One PC to go, please: buying a mail-order PC can be a breeze if you ask the right questions.

Buying a mail-order PC can be a breeze if you ask the right questions

Are you ready to purchase a computer but don't want to haggle with pushy sales people? So, why not pick up the phone and have the computer you want shipped right to your door? Today there are more mail-order options than ever and more opportunities to save money.

There are two ways to purchase a computer by mail: direct from the manufacturer, or through a mail-order company. Gateway 2000, Dell and, wore recently, Compaq, are among the computer manufacturers that sell directly to consumers. This allows the manufacturer to keep closer tabs on inventory and eliminate the costs associated retail stores.

Mail-order companies like Multiple Zones International, which includes the PC Zone and Mac Zone catalogs, sell hardware and software from various manufacturers. This allows a greater selection and better deals since these companies spend less on distribution and warehouse expenses. "Currently, retail stores like Computer City and, CompUSA arc offering prices comparable to mail order companies," says Kevin Knox, a research analyst for the Gartner Group, a computer research firm in Stamford, Connecticut. "But it's hard to predict just how much you can save since prices are constantly changing." Additional savings are possible, for instance, when a company is trying to get rid of stock that's at the end of its life cycle.

In addition to saving you money, shopping by mail offers flexibility. Buying direct from the manufacturer gives you the option of having a computer built to your exact specifications, a trend that manufacturers have embraced in the past year. On the other hard, while mail-order companies generally don't build computers to spec, there's a better chance of finding what you want. Retail stores may offer 2,000-3,000 different products while mail-order companies could offer Lip to 20,000, says Tim Carroll, vice president of investor relations at Multiple Zones International in Renton, Washington.

There has been no great stampede to the direct-mail computer industry, although it's a growing segment of the computer sales market. Mike Berman, a spokesperson for Houston-based Compaq, says that most customers, especially first-time buyers, prefer retail so they can try out the computer and personally compare the specifications to the competition.

However, Dataquest, a San Jose, California-based information technology market research firm, reports that through the third quarter of 1997, the top three U.S. PC vendors in the direct market arena--Gateway, Dell and Micron--have sold almost a million units through direct sales. Multiple Zone International's Carroll attributes 80% of these sales to "move-up" buyers, computer-savvy consumers who don't need help from sales associates. But does this mean first-time buyers should stick to retail? "Absolutely not," says Carroll. "With the right information, it's very possible for a first-time buyer to shop through a mail-order company."

Whether you're a first-time or seasoned computer buyer, here are some tips to make your purchase a direct hit.

* Get everything in writing. Have the mail-order company fax or send you the complete details of your purchase before you buy it--from the specifications of the computer to the terms and conditions of your purchase. For instance, if your PC includes a modem, make sure it specifies the brand and speed. You could end up with a 2,400 baud antique that's of little use.

* If possible, use a credit card. This will provide some protection in case of returns or damaged goods.

* Determine exactly what you need. Consider which components you can and cannot do without. Knowing your needs will help you select the right computer at the right price. For example, Internet access and word processing require less memory and speed than running multimedia applications.

* Comparison shop. Don't stop at the first price you see. Search other catalogs or retail stores to see what's being offered. With PC prices falling every day, you may find a better deal than what you've been quoted.

* Is the company reputable? "It's very easy to get into the PC business--anyone can buy components and start building computers. The key is to find a company that's going to be there when you need it, " says Berman. If you see a price you like, access the company's Web site or catalog for more information.

* What is the return policy on the computer? Find out if you will be charged a restocking fee to return an unwanted computer and the terms under which you can return it. Ask about the policy for computers damage during shipping. The, company may place all responsibility on the carrier or require the consumer to pay the shipping costs to return it.

* Technical support. "The company should offer free, 24-hour technical support for at least a year," says Berman. If you're a novice, it's best to use a company that has a separate technical support department in addition to sales associates.

* Which type of warranty is included? Ask for at least a 30-day money-back guarantee. Most vendors will honor this request, although some parts or added software may not be covered. You should know in advance which parts are covered and for how long. There are usually different warranties available at different prices, so ask for details about all of them before selecting the one that's right for you.

* Delivery and shipping fees. Mail-order companies are required to tell you how long the delivery will take. Don't forget that shipping costs can easily-increase the price of your computer by $100 or more.