Free Help with Computers, Hardware and Software

No doubt many a consignment store has succeeded because the owner made wise decisions regarding computerization. Here's a 'Smart Plan' for trimming computer-related expenses:

The Smart Plan

Computers

These days you can lease a brand-new powerful Dell Vostro 230 minitower (Windows & Professional, 2 gigs RAM) for $15/month, and, if there's a problem with the computer, Dell will have a technician at your store the next business day to get you going again at no extra charge. (The cash price is about $500.) Unbeatable.

Hardware

We recommend POS-X hardware because the equipment is reasonably priced and the warranty periods are lengthy (3-5 years). Defective merchandise can be exchanged for free within 30 days. After 30 days, equipment can be replaced in 2 days free of charge (or 1 day with a reasonable fee). POS-X is one of the few OEMs which provides direct free support. See http://www.pos-x.com/request.aspx or call 360-738-8433.

Software

BCSS is lowest in cost and there are no annual service fees. Updates are free. Support is free via email and documentation. (There are fees for additional work outside maintaining the software, like reissuance of unlock codes, transferring the software to a new computer or new owner, data repair - generally $29/service.)

With the Smart Plan the total initial outlay can be as low as $15 for the Dell and $879 for the Deluxe Special which includes the BCSS Deluxe software, cash drawer, receipt printer, bar-code scanner, cables, manuals and shipping. Total startup: $894. Total first year: $1059.

The Not-So-Smart Plan

Computers

Purchase a Dell from a 3rd party like 'The Computer Peeps' and over pay ($780), then call the 'Peeps' for computer needs at $100/hour (10-5 M-F) and even higher rates at all other times.

Hardware

Buy over-priced hardware from a software provider and pay extra for cables and shipping. Example: Resaleworld's (Liberty's) price for the TSC TDP-247: $469. Shipping: $20.32. Total: $489.32. Delivery: 3-6 Days. Same printer from BCSS: $349. Shipping: Free. Delivery: 2 Days.

Some software vendors limit support for hardware to a very short period of time (like 30 days) then charge huge 'per incident' fees. Here's Liberty's $100 fee for non-SPF users:

<-- "Select this if you need help installing or setting up a printer not purchased from Resaleworld or if you purchased this printer more than 30 days ago from us and need help installing or reconfiguring your computer." The 'Liberty Support Plan' is $203.40/year for 1 PC in use, $611.40/year for 5 PCs in use! Support-Plan fees are increased regularly, most recently in October, 2010 by some 21%. If you didn't pay $200+ for the Support Plan, you'll pay an additional $25 for each service rendered.

Software

Buy over-priced software with unneeded features. Examples: 'CCE' (Boulder, CO), Liberty, 'Consignpro' all just under $1,000 PLUS annual service fees.

Pay exorbitant 'annual service fees' (ranging up to $600/year for 5 computers in use). These are resaleworld's monthly service fees:

(Liberty's 'Support Plan')

A variety of exceptions and conditions tax your shop's profits: If service fees are not paid, support in all forms is denied - a form of arm twisting. If service fees are not paid, updates are denied - Those 'bugs' won't get fixed. 'How-to questions' and training are not covered in support plans. That's extra. Computer, Windows and networking needs are referred to another over-priced 3rd party: 'The Computer Peeps' @ $100+/hour. If support plans aren't purchased, high 'per incident' fees apply. Phone-call charges as high as $100/hour.

With the Not-So Smart Plan it's possible to pay $780 for the computer, $1,100+ for software and first-year fee, and several hundred dollars for equipment. Resaleworld's 'Professional Package', for example, is $4,023 (Dell Optiplex, bar-code reader, thermal printer, receipt printer and cash drawer).

Heads Up! It will NEVER by necessary to pay anyone $100 per hour or '$75 per incident' much less $80 per month for help with computer needs. Contact Computer Mechanics, 800-448-1436 (MI), email, or Joy Archer, enJoy Consigning Services, 972-898-7921 (NY), Email. By all means avoid 'The Computer Peeps' ($100+/hour) and Liberty software ($100/hour)!

Email Support (Add the domain name mm.st to your email program's Approved Senders List or White List to lessen the chance that spam filters will block our emails to you. (Instructions) For phone and remote PC help, contact: Joy Archer, enJoy Consigning Services, 972-898-7921 (NY), Email, or Computer Mechanics, 800-448-1436 (MI), email.