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Wannabe Dell-like Build-to-Order CompaqOct 12 '00 Write an essay on this topic.Aaargh! Bottom line: Don't order your Compaq from their quite deceiving build-to-order store. After the trouncing Compaq has received at the hands of Dell, you might expect them to change their ways. Their primary problem was that Compaq made computers the old fashion way. Build a huge inventory of cookie cutter identical machines and ship them out to stores. If a new processor comes out and outdates the whole batch, or some other glitch dashes the sales plans, then Compaq was out of luck and sitting on some expensive inventory. From the consumer's point of view, the issue was about choice. A custom Dell machine was worth waiting a few days for delivery. The Compaq at the store was right at the store, but this is a big ticket item. Better get it your way. So now Compaq has a build-to-order store. And it's list price is a bit cheaper than Dell's, even for some pretty attractive models (watch out if you live in CA, you'll pay tax; since Dell is in TX). It was time to replace my machine so I ordered a very nice setup from them on a Sunday. On Monday I got an email about my credit card. I called them up as it instructed (after I came home from work). Well, they wanted to confirm something or other. But I'd have to call back tomorrow since the person was not in. Fine. So Tuesday I called and cleared it up. Then I waited. On Thursday I got home from work to hear a message on my answering machine. It asked me to call a particular person at Compaq. So I called them---she had gone home. I'd have to wait till tomorrow. Friday I called them again. This time they made me call my credit card company. --I've ordered a lot of stuff online in the last 3 years and nobody has put me through this much hassle. But hey! They're just being safe, right? Now they could ship the box. Well, I called back to be informed that the order was just now being released to MANUFACTURING. Well! But if manufacturing is anything like Dell's, that means it'll take a day. Well it didn't. It's a week later now and the "order status" screen still says that my poor machine is "in manufacturing". Heaven knows how long shipping will take. It's been 15 days since I placed my order. 3-4 weeks for delivery is NOT what I had in mind when I went for this route. Compaq needs to build the real thing, not a cheesy me-too just-like-Dell service, cuz it ain't.  |
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