The Computer Buzz

July 17th, 2008

Nome and Paul Van Middlesworth - owners - The Computer Factory
 

One Tough Customer

He was waiting in front of our store when we pulled up at ten minutes till nine. Tall and rawboned, he had the look of an outdoorsman. I would have pegged him as a rancher or farmer. He waited in silence as we opened the doors and shut down the alarm system. The coffee was ready.

"My name is Dick," he said "and I see by your ad that you give straight answers to computer questions. Is that true?"

"We sure try," I said. "Would you like a cup of coffee?" He eyed me suspiciously.

"No thanks" he said, "I'll need to keep my wits about me this morning."

"How can I help you?" I asked. He looked me square in the eye and spoke slowly and deliberately, "I need a new computer, why should I buy it from you." I explained to Dick that we build systems using high quality components that can provide years of trouble free service. He leaned closer over the counter.

"Not good enough," he smirked "Dell, Gateway and Compaq all say the same thing."

I could see that Dick had done his homework. "Fair enough," I said "but we use industry standard components. If you need to replace a component after your warranty is up, industry standard parts are a lot less expensive than actory replacement parts; better quality too."

"If your computers are so dang reliable I shouldn't have to worry about replacing anything, right?"

"Maybe not," I countered, "but what if you want to enhance your PC with new video, sound or maybe even a new motherboard?" Dick looked disgusted.
"What kind of a flibbertigibbet would want to change his computer anyway. Certainly not me."

"Maybe not right away," I said, "but how about three years from now when you need to upgrade." Bob snorted, "My doctor says I've only got 18 months to live, I'll never need any dang upgrade."

I played our trump card. "What about service, Dick? We are right here in the neighborhood. When you have a problem you can actually talk to us. If your computer needs service you can drop it off in the morning and pick it up later the same day. Can your national brand do that, Dick?"

Dick threw his arms in the air and headed for the door, "Ha," he thundered triumphantly, "that don't do nothing for me neither. I live in Phoenix. I might as well get one of those $399 Dells at Wal-Mart. They got $300 rebate so I sure won't be wasting my money on something I won't get much chance to use."

"Oh yeah?" I yelled after him as he walked out the door. "Do you really think you'll live long enough to see that rebate, Dick?"