Date   : Wed, 23 May 1984 02:00:09 CDT
From   : Stan Hanks <stan@rice.ARPA>
Subject: Re: Bad review for S-100 Corp

I have purchased a fairly large amount of hardware from S100 Corp
over the last year, including some hard-to-find Morrow boards. I have
been completely satisfied with my dealings with them. Additionally, a
good friend of mine who has also done a substantial amount of business
(N thousand dollars, where N is large) with them recently has no
complaints.

There is, however, a secret to this. I have discovered over the years
that this applies to almost *ALL* mail-order activities. Take heed,
shoppers!

Rule 1: if there is an 800 number, and a non-800 number listed, you
       will *ALWAYS* get better service on the non-800 number unless
       you are in the process of making a big buck order.

Rule 2: NEVER EVER send money in advance. You are certain to get faster
       service if you order COD as it is the company's money that is 
       being tied up. They want to deliver ASAP so as to collect in a 
       timely fashion and turn financial dead weight into a profit.

Rule 3: if there is a technical hotline, call them BEFORE you order.
       That way, you will have some idea as to whether or not you are
       purchasing from idiots. You may use this as a valid basis as to
       whether or not the $20 savings in dealing with the company in 
       question is worth the headache of no support.

That's it. I've always done this, and while I occasionally wind up
spending a bit more for the product I want, I'm always satisfied with
the results. (Well, that and making sure that I really want what I'm
ordering, but that's another set of rules.....)

                               Stan Hanks
                               Department of Computer Science
                               Rice University
                               Houston TX
                               
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