Local Computer Stores Vs. Big Block Stores

I have worked in Computer Sales and Services for smaller companies since 2005. I have been involved with both large and small companies and have some experience when it comes to the differences between the two. If you are not doing so already, then I would recommend that you give your local store an opportunity to compete for your business.

In my personal experience, I have seen that the small local shop is normally cheaper than a big block store in services like Virus Infected Computer Repair and Network Support Services. Big block stores are able to sell some products at lower prices, but they do a very good job of up selling clients on other higher margined products and services.

The local shop makes up for price differences in other ways. It can sell a comparable product and often includes additional services such as setting up a new computer that the big block stores would charge extra for. The difference being that the local store often provides a better value while not being too far different in price. As a general rule of thumb, I believe you tend to get more personalized service at the local computer store. The local store is more likely to help the local ecnonmy while also giving back to the local community.

I am not trying to belittle the bigger corporations, because they serve an important role. I am just trying to state the qualities of your local computer store warrant a chance to earn your business. Since the local stores do not have the advertising budgets like the big block stores, they seem to go unnoticed by the public some of the time. I just want everyone to give the old mom and pop businesses a chance.

Comments for Local Computer Stores Vs. Big Block Stores

Monday, August 24, 2009 by Lisa :: I agree that small companies like The InterConnect Group are much better than larger companies. I've dealt with both large companies and small and think that the personalized service. I've had hard times dealing with support and service with the big companies, being left on hold, repeatedly asked the same questions over and over as I swim through the quagmire of their customer support system. And with some companies, good luck trying to find someone who speaks english without a harsh accent and understanding what they tell you. With the Interconnect Group, I never have to swim through repeated instructions. I get to talk to someone, usually the same day, sometimes within minutes. Answers are clear and concise and if I am unsure of an instruction, they will walk me through it step by step until I am satisfied. Now, this time when I bought a computer, I bought from The Interconnect Group. I called and explained what I wanted, what I needed, what I was willing to compromise on and what I wasn't willing to give up. After a 10 minute discussion, Brett was able to tell me which computers fit my criteria and which he personally recommended. I bought it and have never been happier. Then while waiting for the new computer, my hard drive and backup hard drive (both on a BIG COMPANY NAMED computer-the piece of crap) BOTH failed. Immediately, I called their customer support and while it was still under warranty, they were sorry, but they wouldn't be able to recover our files. So I called a big chain computer store and asked for thier help. Well, they (the big chain) said they MIGHT be able to save our data. But it was $150 walkup fee just to look it over and then they would have extra charges for backing up the data IF they could save it. So I called the Interconnect Group and Brett said he'd be happy to try and save our data if it was possible and not to give up hope til he said it was hopeless. Their walkup fee was considerably less than Big Name Store. Their customer service was considerably more people friendly than Big Name Store. Their price for recovery (and YES he did recover our data) was considerably less than Big Name Store. The Interconnect Group offers superior work at a price you can afford and they are local so you don't have to drive a long way to get service. I highly recommend them and have already referred friends to them because I have such a high opinion of them. In my opinion, personal service, high quality and reasonable prices outweighs all the crap you have to put up with at Big Name Stores. Try the Interconnect Group, you'll feel like you got your money's worth of service.