to expect an email from the store when the part is ready for pickup (no indication that the store doesn't have the part and is waiting for it to be shipped to them).
Phone Communication = A
The Limited Stock situation was with one particular order. I called when I hadn't gotten an email from the store in a couple of days. The rep was friendly and informative, and let me know when I could expect the part. The time frame wasn't acceptable to me, and he canceled the order at my request without any hassle.
Returns = n/a
Never returned anything with 'em, but have heard good stuff from a friend who shops there frequently.
In-store = A
They're generally helpful and friendly, though sometimes socially inept, which I find acceptable when dealing with computer geeks.
*So, they suck as an Online store, and are pretty good with mediocre prices as a brick & mortar store with an online inventory system (if I see something I want that says it's in stock at the store, i call the store to verify, then go pick it up).
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CircuitCity.com
Prices = B+
More for general consumer electronics than for computer components. A big plus is that you can buy online at the online price, and even use an online coupon code, and then pick the item up in the store.
Website = B
I find their navigation system to be a little bit quirky, but it generally works. Sometimes I just have a tough time finding stuff that they do have. It could be just me, though.
Online Communication = A
I've only ever ordered online for pickup in the store. It always makes it clear whether or not the store has stock on an item, and gives instructions on picking it up - which store, and what to bring with you.
Phone Communication = n/a
Never called 'em.
Returns = A
I've returned a few things to them and have never had a hassle. And I don't lie about returns either... the last time I just didn't like what I had purchased and that's what I told the clerk. No biggie.
In-store = A-
Pickup at the customer counter is generally pretty quick. The clerks range from friendly to apathetic, and I could care less either way. I've never seen anyone rude or noticeably dragging their feet...and they never ask me if I want to buy a service plan when I'm picking up an online order. While shopping in the store, they're usually reasonably helpful, but I tend not to ask any questions apart from "where can I find ____?". They get a minus for the giant receipts that require a wheel barrel to haul away.
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BestBuy.com
Prices = n/a
Who cares? They could give **** away for free and I would still give pause before shopping there.
Website = C
Not great. Though it could be that the sight of their logo puts me in the mood to hate, and therefor influences my opinion of the overall site.
Online Communication = n/a
Never ordered anything from them online. Why would I want to do that to myself?
Phone Communication = n/a
Never called 'em, I can only imagine the pain of speaking with a group of employees that they surely treat even worse than their in-store employees.
Returns = F---
It's been a couple of years since I've found myself in the unfortunate situation of returning something to these bums, but it still makes me wince to think about it. Wait in line, forever. Talk to clerk who looks at you as though they may call the police on you any second. Wait for clerk to take your merchandise into the secret room behind the counter where something extraordinary happens - I assume what's happening is extraordinary since it takes so damned long for whatever is going on in there to happen. Clerk finally returns and finishes the return process. (whew, the gestapo isn't going to come and stomp on my head this time . . . or is it a trick?)
In-store = F---
Their employees range from helpful to "annoyed that you're breathing their air", and often seem confused if you politely refuse their assistance. It's all downhill from there...
Would you like to buy a service plan with that? (Nope.) Would you like to buy a service plan with that? (No.) Would you like to buy a service plan with that? (NO!) Would you like a FREE 3 month magazine subscription with your purchase? (umm, WTF???) Please present your receipt so that I can compare it to the contents of your bag that I'm going to search, and verify that you didn't shoplift anything between here and the register (which is ten feet away). (No.)
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My Local Best Buy is terrible. Especially their prices. On their website they listed a camera I was looking at for $314.99 (which wasn't bad). In store, $349.99. The logitech G15 keyboard, which I bought on sale at Best Buy, for $70. It normally as $99 (which is high, but this is expected). Couple weeks ago I see it's jumped $5 to $104.99. Usually as products get more dated or a new release is on the way the price decrease or goes on sale.
Their return service? I've personally returned two things. A Geforce 4 MX400 that I used temporarily (30 days) until I had enough cash to buy a TI4600 (since the card I did have burned up). That took about 2 minutes for the return. In March I bought a FM transmitter for my MP3 player in my car. I learned a quick lesson on FM transmitters sucking on quality fairly quickly. Returned it in two weeks.
Now as for warranty...well my girlfriend's Toshiba laptop had some problems. The video chipset or the motherboard when to hell on it. Took it to Best Buy and they sent it out to Toshiba who fixed it but on return did not hook the wireless chipset up so it had to be sent out again (Toshiba's fault). Warranty wasn't hell, but the turn around time was about 2 to 3 weeks and after being sent back it had been about a month and a half. I believe it was sent back a third time because the battery had gone to hell and would not charge. All with in a 2 months span.
I've dealt with their ordering department before. Was replacing that laptops battery under warranty before it ran up. I had 95% of all the paperwork in front of me except Best Buy's internal part code for the laptop. The operator could not continue without this part number. I knew the laptops model by heart etc, but she could not cross-reference anything. Pretty much helpless. Wasted an hour of my time on the phone with her.