TCWO Done - Finally run into the ground

SuperSix

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
9,872
2
0
Hopefully you don't have an RMA with them..

http://www.tcwo.com

Don't believe the crap on the front page - they will not reopen. The once-great hardware reseller was finally run into the ground by its ego-maniacal owner. Anytime someone got any amount of power, or didn't "tow the company line", they were eliminated.

It's amazing it got so big with him owning it - it was built on the backs of his workers, not by his business acumen. (Or lack thereof)

He's fired one of his best friends, after that friend's marriage dissolved, partly because of the time he spent breaking his back for the ungrateful lout. He's so spineless he had his yes-man sales manager call nearly everyone on Saturday and fire them. Delegation? No - just gutless.

Remember JonnyGURU? The hardware god? Well, he endured over 3 years there, never getting a raise, constantly fighting to improve the company?s service and procedures.

I won't go into my personal details (Been gone for nearly 2 years), and sure, I can be called a "disgruntled" ex-employee, but when I was there, I put everything into it, and I know I contributed more than more portion to its success. (Back then)

It simply reinforces the old saying - "What comes around - GOES around".

What makes me sad about this are all the good people that really believed in the company, worked hard, and now are left out in the cold - all because of one man's personal issues and inability to simply LISTEN to his people.

If you do have an RMA - they may just sell it through their Ebay account. "Danmartsales" (No ego there, eh?) they specialize in selling refurb store returns, I'll bet they start dumping a LOT of PC hardware through there, at least what isn't "missing".. ;)
 

Zim Hosein

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Super Moderator
Nov 27, 1999
65,176
400
126
Dear Valued Customer,

TCWO.com is temporarily closed. We recently discovered a very large portion of our inventory has been stolen. Until this matter is resolved and we have reconciled our inventory, we will be unable to sell product or accept returns.

Should you need help with a purchase, you should contact the manufacturer directly.

:confused:
 

Cat13

Golden Member
Nov 14, 1999
1,108
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I would never say I am glad to see them go out of business, as it is someones income, but the few times I delt with them the experience wasn't pleasant.
 

RIGorous1

Platinum Member
Oct 26, 2002
2,053
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71
I bought from this place back in 2001 ... got an athlon xp 1600 for $115 shipped. :)

didn't realize this place was in bad shape.

Bump for karma coming back to bad businesses.
 

shiner

Lifer
Jul 18, 2000
17,112
1
0
Hmmm....I bought from them a few times a couple of years ago. Never had any issues. I had noticed lately that their prices were pretty bad and they were carrying more crap than quality.
 

GasX

Lifer
Feb 8, 2001
29,033
6
81
I had nothing but good experiences with them, but I haven't bought anything from them in a long time.

So long lifesavers! :(
 

RIGorous1

Platinum Member
Oct 26, 2002
2,053
0
71
Surrrrrrrrrrrrree.... sssstolen.

(me thinks of other scenarios where owners set fire to their offices to collect insurance. Further investigation reveals arson. "What? the gas can fell over by itself :D )
 

thebestMAX

Diamond Member
Sep 14, 2000
7,500
132
106
Bought from them a few times and mostly good expeiences.

Overnight delivery from UPS was cool, paying tax in Floriduh sucked. Prices pretty high also.

They were a good back up vendor but never my first choice.
 

MournSanity

Diamond Member
Feb 24, 2002
3,126
0
0
Wow, I used to buy processors from them. Always had great prices and service, plus the lifesavers were a nice touch. Can't believe their owner was such an ass.
 

SuperSix

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
9,872
2
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Originally posted by: hypersonic5
Wow, I used to buy processors from them. Always had great prices and service, plus the lifesavers were a nice touch. Can't believe their owner was such an ass.


While key people like JonnyGURU were overlooked when it came to raises, they spent almost a million If not more) in advertising at the St Pete Times Forum, (For what? to increase will-call business? This is an Internet hardware distribution company! Couldn't those dollars be spent in a more reasonable fashion?) a trophy russian bride was purchased, (underage at the time, mind you) and luxurious new houses were built. He did sell the Boxster.. :roll:

Basically, if you had an independent thought in your head, the idea was quashed, and when you got too much power in the company, and threatened his "power base", you were fired. He sh!tcanned some great talent over the years...

Really sad - when I was there we had ~6 sales reps averaging approximately 200=250k/mo in sales. After I left, all the direct manufacturer relationships I helped build (Soyo, Gigabyte, Biostar, etc) went south, as well as the preferential RMA treatment, marketing funds, etc..
 

Babbles

Diamond Member
Jan 4, 2001
8,253
14
81
I haven't bought from them in two years. However prior to that I have bought plenty of items and always had a good experience. Well good as in I got a fair price for what I wanted and never had a defected item.
 

SuperSix

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
9,872
2
0
It's ironic they decided to include the "Computer enthusiasts serving computer enthusiasts simce 1996" under the website name. :D
 

amdskip

Lifer
Jan 6, 2001
22,530
13
81
Wow, I've purchased from them multiple times with no problems at all. Didn't they used to send life savers with processors?
 

PanzerIV

Diamond Member
Dec 19, 2002
6,875
1
0
I made one purchase from them several years ago but that's it. Their prices weren't very good. I feel for those that are now out of a job but otherwise no love lost here. The Egg gets 99% of my business.
 

SuperSix

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
9,872
2
0
Originally posted by: Zim Hosein
Dear Valued Customer,

TCWO.com is temporarily closed. We recently discovered a very large portion of our inventory has been stolen. Until this matter is resolved and we have reconciled our inventory, we will be unable to sell product or accept returns.

Should you need help with a purchase, you should contact the manufacturer directly.

:confused:


Wow! They must have solved the crime! :confused: The site is back up. (AT Effect?)

Either way, with the skeleton crew they now have, no phone #'s (yes, not even a phone number to place an order) remember CAVEAT EMPTOR.

Looks like their resellerratings are sliding horribly in the last 6 months too.. http://www.resellerratings.com/seller2109.html
 

jonnyGURU

Moderator <BR> Power Supplies
Moderator
Oct 30, 1999
11,815
104
106
Stomp!
All night!
In the neighbourhood...
Don't it feel all right
Gonna stomp
All night
Wanna party
Till morning light

Ok. That doesn't make too much sense in this thread.

Anyhoo... Sorry I haven't been around much. Been busy installing IP based phone systems across the country. The only PC's I do now store voicemails as WAV files. :p

Anyone need a nice VoIP or all digital phone system, feel free to drop me a line. :D
 

jonnyGURU

Moderator <BR> Power Supplies
Moderator
Oct 30, 1999
11,815
104
106
Hey! They're back up! Very limited inventory. Apparently liquidating. Any hot deals here?
 

KevinH

Diamond Member
Nov 19, 2000
3,110
7
81
Wow I havesne't seen Johnny Guru in ages. Your web page was hilarious reading for me at work :).