FRESHERS NEED CLEAR HEADS WHEN BUYING PCs, ADVISES CONSUMER DIRECT
Consumer Direct
As the new academic year gets underway, Consumer Direct, the government’s consumer helpline, is offering advice to university freshers thinking about buying or upgrading their PC or laptop.
Last year, Consumer Direct received over 17,000 complaints from British consumers about PCs, accessories and software, with complaints peaking in September, October and November.
In order to help students avoid some of the common pitfalls, Consumer Direct has put together a list of things to consider when buying a new PC.
Before you buy
Do some research before you go shopping – read some magazine articles, and ask friends and family for recommendations.
You have a number of different ways in which you can buy your PC. Buying from a manufacturer or supplier direct (by telephone, internet or mail order) is a good option if you know about the system you want. It can be cheaper because the sellers' overheads are low. Buying in this way will also entitle you to a seven day cooling off period after the goods are delivered so you get a chance to check them over and cancel if it is not what you want. You should get an order confirmation via email immediately when you buy online.
Another alternative is purchasing from a high street shop or a superstore. You may not be able to take the PC away immediately as many are built to order. However, you can usually test the system before you buy. Independent stores may sell or be able to order a wide range of products. The best advice is always to shop around between lots of sellers to find the best deal for you.
Tips on buying your PC
Think beforehand about what you want your PC to do and decide your budget. Don't buy a more complex PC than you need, but at the same time think about what you might want it to do in the future. This will save you time and money in the long-term.
If buying on credit, shop around because your seller may not offer the best deal. Try to make sure that you check the terms on early settlement in your credit agreement because some schemes can carry heavy penalties for settling a credit agreement early.
If you purchase your system using a credit card or finance agreement, you may have additional protection. Credit providers may share liability for any breach of contract or misrepresentation by suppliers of the goods or services, which have been financed (even partially) by the credit.
When ordering, make sure that you get and keep copies of all receipts, details of the order, confirmations, correspondence and order numbers of your PC purchase.
When buying online, make sure that the company has a UK contact address and telephone number in case you need to get in contact with them. You might want to check for privacy-vetted web sites displaying trading standards logos, such as those of Which? Web Trader, Trusted Shops and TrustUK.
Always read the terms and conditions and small print on any official forms. Make sure you know what your terms and conditions cover and what they do not.
If you want to upgrade - the most important thing you must be sure of is that the components are compatible. Always carry a list of your computer's specifications with you to compare with the products that you wish to buy. You cannot expect all new software to be compatible with your system.
If things go wrong
If you are unhappy with your PC or with the service provided by the seller, try to sort it out directly with the seller (or the head office if the seller is part of a chain).
Further information and advice is available by contacting Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 or visiting the website at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk
