From: David Goldman (David_at_dgoldman.com)
Date: Wed Dec 09 1998 - 06:47:23 EST
At 03:05 AM 12/9/98 -0500, Bill Morrow wrote:
>Daivd, and all lookenpeepers..
>
>David Goldman wrote:
>
>> 3) What is your return policy?
>>
>
>here, i must comment..NO reseller will take a return on an opened box thinkpad..
>period..
>PERHAPS on a closed box, but never on an opened box, since that, like a new car
>when you title it, makes 'it' a used car or thinkpad..
>i have made deals on a thinkpad, on approval, but with a fair restocking fee..
>
>if you get a dead machine, then IBM will swap it or repair it, free..
>
>but there IS NO return for full refund, unless you have special arrangements,
>once the box has been opened...
>
On items other than a laptop, this is an essential question (IMHO). It gives
a good indication of the quality / customer service policy of a company that
you are about to do business with. Some companies try to make returns and
shipping a profit center. Others are more reasonable. I stand by my suggestion
to ask this question.
>
>> You might also want to check what they charge for shipping and/or using
>> credit cards.
>>
>
>shipping should run no more than the actual cost..most big vendors and
>distributors have a deal with FedEx or UPS for a big discount..
>
>i personally, avoid doing business with a company that charges more that the
>actual shipping charge..
>
Microsoft, for one, makes an incredible profit on S&H. I'm willing to live
with people who make a small/reasonable profit on S&H. After all, it does
take some amount of labor to package & process an order.
>
>> Finally, if the price seems too good to be true, it usually is. To find
>> out what the reasonable (low end) price range is, you might want to check:
>>
>> http://www.shopper.com
>>
>
>the lowest price is not always the best price..
>
This is true, but just because a price is the lowest does not automatically
mean that it is not the best price either. One must weigh the peace of mind
when doing business with a reputable dealer vs saving a few more $$$. I will
sometimes buy an airline ticket that is not the cheapest, either to get the
option of making changes at no penalty or to avoid a carrier with a bad
service record.
-- David Goldman
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