CompUSA.com's Huge Online Selection, Navigation, Support Data Are Main Appeal
Written: Mar 23 '03 (Updated Mar 23 '03)
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I can easily remember when my wife and I were looking for a decent digital camera. We were looking all over the place until we decided to get smart about our search process. We decided to first try the online stores of the main technology stores in our city. Obviously, CompUSA.com was our first destination. What helped us select it was the fact we had bought various other products from the brick and mortar store. We were very comfortable with their customer service and system.
In the comfort of our home office, we decided to place CompUSA.com in the URL to see its selection. After a few minutes of reading and checking the digital cameras, we made up our mind. Our selection was going to be the Kodak DX3700. It was time to compare it to some other cameras to figure out its features, price and software. For the price we wanted to pay, the camera felt right. If anything, CompUSA.com makes it easy and possible to do comparison shopping. By purchasing the camera, we also received a free class to learn about digital imaging. Now that I looked back at it, the class was helpful to my wife. When I compared information with her after the class, I realized that what the tutor/teacher provided was basic, general, preliminary data on the use of digital cameras. I will admit that after that she felt more comfortable with the camera.
We must have spent more than an hour on the site reading up on other products we needed for the kids and the household. All we needed to do was to create our account to complete our purchase. The site's very helpful in its way it organizes, aggregates the information you provide. For example, once you sign up to purchase your products, your information will always be available there for future use. This means that you won't have to fill out the forms again and again. The way it does this is by placing an innocent cookie on your computer to help it remember you the next time you come back to shop. What you need to do is to set up your computer such that you can receive these cookies.
What do I like about CompUSA.com?
Right off the bat, the site lets you know that it's verified. In fact, it has the signs of "Verified by Visa," BBBOnline, reliability program," Verisign Secure site." Known as the site where America buys technology, CompUSA.com is easy to navigate. Starting with the categories or the search box, you can locate practically any products and services. They range from gift cards, gaming, networking, computers, electronics, monitors, notebooks, books, accessories, PDAs, Printers to upgrades and wireless phones etc. You can click your way to all the sub-categories until you narrow down your choice.
You can also find tips on the web commerce site: Here is an example of their tips:
"Search Tips
Know exactly what you're looking for? The 'Search" option helps you locate it quickly and easily. For instance, if you want a Kodak DC290 3X Optical Zoom Digital Camera, your best bet is to search for "DC290" only. Keep in mind, simpler is better. If you search for "Kodak camera", our search will pull up everything with the word "camera" AND "Kodak" in the product description. Using this search, all Kodak Cameras will show up, so try to make your keyword as direct and unique to the product as possible to eliminate needless browsing.
Great Tip:
A lot of computer products and accessories are named with MODEL NUMBERS (as in the Kodak DC290 example above). Using the model number DC290 is the fastest way to find the exact model you're looking for. This method is great for finding notebooks and PCs.
Searching by Category:
If you are looking for a specific product or groups of products in a category, your best bet is to click on one of the category titles on the left side of the home page. You can also try clicking on the "All Categories" button found on the top of all pages. This button takes you to a selection list of categories in the product group. After clicking through, the category selection will lead you to a list of products within that category. For example, to find a laser printer, click on "Printers," then on the subcategory "Laser." You are now presented with a list of all the laser printers available to choose from.
Searching by Manufacturer:
Visit our vendor showcase in the shops section of our site. There you can click on any vendor name and see a list of available products.
Searching by Ad Circular:
If you've seen a product in one of our ad circulars and want to find out more about it, you can go straight to the product page by searching for the SKU number. (The SKU number is the six-digit number listed near the product name in our circular.)
Additional Tips:
Looking for an ink cartridge? Most ink cartridges have part numbers very large on their boxes. You will find that this is the common number between all retailers, making it easier to get the right cartridge every time.
Still can't find what you want? Please e-mail sales_inquiry@compusa.com or contact us by phone at 1-800-653-3831."
In addition, the customer service department makes it easy to ask questions. They list their e-mail address and the above 800 number. Unlike other sites which bury it somewhere among the various pages, CompUSA highlights it for you. They care about your satisfaction at all levels of your search. For example, the first time I used CompUSA.com, I wanted to compare two products. Soon, I saw the tip about comparing products. "Compare the products by filling in 2 check boxes." It has a great usability.
I also like the fact that you can track your order status online. By entering your order number and pressing on "Send" you will find a response to your inquiry. In addition, if you choose to receive offers via e-mail from CompUSA.com, you can sign up for this free service.
Final thoughts
If you are looking forward to shopping online, I would highly recommend CompUSA.com. You won't waste your time looking for products that are not available. If you are interested in buying used products, you can find them under "refurbished products." Bear in mind that you will buy as is. In other words, you won't be able to return them. Talking about returns, the site has a clear policy on that. It provides you all the information you need to complete your purchase.
Check compUSA.com for your purchase of tech gadgets now.
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Interested in purchasing a digital camera? Read about the Sony Mavica
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About the Author
Location: CA, USA
Reviews written: 1079
Trusted by: 624 members
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