Computers
When buying a computer, it's important to decide what type of computer you need, whether you want extras like a printer, what support services will be provided if you get stuck, and what repair services will be included if things go wrong.
See also Know your rights - Computers for information about your rights after you have bought a computer.
Do some research before you go shopping. The following are good starting points:
- Look in PC magazines and on the internet for articles comparing the different models and prices
- Going on a course may improve your understanding of computers and help you get a better deal when you buy a PC. There are lots of different courses you could try, whether you are a beginner or a more advanced user. UK online centres can help you get started on the internet. A database of all UK online centres is available online and there is a helpline on 0800 77 1234.
- Ask friends and family about their experiences with PCs.
You have a number of different ways in which you can buy your PC. Each has different advantages and disadvantages as we have set out below:
Buying from a manufacturer or supplier direct
Buying from a manufacturer or supplier direct is a good option if you know about the system you want. Buying over the telephone, internet or mail order can make it cheaper because the sellers' overheads are low. Purchasing 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.
High street shops and superstores
These could range from a large retail chain to a small local independent shop. 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.
Shop around between lots of sellers to find the best deal for you.
Having done your research and decided on where or how you want to get your PC, here are some tips on buying it:
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.
Don't be afraid to talk to sellers. Explain what you want your computer to do and ask for their advice.
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. See Bought on credit? for more information.
Sellers will sometimes sell computers in bundles that may include a PC, printer and scanner, perhaps a digital camera or computer games. Ask the seller to take any items out of the bundle that you don't want or need.
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 logos, such as those of WebTraderUK, Trusted Shops and TrustUK.
Terms and conditions - 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.
Unfair contract terms - you are not bound by standard terms that unfairly favour the trader. Terms and conditions that appear to exclude or limit your liability for faulty or poorly-described goods or for consequential loss are not fair. Not only are unfair terms misleading, they are also unenforceable in the courts. See Unfair terms in contracts for more information.
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.
Printers are an important piece of equipment to go with your PC. However, buying a printer may not be as straightforward as it seems:
Although most printers are compatible with a wide range of PCs, always check with the seller that the goods will work with your particular PC set up.
Before you buy, think about what you need the printer for - do you want to print in black and white only, or colour photographs? Will you be doing a lot of printing?
Don't assume that a cheap printer is always a good bargain. It may use more ink and therefore be more expensive to run. The best printer for you will depend on more than the initial price.
Ask the seller how much the ink cartridges cost before you buy your printer. They can be expensive - ink can cost more than twice the price of the printer over its lifetime.
Ask the seller how many pages an ink cartridge will print and how much it will therefore cost to print per page, for both colour and black and white.
Ask how many pages it will print per minute to check it is not too slow.
All these questions apply even if you buy the printer in a bundled package along with other products or software.
Computers are not always problem-free. You should think about support options when, or even before, you buy a PC. Find out exactly what support is provided, how long it lasts and how much it costs. If you have limited computer knowledge, a telephone based repair service might not be best for you.
See Know your rights - Computers for more information on support services.
If you enter into a contract just for support services and no goods, the contract will need to be compliant with the Distance Selling Regulations if you enter into the contract via the telephone, email, internet or fax. You must be made aware, in writing, that these contracts will not be cancellable once they have commenced on an agreed date.
See Know your rights - Computers for more information on service contracts.
