BUYING
A COMPUTER
More and more of us are using
computers, but most of us don’t know much about them! In a
recent trade survey, 56% of consumers admitted they "Didn’t
know much about computers".
33% said they would buy a computer
without fully understanding how it works. And a huge 80% felt that
traders could do better in explaining the differences between computers.
WHAT THE LAW SAYS
There are no special laws for
the sale or maintenance of computers. You are covered by the normal
consumer protection laws. These say that whatever you buy must be
of satisfactory quality, and fit for any specified purpose. The
computer must also have been properly described.
Read
more about buyers' rights.
Those who repair or increase
the performance of your computer, usually called up-grading, must
do so with reasonable skill and care. Any parts they use, must meet
the conditions mentioned above.
HOW TO HELP YOURSELF
With so many of us buying personal
computers without knowing much about them, its not surprising that
we sometimes discover that we haven’t bought what we thought
we were buying. But is it our fault?
Traders could do better in
telling us more about the computer we are thinking of buying. They
could also be better at explaining the differences between similar
models.
One of the biggest problems
is that the salesperson will often think we know more about computers
than we actually do! And so, they will use a lot of jargon or technical
words. If this happens, don’t be embarrassed to ask him to
speak in plain English! Make sure you understand exactly what you
are buying. If you don’t, take a friend who knows about computers,
with you for advice and help.
Many computers come with pre-loaded
software. It’s best to ask for copies of the software installation
discs in case a problem occurs and you need to reload it at a later
date.
Another is the speed with which
the manufacturers are producing new and better models. And so, if
you see a big reduction on a particular model, be careful! It could
mean that it has been replaced by a new and more advanced model
and the trader is simply trying to get rid of old stock.
Of course the older model may
do all you want it to - if so it would be sensible for you to take
advantage of the offer. Don’t buy a particular computer just
because it’s the latest model. Buy what meets your present
and likely needs. Again, it would be wise to take a friend who knows
about computers.
Before you buy, ask about the
different telephone helplines being offered, and specifically, how
much they cost! These helplines often use premium rate numbers,
so be careful.
Premium rate services are advertised
using special dialling codes such as 0891, 0839, 0897, 0660, 0331,
0896, 0930 and 0991. A new range of dialling codes, starting with
090 has also been introduced.
IF YOU HAVE A COMPLAINT
90% of buyers need after-sales
support. So, if you have a problem, check first that you have connected
your computer properly and that you know how to work it. If you
are still having trouble, ask the seller’s after-sales service
to help you.
If you still have a problem,
and the trader is a member of a trade association ask them to help
you. Some trade associations have an arbitration service. Arbitration
is where an outsider is asked to look into a dispute and decide
who is right. If you decide to go for arbitration, remember that
your trader has to agree to this as well, and that you will not
get your fee back, if you lose. This means that you will not be
able to go to court later on, if you don’t agree with the
arbitrator’s decision.
If you haven’t been able
to sort out your complaint and haven’t used arbitration, you
may have to think abut court action. If the amount involved is not
more than £1,000, you can take your case yourself, to the
Small Claims Court. Talk to your local Advice Centre or Citizens
Advice Bureau. They can advise you how to apply.
For amounts larger than £1,000
you should talk to a solicitor.
ORGANISATIONS THAT MAY BE ABLE TO HELP YOU
Personal Computer Association
Ltd
PO Box 48
Royston
Hertfordshire SG8 6JS
Tel 01763 262987
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