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Original poster

Which computer seller has the best customer service then?

10 replies

AlmightyCitrus · 15/02/2011 21:12

After experiencing PC world customer service, I'm never ever ever ever going anywhere near DSG Retail ever ever ever again. (Please don't ask, I may just explode Angry )

So, If I were to buy a new computer where do you recommend? I'd rather pay a few extra pounds and, if I have a problem later, get someone helpful and human on the phone, than some patronising neanderthal with the people and technical skills of a carpet who can only fob me off and tell me to ring the manufacturer (who then tell me to ring the shop). [fuming emoticon]

Don't mind if it is a traditional walk in shop or internet. I just want to be treated nice. Sad

OP posts:
Niceguy2 · 15/02/2011 22:55

You may want to take a look at this

PCPro is a well respected magazine within the SME IT industry so their reviews tend to carry weight.

What I'd actually suggest though is to consider getting yourself an Apple PC. Something like an IMac. They are beautiful machines and for most users who just need Internet, facebook and the odd bit of word processing, its perfect.

There are Apple high street stores, the service tends to be way better than PCWorld (not hard) and the staff actually know the products rather than a monkey with a badge.

You WILL pay more than a PC but you get what you pay for. PCWorld probably make about £20 a PC if they are lucky. The real money for them is on accessories, guarantees & antivirus products etc. In that context, you can understand (rightly or wrongly) why they aren't interested in after sales support.

Original poster
AlmightyCitrus · 16/02/2011 20:19

Thank you! I'll look into some of those.

OP posts:
potplant · 16/02/2011 20:24

Have you got a local independent computer shop? There's one near us who are brilliant.

Big chains are ok but you have to do your own research before you go in rather than listening to the sales pitch.

potplant · 16/02/2011 20:26

Wouldn't bother with after sales support either. I've rarely had a problem that a spot of googling couldn't sort out. And I work from home and use my PC 8 hours a day.

PigeonPie · 16/02/2011 20:28

I'd say go to an Apple store too! Your life will be revolutionised!

MrsJamin · 16/02/2011 20:49

Apple

NancyDrewHadaClue · 16/02/2011 20:52

Dell were excellent when I had a problem with my computer. Lots of advice over phone (admittedly a little frustrating) but when it was clear that the computer needed to actually be examined they came out to my house changed the fan and I wasn't charged.

Given that the laptop was less than £400 I was pretty impressed.

Original poster
AlmightyCitrus · 16/02/2011 21:54

potplant Sadly there is no nice little computer shop anywhere to be found in my area. The only computer shop in my town is run by a real arse of a bloke. He only ever has a couple of second hand pc's in.(And he buys lots of stuff, such as card readers, leads and discs from Poundland and sells them for £4.99. Told us we were stupid for not buying a £35 generic laptop power lead from him even though a new one from the manufacturer was £20).

I can fix most things, but this is a motherboard failure, so I didn't expect the grief I got when I took it back to pcworld (spit) 10 weeks after buying it.

I'm not sure about Apple. Again, no shop remotely near me (I think it's 100+ mile round trip to the nearest), and I've never used a mac. Don't know anyone who has one I can go and have a play with either.

I've looked at Dell and they have a very similar model to the PC I had, and it is cheaper.

As I said, I'd just like to be sure that IF I do have a problem, I get to speak to someone who is willing and able to help me.

(It's not just pcworld I have a problem with, I bought a dryer from currys 6 months ago and it broke, and I've had all sorts of trouble getting it fixed. Repair man eventually turned up, and because my kitchen is small he dragged the dryer into the living room to fix. On my rug. My cream rug. Angry He left all the old bits behind including the old drum, which we've had to take to the tip ourselves. I made DH scrub the carpet too, as I was out when repair guy turned up. Had I been home I'd of insisted he put something down to protect my rug, and took his rubbish with him. Ahhhh, that's got it all out. I feel better now)

OP posts:
Niceguy2 · 16/02/2011 22:14

All I can say is that up until about 3 months ago, I was a total PC guy. I loved the iPhone & ipad but as for a Mac. No. I just couldn't make the leap.

Why would I want to pay MORE for something which does less? I mean I can't install a lot of my work software, I can't play many of the latest games. There just seemed little point.

Then my mate got one who isn't a techie and raved on & on about it. I politely listened and started to see the light.

For nerds like me there are many limitations. But for most people like my GF & kids, its perfect. It's so easy to use, doesn't come with crapware. There's no need to install antispyware/antivirus. Parental controls out of the box. Download apps now from AppStore. Everything just works. The worst thing I have to do now is keep typing in my password to add sites to the childrens allow list.

Unlike my GF's laptop, she never asks me questions. She just logs in and uses it.

100 mile round trip is a fair old trek. But if I remember rightly, if you order online you can return it anyway under the DSR rules.

Like I say, its all about what you can afford and what you need it for.

Snorbs · 16/02/2011 22:24

Niceguy, this one's for you.

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