Advice to consumers - Buying a computer

Information and advice about buying a computer.

Advice and support for consumers in Solihull is now provided by Consumer Direct.
Consumer Direct is a telephone and online consumer advice service, which is supported by local authorities in The West Midlands and by Government.

Consumer Direct works in partnership with Local Authority Trading Standards Advice Services offering first level advice and information on a wide range of consumer issues. More complex problems, or complaints requiring further investigation or assistance are referred to Trading Standards or other advice services

To speak to a Consumer Direct adviser, please call 08454 04 05 06. Opening hours are 8.00 a.m. and 6.30p.m. Monday - Friday or 9.00a.m. to 1p.m. on Saturdays. (Minicom users should call on 08451 28 13 84). To e-mail Consumer Direct, please Contact us via the Consumer Direct website.

A wide range of consumer information and advice is also available online from the Consumer Direct website at http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/

Buying a computer - top ten tips

1. If you purchase by mail order, keep the original advert and all correspondence. If you speak on the phone, make a note of whom you spoke to. Try to obtain a written quotation wherever possible.
2. If you want the computer for any specific purpose, make this known and get written confirmation that the computer will be suitable. If you are purchasing several items to work together as a system make sure they are compatible.
3. Does the price quoted include everything discussed? Often small items such as printer cables are only supplied as extras. If you want anything that deviates from the base specification, get the sales person to write it on the order form. VAT should be included in the price - check that it is.
4. If software bundles are included are they full versions and the most up to date ? Are disks and manuals included?
5. Check how the supplier will deliver. Is there a charge for delivery and is it included? If the delivery date is particularly important to you make time the essence of the contract. This means that you set a specific date after which you will consider the trader to be in breach of contract. Confirm this in writing.
6. Is there telephone technical support? Is it a freephone or premium rate number? Check the support line operating hours. Some may not be available at evenings or weekends.
7. Check whether the warranty is return to base or on site. A return to base warranty means that you are responsible for the cost of returning the product back to the supplier. These costs may be particularly high if you buy from a supplier who is some distance away or even overseas. If you chose to pay extra for on site support, does the supplier offer guaranteed response times.
8. Remember that if you pay by credit card you may have rights against the credit card company if goods do not arrive or are faulty. The same applies if the supplier provides you with credit. See our buying on credit factsheet for further details.
9. When the goods are delivered, check that everything you have ordered has arrived. If a signature is required on delivery, write alongside that you have not yet examined the goods. If any parts are missing or the goods are faulty, notify the supplier immediately and confirm in writing. It is advisable to retain the original packaging in case the product has to be returned.
10. Remember that a computer is a complex product. If the supplier offers an installation service, use it. If not follow the instructions carefully. If you are not certain, contact the supplier or use the technical support service. A large number of apparent faults are in fact down to software failure or user error and are not a problem with the computer at all.

Contact Details

Consumer Advice and Information in Solihull, is now provided by our partners at Consumer Direct West Midlands. Consumer Direct is a telephone and online consumer advice service, which is supported by local authorities (Trading Standards) and Central Government. If you do need support or assistance from Trading Standards, you will of course be referred to them by Consumer Direct.