Small Business Starter Tips - Part 4
Computers, peripherals, and accessories are essential to any small business but the up front costs can be quite a hurdle. With that said, there are ways to reduce the amount of money you spend. It does take a little legwork but I hope that these guidelines will help reduce the amount of time you spend while researching your purchase.
First and foremost, I recommend you purchase directly from the manufacturer. Generic brands may be a little cheaper, but as the whole saying goes, "You get what you pay for!". Most of the prices for desktops and laptops are very competitive anyway. The intangible difference is you have the manufacturer warranty versus being on your own. My top recommendations would be Dell, HP, and Apple.
Once you have a brand and/or model picked out, be patient and wait for the deal to come to you. Dell and HP run promotions almost continuously. Just sign up for our coupon alerts to be notified when there is a new coupon available for Dell or HP (or another brand). I know some of you don't have the luxury of waiting, but if you can, you will be handsomely rewarded.
When you have your coupon and are ready to make your purchase, be sure to customize your purchase. Remove any unnecessary components or peripherals. If you need additional items or upgrades, it's sometimes cheaper to get it elsewhere instead of adding it to your purchase. Here is a list:
- If you already have a mouse and keyboard, remove it. This will save you $12-$15.
- If you need larger monitor see if you get a credit for removing the monitor. It's cheaper to buy it from somewhere like TigerDirect. If you do not get a credit, then it's probably cheaper just to just upgrade from the manufacturer.
- It's definitely cheaper to upgrade your hard drive storage from the manufacturer. Better to get the extra storage now than it is later.
- For RAM upgrades, the cheaper solution is to purchase elsewhere. Newegg has great prices on memory. If you need 4GB of RAM and the system comes with 2GB, get a 4GB stick from Newegg and then sell the 2GB stick on eBay or Craigs List.
- High performance video cards are cheaper at Buy.com because you can use coupons for your purchase. Low end video cards are cheapest with your computer system purchase.
- CD-ROM/DVD drives are almost obsolete. In fact they are not even offered with the base system setup. If you are purchasing multiple computer systems for your office, the best thing to do is get one external drive and share it among all the computers.
- If you need a printer, most of the time it is cheaper to include it with your order. Just double check just to make sure. (if need a printer USB, get it locally. it's cheaper.)
- Basic speakers are cheaper to include with your purchase unless you want some higher end ones.
- Software is almost always cheaper elsewhere. There are a few exceptions, but most of the time it's cheaper somewhere else. Check sites like NothingButSoftware for deep discount pricing on software.
- All other peripherals and accessories are usually cheaper elsewhere.
These tips are just for buying computer systems direct from the manufacturer. Should you decide to go with a generic brand I would recommend checkout out pcRUSH. You'll find computer systems for under $300. Just remember, it doesn't come with the same guarantees as one direct from the manufacturer!
Posted by Sok on August 31, 2009 Tags: Small Business Savings Center
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