Q: Why do similar looking computers vary so much in price?
A: For the same reason a Ferrari costs much more than Fiat. Components on a dearer computer will usually be of better quality (performance, efficiency, etc.). It is in the interest of every computer manufacturer, distributor, wholesaler and vendor to keep their costs and prices down to stay in competition with each other. However, some manufacturers will massively down-grade their offerings to maximise profit - to such an extent that you'll end up with an extremely inferior system. Buyer beware! A more expensive computer will always perform better, cost less in maintenance and contribute to longer trouble-free computing.
"We only recommend the best in quality and value"
Everyday in the shop we hear comments such as:
"I could almost buy a new computer for the price of new parts"
When a computer manufacturer goes to China, Taiwan, Bangladesh, etc. to have 100,000 computers built, s/he'll want 100,000 chassis, 100,000 disc drives, etc. and s/he will be discounted for bulk buying and only pay the local price for each item. S/he will also be paying the local labour charges. When these components reach our shores, each item will go through the hands of the importer, wholesaler and then the computer shop - each will add a little to the price to cover their overheads (import duty, re-packaging into smaller quantities, British transport costs, British labour costs, British taxes, etc.) and make a small profit - by the time it reaches you the price may be significantly higher. Environmental impact is minimised (better to buy one item as needed than a whole computer - better to buy British than to get the imports). Improper disposal of a whole computer is not only suicidal to our-planet but also unnecessary in energy requirements. Also dont forget that your computer is set up they way you like with all your personal files.
"Can you give me tell me how to fix ..."
Wouldn't it be nice for every computer shop (and for that matter any other shop/outlet) to have a resident guru to impart his/her years of a) knowledge, b) experience, c) skills and d) spilt blood & sweat & tears for free access to all. Although most computer shops will give some information, they can't be expected to stop a job from a paying customer to explain all the intricacies of a given problem. Not only will the paying customer have to wait longer to get their computer back, but the shop will be losing valuable time - the overheads of any small shop are staggering and margins are small. Enough lost time will result in its closure - leaving you with chain stores whose only interest is turnover. So, please be understanding when we ask you to book your system in for repair.
"I was looking at one of your computers and the price of it was just a little higher than that which I can buy from a major chain outlet. Why should I buy from you?"
Yes, we too have seen this phenomenon. Initially, we thought "How can they do that? They can't even buy a computer at that price. They must be making a loss." On closer examination it is evident that such outlets have previously sold the computer at their usual prices and, when its time to re-stock for the next models, they sell off remaining few computers (usually from the previous year's models) at a an astonishing price. The tactic employed is to appear to be presenting good prices and to generate web hits. However, do remember that when you purchase a computer from us you are purchasing quality and our support should you have any teething problems. Something you will not get from a chain store.
Thank you for your understanding - the bulk of this FAQ was amended from ReCycle Bike Store, Hyde Park's website
