Welcome to my new post. So far we understand, how to choose a laptop and internal and External components of a Laptop . The next step is where should i buy.
Also they have opened a franchise in many locations to sell their products. Also each brand has its authorised dealers.
There are many branded companies like HP, Dell, Acer, Thinkpad, Sony, Apple etc in the market and each has its own market. In general, a company always wants to increase their market as much as possible through various channels. They won't loose any single opportunity which reaches to its customers. So Company sells its products online as well as in store. As part of sales, company opens a franchise in many locations and also have a partnership with its authorised dealers. The franchise or dealer has their own website and also publish the products in various public channels like Amazon, eBay etc.. So we understand that a company sells its products in both offline/in store and online.
However, the warehouse is common for both. The warehouse is a place where all products kept for delivery purpose.
Now Let me go through each way in detail.
In Store: This is a place/shop where all of brand related products are kept for display purpose.
Advantages:
- A Staff member attends you and gives brief introduction about the desired product.
- If you like and buy a product, you will get that in sealed pack right away.
- You have a privilege to check the product immediately.
- Good Payment security.
Disadvantages:
- You need to travel to Store.
- You have to listen what staff member says. Obviously, they say their product is best and won't come to know about pitfalls.
- You can not compare a product with other brand similar product.
- You will get only some deals which are specific to store like stock clearance sale, inauguration sale etc.
- You have to buy each related product individually and there will not be any group discount and also cannot come to know what most people buying as a pack and why.
Online: It is nothing but a virtual store.
Advantages:
- you can search for a product and do a research on each brand from your home. you need not to travel any where.
- You can compare different products from different brands and can choose the desired one.
- You will have plenty of options to choose a desired product and a chance to view plenty of discounts.
- You can read plenty of reviews and can decide.
- The product will be delivered to your address.
Disadvantages:
- Most people worry about hacking of their card details and those might be misused.
- Incase of returns, the procedure will be bit lengthy.
There are some more points which are common for both Online and in store. we should carefully observe the terms and conditions for these.
Warranty :
Warranty is given by the Branded company and this is common for both Online and in store purchases. Also the Warranty applies to Hardware parts only. If you feel any any of hardware parts not working, either you need to contact the store staff or customer care. in Most times, staff member also redirects you to Customer care to explain the problem by providing a number. However, there are some stores, send the faulty products to Product test centre on behalf of you and may charge the shipping cost.
If you buy it a online, by default you will be provided a Customer care number and a packing cover will be sent to you on request and provides the details where you should send.
Once the product is received by test centre, that will be tested throughly and if they find any fault with Hardware parts, that will be replaced. If they find any problem with software that will cost you to resolve.
I never see in any shop staff or member resolves the problems free of cost.
Returns Policy: This is totally depends on the Store/ Dealer policy. Some stores may accept the returns to keep their good will. However, I never see a store doing this especially in Laptops ( in electronic goods).
You know, This is a big contradiction topic. Some may like to buy in store and others do shopping online. Here i can share my experience and would like to leave decision for you.
So far i bought 3 brand new laptops and 1 used desktop since Aug 2006.
I bought first two laptops in store. I had a tough experience with store staff and hadn't receive any support. As i am a computer professional, I resolved the problems buy spending a little more money. However, there are some stores who took care of their customers for their good will.
I bought some more in online. Though i had some problems with my later purchases, I posted to resolution centre in amazon & ebay and got resolved in 24 hours.
Then i realised a proper medium is required between buyer and seller.
My Next Topic: Softwares
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