A typical bargain hunting execution loop:

1. Lock into product.
2. Go to as many price comparison site as possible.
3. Find the vendor offering the cheapest price.
4. Buy from that vendor.

It is done in the way that “price” becomes the only determining factor, whereas the quality of service provided by the supplier/vendor is rarely added into the formulae. However, we usually learnt that although it is the same product, buying it cheaper does not necessarily mean that it is better at the end.

Duncan has a story to tell — his bad experience with Retravision Bunbury, where he bought a Sony LCD High Definition TV from but never got delivered. At the end he has to request a refund, and then bought the same TV somewhere else. He might have to pay a few hundred dollars more, but I bet he is enjoying every minute of it, right now!

The same thing can be said when you look at gadgets and PC parts. People usually head to staticICE first, search for the product they want, and picked the one with the lowest price. Again, getting cheapest price does not mean you will get a satisfying service — it is pointless to save 10 bucks on that latest video card, when it takes over 2 months to delivery.

How then can you know that whether a shop is good or dodgy, because you pull out your credit card and make the purchase? Reviews from existing customers can be very helpful. Whirlpool, one of the top broadband and technology related community, runs Australian PC Shop Guide which includes many computer shops in different states in Australia, and how they were rated by other Whirlpoolians.

I personally buy most my PC parts from EYO Technology (note, OzBargain Blog is not affiliated with EYO in any way). They are cheap, but never the cheapest. However they have been around for ages — yes I have been buying from them since the late ’90s. Moreover I found them providing good services, especially with regarding to returns and warranty claims. Able to have a smooth warranty claim is very important especially when you buy hard drives — half my hard drives died within the warranty period!

Now, talking about dodgy PC shops. I have received emails from a helpful OzBargain member this week reporting one that has been posting deals on OzBargain, and cite a few whinging discussion threads on Whirlpool to backup the claim. Sorry I do not want to name names here. OzBargain is a community where cheap bargains are reported. However, you might still need to do your own research to check the shop’s reputation. And don’t forget to share with other shoppers at OzBargain :)