Rule #1 - What !

The very first question you should ask yourself is what are you planning to do with your PC. Gaming, Office work, Internet, Viewing VCD, education, accounting, … Or all of them ? The second question comes naturally.. How much money are you planning to invest?Answer the first question, the second one shall come naturally.

Rule #2 - Short List

Before you pick up the phone, use the Yellow Pages of 2000 Mauritius Telecom Phone Directory to locate suppliers that stock the products that you require. At July 1st 2000 there were around 150 Hardware PC resellers, through you can expect some of them to be out of business. Narrow your selection down to five or six advertisers. Base your decision on services, such as warranties, hotline support and money back guarantees as well as quoted prices.

Rule #3- Phone to suppliers

Use our Comparison table form and our order form . Phone to at least 4 suppliers. Ask the sales representative to confirm exact specifications and compatibility with your existing equipment if you are planning to upgrade. Ask for a price that includes VAT, delivery and any other charges. Confirm that the goods are in stock. Bear in mind that a quotation isn’t a legally binding contract, the price you are given will be correct at the time but in the direct market, prices can change monthly!! The first thing you should do is to write quotation information down clearly and keep it safe. This will provide a written record of the specifications, pricing and terms you were offered, such as support and delivery, which help you to compare offer from different suppliers when you place order.

Rule #4 - Know the stuff

Rule of the jungle #1, for a safe buy, know your stuff. Be very clear about what you want to buy. For example, in the case of the hardware, state the make, model name or number and relevent memory specs or monitor size. Be as specific and detailed as you can.If you think that you are lost amidst the overflow of technical terms, you can either buy one computer magazine and browse through them for more information or .....
Phone to our free answerphone 391-2069 and leave your query and phone number so that we can call you. PC Doctors will give you unlimited independent unbiased buying advice and technical (software, hardware etc) help freely.

Rule #5 - The verdict..

If you’ve not dealt with a company before, request at least 3 customer testimonials or ask your peers to give their experience of the company. Previous buyers can give you the most honest picture of a supplier’s performance. Also ask for written copies of warranties and terms and conditions of sale, and study them carefully before you buy. Many customers are satisfied with the products but are let down by an inadequate warranty.

Rule #6 - After Sales

Many dealers offer a one-year maintenance or service contract on hardware. Feel free to ask who will be servicing your equipment. It’s also your right to ask for written details of the terms of agreement. For example, if your equipment should go wrong, can your dealer guarantee a response time? In how many hours or days can he collect and repair your PC? Does he lend you one until yours get fixed? Must you send your PC to its office. Lowest prices can no longer guarantee best aftersales

Rule #7 - Get Fundings

Developmemt bank of Mauritius loans are by far the most popular method of computer related loans. They supply loans of Rs 25000 at 3% for up to 3 years. On a 4 years loan, a Rs 25000 PC might cost you as little as Rs 586 per month. Beware however that the loan can take up to 2 months to be processed and that only one loan per customer is allowed.

Rule #8 - Soft…..Ware

Computers are nothing without software and you also have to pay for your software, even your Operating System should not come free with your PC. It is absolutely illegal to copy software though it is a very common practice in many countries.

Rule #9 - What’s next?

After having bought your PC with all the glitz and tons of software, what comes next? If you are new to Personal Computers (PCs) , then you might look out for our individual PC Courses: PC Doctors provides individual, time-flexible, “at-your-place” one-to-one courses on practically every software available, at very attractive prices. We do also provide free software on selected courses. Contact us for more details.