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- Path: fc.hp.com!rjn
- From: rjn@csn.net (Bob Niland)
- Newsgroups: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.cd-rom,comp.dcom.modems,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.comm
- Subject: Re: Don't ever buy from CDW
- Followup-To: comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.cd-rom,comp.dcom.modems,comp.sys.ibm.pc.hardware.comm
- Date: 6 Mar 1996 23:34:55 GMT
- Organization: Colorado SuperNet
- Message-ID: <4hl7ev$fcl@fcnews.fc.hp.com>
- References: <3134F06F.1CA4@cec.wustl.edu> <4h3cds$sta@nntp1.best.com> <misterDnL2tw.8on@netcom.com> <313a8aca.32440407@news.niia.net>
- Reply-To: rjn@csn.net
- NNTP-Posting-Host: waikiki.fc.hp.com
- X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2]
-
- >> CDW sent me a V.fast modem when I specifically ordered the V.34 version.
-
- CDW once sent me a LaserJet 4 PostScript SIMM when I had ordered a
- LaserJet-III Ps cartridge, even though I'd discovered they couldn't ship it,
- and cancelled the order. They took it back at no cost to me. A completely
- different vendor did the same. It happens. In this era of same-day
- delivery, shipment of cancelled orders also happen.
-
- I'm frankly surprised that shipping incorrect products doesn't happen a LOT
- more often than it does. Resellers rarely properly identify the
- manufacturer's SKU, and of course, their own order numbers and/or stocking
- systems may not actually cough up the correct product when the order is
- placed.
-
- It is, unfortunately, incumbent upon the customer to be quite sure of
- precisely what they are ordering. I'm presently attempting to order a
- Hitachi monitor, and CDW is one place that is looking into supplying it.
- What I'm doing to minimize the chance of error is:
-
- 1. Check with the original manufacturer to get their precise original
- product order number (in my case XU-4921D/A-HT01). Try the web site.
- Call their product support line if necessary.
-
- 2. Have the reseller quote it, and get their own order number.
-
- 3. Have them re-enter the reseller order number and quote the exact
- description that their order processing system burps up.
-
- 4. Ask them what info they need on a paper order. Tell 'em thanks, and
- ring off.
-
- 5. Make out a PAPER order, which calls out the manufacturer's SKU.
- List the reseller SKU as well, but include a statement that "if
- there is any discrepancy between the two SKUs - do NOT ship - call
- me first"
-
- 6. Send the order via FAX to ensure that no voice transcription error
- occurs. Call back to confirm order receipt and tracking number.
-
- Hopefully, on-line web ordering (backed by detailed linked data sheets) will
- help eliminate this challenge in the future.
-
- >> Don't ever buy anything from Computer Discounting (sic) Warehouse....
-
- On the contrary, they are usually the first place I call when I can't
- find products locally.
-
- Regards, 1001-A East Harmony Road
- Bob Niland Suite 503
- Internet: rjn@csn.net Fort Collins
- Colorado 80525 USA
-