Online retailer... Should I?

[Talcite]

Hey guys. I have a small dilema.

I have found the palm TX and universal wireless keyboard from FrontierPC for 356.16. This is an online retailer, and located in Vancouver. Their return policy is here: return policy

I also was looking at the Palm TX at staples. Together, it would cost me $440 for the TX and the keyboard. However, Staples offers a no charge return policy, plus great service, plus it can be for any reason.

I can't decide on which one to go for. I'd save $90 if I went with FrontierPC... but I can easily get screwed over by their return policy.

If I went with staples, I'd be out $90, but if anything went wrong, I could just return it.

I believe both have full manufacturer warranties.

Any money I save would go towards getting me some more ram on the new system. What should I do? Has anyone had experience dealing with online retailers?

And I'm almost positive I want the TX. However, I'd still like to try it out... although that seems like a slim possibility.

 

[Talcite]

bumpity bump bump

anyone have an opinion/helpful tip?

 

[n7]

There's this thing call pricematching

That might just help you out

 

[corkyg]

It's a matter of risk management. One way, risk is reduced, but the cost is higher. They other way, risk is increased and the cost is lower. It is your decision. If you can handle risk with a smile, chances are your on-line purchase will be AOK. If you like security, go with the local store.

I do both regularly. And, have never gotten burned by anyone's return policy - in over 15 years of buying - I have never had to return anything.

It's like extended warranties. My policy is never to buy them. In effect, I am self insured, and have never gotten burned there either. I figure that they would not offer them if they were not profitable forthem. And, if they are profitable for them, they are not profitable for me - statistically speaking.

 

[lenjack]

You might want to check http://www.resellerratings.com/seller6521.html

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: Talcite
What should I do? Has anyone had experience dealing with online retailers?

And I'm almost positive I want the TX. However, I'd still like to try it out... although that seems like a slim possibility.

Why don't you let us go and sniff out the best deal from the best vendor for you.
That way you can just check this thread and know that we have found you the best price on the planet. :roll:

 

[corkyg]

Great idea, Blain! But keep in Mind - Vancouver is in British Columbia - and the vendor has to be able to ship to Canada.

 

[Talcite]

parts

The thing is I'm trying to find the stuff locally, and if not local, then easily obtainable.

FrontierPC happens to ship for free if it's over 300. (i'm getting 600). Anyways, I'm trying to pay minimal shipping.

The reviews from that site are kind if disconcerting. I'll go do a bit more looking around before I buy it. My part shouldn't be instock until the 21st anyways.

 

[Talcite]

I read more about FrontierPC, seems all the ppl who wrote a review were really dissatisfied. I think i'm going with NCIX instead. I'll end up paying about 30 or 40 more... but they do price match =p

 

[piasabird]

Sometimes these retail shops have sales. Althought often they are at Christmas time or some inconvenient time. Still they often have sales. Might try Office Depot and Best buy. If you have a good price on the internet tell the store. If you can get away without paying the tax on the Internet that may be a good point.

Might also look on sites like www.amazon.com. I would really make sure a brick and mortar store is going to stand behind its products. Anyone can say they offer a guaratee, but what do the consumers say? Maybe look for a retailer rating site or something.

Some brick and mortar stores also have web sites.

 

[Talcite]

Hmm... thanks for all the advice guys. I'm buying everything I can from brick and mortar stores, just because it's easier to handle with them. However, i'm getting several parts from NCIX. The price matching thing really rocks. I'm saving a ton of money.