Before buying a PC for your business, you should be clear about what you want it to do. If you're not, read one of the following articles before continuing:
Why do I need one?
What do I need to know?
Once you've determined this, you'll be in a far better position to ensure you get value for money.
Like all purchases, it's worth looking round to find the best deal. There are three main places you should look:
Large retail stores
Advantages: The bigboys buy in bulk and so can offer low prices. This also gives them the ability to offer incentives such as a 'free printer'. Also, they often have sales where you can pick-up considerable discounts.
Disadvantages: They predominantly cater for consumers and so the cheapest packages won't be targeted at businesses.
Our advice: Big retailers offer low-cost packages that are always worth having a look at - especially at sale time. However, check that you actually want the bargain you're buying and that it meets your business' needs.
Small independent stores
Advantages: Smaller stores will build the computer you need, and you're likely to be dealing someone who knows their stuff instead of a pushy salesperson.
Disadvantages: They can't offer the low-cost prices that the larger stores are able to.
Our advice: Consider a small retailer if you want a machine to meet specific needs. If you only want it for basic office jobs and the internet, check the price matches that offered by larger retailers or on the net - because it probably won't.
Buying online:
Advantages: Simpliest way to compare costs and you can buy direct from the manufacturers. Some sites such as Dell allow you to add and remove individual compenents from packages and immediately refresh the price.
Disadvantages: You'll need to telephone or email if you've got any questions.
Our advice: Don't be scared to buy online. It's the easiest way to compare prices, it offers the widest choice and could end up saving you hundreds, or even thousands, of pounds.
Buying tactics
You don't have to know how a hard drive works to negotiate for the one that you want, and shouldn't let yourself be pursuaded by a salesperson who appears to be more knowledgeable than you are. In turn, speak to as many people as you can and listen to their advice - even if you end up not taking it.
Don't be rushed into buying a package that looks a good deal but isn't quite what you want. Computer suppliers are becoming more flexible in the way that they sell their products and you shouldn't be afraid to ask for a mix-and-match of two packages.
Finally, once you've made your decision, be prepared for the extended warranty and technical support sales pitch. It'd be unfair of us to say these policies either are or aren't worth having, but check your own insurance first and then the smallprint - particularly the cost of calls to helplines.
