Price Matching BS at BestBuy

"Mayayana"
news alt.windows7.general, wrote:

"Diesel" wrote

| ..... The other nice thing about TigerDirect was
| that they used to (and probably still do) provide
| a lot of information. I can check out motherboard
| options, know what CPUs are compatible, check
| whether a board has a specific connector that
| I want, etc. My impression of NewEgg, to the
| extent that I could use their site at all, was
| that they were more like Amazon: Not really a
| store so much as a middleman.
|
| Tigerdirect along with techdata, newegg, etc, are all middlemen.
| They don't manufacture the components they sell you.
|
Obviously. Nor does Apple, for that matter. Or
HP. Or Dell.

But that's not what I meant. I'm making a distinction
between a merchant who chooses their stock and
resells it to the customer vs the new breed of online
middleman.
It used to be that if I ordered 10 parts from TigerDirect
I got a box from TG with 10 items in it. Now if I
order 10 parts I'll get maybe 8 packages, all coming
from different places on different days. It's no longer
a store. They're just middlemen who sell merchants
access to you.
I don't really know about NewEgg. As I said before,
when I've tried their site it doesn't work without
script. If I go to an actual product page there's no
price! So I've ignored them. Presumably they want
to know who I am before telling me the price.

I was checking out some processor options the other day and price
wasn't hidden from me. Of course, I do allow the site to run
javascript, so that could have something to do with it. Whenever I've
ordered from newegg, I've always gotten boxes from newegg containing
what I ordered.


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"Diesel" wrote

| I was checking out some processor options the other day and price
| wasn't hidden from me. Of course, I do allow the site to run
| javascript, so that could have something to do with it.
|

That's what I assume. The only reason for that
would be that they only post a price after javascript
has done something. The only explanation I know
of for *that* is that they're profiling people and
posting different prices accordingly.

If you're happy with NewEgg that's fine. I prefer
not to deal with them.

There's no excuse for needing script just to look
at webpages. They're selling motherboard XYZ.
The page should have a picture, specs and a price.
I should be able to find that page easily through
their website categories and not have to find it
through a search engine. Not rocket science, as
the saying goes. But NewEgg can't handle that
kind of functionality.

Then there's the middleman design of the business,
and as far as I know NewEgg also doesn't have a
phone number. I don't want to support that kind
of business model.

Example:
Last week I needed some furnace parts. I went
to midwesthvacparts.com, a company I've dealt with
before. They have a phone. If they don't answer
they will respond via email. Real people on the
other end handle the order. They are the seller.
And their website is highly functional. I can easily
find the part I need and don't need to enable script,
cookies, or any other superfluous functionality.
I don't think that's too much to expect.

It's possible the same company gets more business
through Amazon. For the sake of illustration, let's say
they do. In that case I could order through Amazon
and maybe actually pay less because Amazon drives
a hard bargain. I can take money away from Midwest
and give it to Jeff Bezos, saving a little myself. In the
process I help Amazon spread their business model of
abusing workers and monopoly tactics, helping to put
small companies out of business. And if I have problems?
I certainly won't be able to call Steve or Al or Mildred
at Amazon and have them look into it for me. I'm
pretty sure Jeff Bezos doesn't answer phones. And
what about after Amazon puts companies like Midwest
out of business? Amazon is still losing money on everything
except their business web hosting. They're selling at a
loss to grab market share. Once they put others out of
business, those prices are not going to stay low. It's
a parasite corporation. Is NewEgg different? Maybe, but
I don't see any evidence of it. Their webpages look almost
exactly like Amazon's, including the links to become a
"NewEgg vendor".

I'd much rather pay a little more to the small company
that takes personal responsibility in their business
dealings.

Unfortunately, I don't know of a company for
buying computer parts anymore. Since TigerDirect
sold out, I mostly go to Microcenter locally. But
they're mostly a discount store with dented boxes
and clerks who usually know far less than they seem
to. And I've had trouble with them in the past
over returns. They're also very aggressive about
trying to get people to give them personal
information. So they're not my first choice. But
for something like a motherboard they're actually
the only store left in the entire Boston metro area.
That's what Amazon has done to retail. One
computer parts store. One office store. One dep't
store. One store for buying TVs. Very few bookstores...

Mayayana wrote on 1/9/2018 7:51 AM:
"Diesel" wrote

Then there's the middleman design of the business,
and as far as I know NewEgg also doesn't have a
phone number. I don't want to support that kind
of business model.

I've talked to them many times on the phone and they, in general, have
been helpful. Try logging in and look for contact. If you object to
creating an account, they might object to talking to you. NEWEGG has a
big problem: they provide the best product specs and reviews, search
capability, and drill down of any of the major suppliers as far as I
know. People use those facilities then go buy the product somewhere else
to save a half percent. Perhaps they want a little buy in from a
customer before paying some one to talk with them on the phone. NEWEGG
and many other online businesses have learned that customers are
critical to their business but not the infant terribles (a French
expression that I don't know how to spell) that complain so much, want
to feel privileged to do so, and but go else where.
--
Jeff Barnett

"Jeff Barnett" wrote

| NEWEGG has a
| big problem: they provide the best product specs and reviews, search
| capability, and drill down of any of the major suppliers as far as I
| know. People use those facilities then go buy the product somewhere else
| to save a half percent.

You're saying their website is bad because
they don't want people using them only for
reference?!

| Perhaps they want a little buy in from a
| customer before paying some one to talk with them on the phone.

I did find a phone number. If they have a number
they shouldn't mind taking orders over the phone.
I haven't tried that. Given their website functionality
I'm not interested. But it's good to know they have
happy customers.

"Mayayana" news32kub$1t7e$1
@gioia.aioe.org Tue, 09 Jan 2018 14:51:52 GMT in
alt.windows7.general, wrote:


Then there's the middleman design of the business,
and as far as I know NewEgg also doesn't have a
phone number. I don't want to support that kind
of business model.

Hmm...


Contact Customer Support

(800) 390-1119

Monday - Friday: 5:30 AM - 5:30 PM PT

Saturday & Sunday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM PT

from help.newegg.com

I have another number that reduces hold time, though. It came on one
of my old shipping papers.

Unfortunately, I don't know of a company for
buying computer parts anymore. Since TigerDirect
sold out, I mostly go to Microcenter locally. But
they're mostly a discount store with dented boxes
and clerks who usually know far less than they seem
to. And I've had trouble with them in the past
over returns. They're also very aggressive about
trying to get people to give them personal
information. So they're not my first choice. But
for something like a motherboard they're actually
the only store left in the entire Boston metro area.
That's what Amazon has done to retail. One
computer parts store. One office store. One dep't
store. One store for buying TVs. Very few bookstores...

I see it here too. Many stores, gone. The customer will pay in the
end, they just don't realize it right now.


--
To prevent yourself from being a victim of cyber
stalking, it's highly recommended you visit he
https://tekrider.net/pages/david-brooks-stalker.php
================================================== =
I'm setting my phaser on 'tickle.'

"Mayayana" on Tue, 9 Jan 2018 09:51:52 -0500
typed in alt.windows7.general the following:

Unfortunately, I don't know of a company for
buying computer parts anymore. Since TigerDirect
sold out, I mostly go to Microcenter locally. But
they're mostly a discount store with dented boxes
and clerks who usually know far less than they seem
to. And I've had trouble with them in the past
over returns. They're also very aggressive about
trying to get people to give them personal
information.

I use "Zaphod Beetlebrox"
And the Mrs and I have been using the her old telephone number for
all the loyalty programs. I might be interesting to call that number
and see if anyone answers.

So they're not my first choice. But
for something like a motherboard they're actually
the only store left in the entire Boston metro area.
That's what Amazon has done to retail. One
computer parts store. One office store. One dep't
store. One store for buying TVs. Very few bookstores...
--
pyotr filipivich
Next month's Panel: Graft - Boon or blessing?

"pyotr filipivich" wrote

| They're also very aggressive about
| trying to get people to give them personal
| information.
|
| I use "Zaphod Beetlebrox"

That doesn't help me. If I try to use it now
they'll know I'm not the real Zaphod because
you're already in their database.

"I know you're not the real Zaphod because
he's in our database and I can see from Geo-
location apps that he's 1,000 miles away
right now. As usual, he's visiting one Pyotr
Filipivich for the day. So you, sir, are lying
and therefore you get no discount."

Mayayana wrote on 1/9/2018 10:54 AM:
"Jeff Barnett" wrote

| NEWEGG has a
| big problem: they provide the best product specs and reviews, search
| capability, and drill down of any of the major suppliers as far as I
| know. People use those facilities then go buy the product somewhere else
| to save a half percent.

You're saying their website is bad because
they don't want people using them only for
reference?!

Do you know the difference between a retailer and a reference library? I
do think the want to turn services into future profits.

| Perhaps they want a little buy in from a
| customer before paying some one to talk with them on the phone.

I did find a phone number. If they have a number
they shouldn't mind taking orders over the phone.
I haven't tried that. Given their website functionality
I'm not interested. But it's good to know they have
happy customers.

I think your original complaint was that they had no phone number; I'm
glad to hear that has been cleared up. Now that you can call them, you
might ask why no phone orders and see why you don't agree with the
answer. I'm betting you wont agree no matter what you learn.
--
Jeff Barnett

"Mayayana" on Wed, 10 Jan 2018 13:22:50
-0500 typed in alt.windows7.general the following:
"pyotr filipivich" wrote

| They're also very aggressive about
| trying to get people to give them personal
| information.
|
| I use "Zaphod Beetlebrox"

That doesn't help me. If I try to use it now
they'll know I'm not the real Zaphod because
you're already in their database.

"I know you're not the real Zaphod because
he's in our database and I can see from Geo-
location apps that he's 1,000 miles away
right now. As usual, he's visiting one Pyotr
Filipivich for the day. So you, sir, are lying
and therefore you get no discount."

Bummer.

I remember a writer saying he used "Millhouse" as his mother's
maiden name, on the hopes that the bank would mistake him for
President Nixon and give him the President's money.

I was reminded that those security answers do not have to be
correct - just one's you can remember.

1st Pet's name umm - "Doggie"?


--
pyotr filipivich
Next month's Panel: Graft - Boon or blessing?

"Jeff Barnett" wrote

| You're saying their website is bad because
| they don't want people using them only for
| reference?!
|
| Do you know the difference between a retailer and a reference library? I
| do think the want to turn services into future profits.
|

You're saying their site is deliberately broken for
anyone who doesn't create an account and/or buy
something. Maybe. It sounds crazy to me, but I
guess they don't mind losing the business.

| | Perhaps they want a little buy in from a
| | customer before paying some one to talk with them on the phone.
|
| I did find a phone number. If they have a number
| they shouldn't mind taking orders over the phone.
| I haven't tried that. Given their website functionality
| I'm not interested. But it's good to know they have
| happy customers.
|
| I think your original complaint was that they had no phone number; I'm
| glad to hear that has been cleared up.

No. My original complaint was that their webpages work
poorly and don't show prices without javascript
enabled. Or maybe they don't show prices unless
I create an account, as you implied?

The lack of personal contact with many online
sites is another issue, but one I consider when
I'm looking to buy something.

The only reason I can think of for showing no
price is because they want to collect data on me before
they tell me what an item will cost. Maybe they want
to call to their advertisers, exchange IDs, and make
some side profits on targetted ads and datamining.
Probably they have different prices for different people.
That would explain the problem of no prices posted. If they
charge everyone the same then that price should be part
of the page. (Dynamic updates don't require client-side
script.)

On the other hand, if it's as you say and I'll never
be able to check prices without opening an account
that implies NewEgg is essentially a combination
shopping club and datamining operation, and that I
have to give them my personal information before I
can really even enter the store.

| Now that you can call them, you
| might ask why no phone orders and see why you don't agree with the
| answer. I'm betting you wont agree no matter what you learn.

You think I'm just a complainer?
I thought I laid it out pretty clearly. I prefer to
deal with companies where I can call in an order
and I don't want to have to enable javascript
just to look at their site. I want honest pricing.
I don't want to cooperate with a site that can
change prices depending on the visitor.

I'll go elsewhwere. That seems to bother you
more than it does me. But I will keep in mind
that NewEgg has at least some customers who
are strident fans -- in case they ever fix their
website. That's a good sign.

Mayayana wrote on 1/10/2018 12:23 PM:
"Jeff Barnett" wrote

No. My original complaint was that their webpages work
poorly and don't show prices without javascript
enabled. Or maybe they don't show prices unless
I create an account, as you implied?

I'm using the Firefox browser and the Java/JavaScript plugin hasn't been
supported for a while so I think you have a different problem. I bought
something there a few day ago and saw the price before. Like many
retailers selling price protected items, prices are hidden until you
click on something or add to cart. That is a pain in the ass but every
web site selling that item at a discount will do the same. (If
different, you're probably be offered a knockoff.)
--
Jeff Barnett

On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 11:23:46 -0800, pyotr filipivich
wrote:

[snip]

I was reminded that those security answers do not have to be
correct - just one's you can remember.

Well, when you get around to answering them, they sure have to
be!

1st Pet's name umm - "Doggie"?

HA!

For me, "Fleabag" (a cat). My dad named her. I never asked why.
(Though I might have used "Kittycat" first. We had some rabbits that
dogs were trying to get at so mom and dad butchered them. My question
-- I was a preschooler at the time -- "Are we going to put Kittycat
and Doggy in the deepfreeze, too?")

Or "Stripe". There was a comic with a spotted dog named Stripe.

Sincerely,

Gene Wirchenko

On Thu, 11 Jan 2018 09:15:05 -0800, Gene Wirchenko
wrote:

On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 11:23:46 -0800, pyotr filipivich
wrote:

[snip]

I was reminded that those security answers do not have to be
correct - just one's you can remember.

Well, when you get around to answering them, they sure have to
be!

What they're saying is that when you're challenged with one of your
security questions, the answer you give has to match the answer you gave
when you set it up. That's all.

When you create security questions, it's considered a good practice to
provide the 'wrong' answer, but the key is to be able to provide that
same 'wrong' answer later, when challenged.


--

Char Jackson

"Mayayana"
news alt.windows7.general, wrote:

"Jeff Barnett" wrote

| You're saying their website is bad because
| they don't want people using them only for
| reference?!
|
| Do you know the difference between a retailer and a reference
| library? I do think the want to turn services into future
| profits.
|

You're saying their site is deliberately broken for
anyone who doesn't create an account and/or buy
something. Maybe. It sounds crazy to me, but I
guess they don't mind losing the business.

I'm sorry, but I don't find requiring the use of javascript to be the
result of a broken website. You may not agree with the design, but,
that doesn't mean it's broken.

Those of us who can tolerate the site layout and requirements to use
it more than makeup whatever losses you feel they are incurring by
not catering to individuals such as yourself. This isn't the days of
simple html that had no scripting based languages also present. Those
days are for the most part, long gone.

| I think your original complaint was that they had no phone
| number; I'm glad to hear that has been cleared up.

No. My original complaint was that their webpages work
poorly and don't show prices without javascript
enabled. Or maybe they don't show prices unless
I create an account, as you implied?

They infact do show prices without you having to be signed in. I've
been a pleased newegg'r for a number of years now. And the site loads
and works fine for me on a variety of browsers and OS configurations.
Of course, I trust the site to a point and allow it to run scripts
within the browser.

The lack of personal contact with many online
sites is another issue, but one I consider when
I'm looking to buy something.

I'm not sure what you mean by this statement...

The only reason I can think of for showing no
price is because they want to collect data on me before
they tell me what an item will cost.

What data do you think they are going to collect on you specifically
when you don't need to be signed in to view pricing information?



That would explain the problem of no prices posted. If they
charge everyone the same then that price should be part
of the page. (Dynamic updates don't require client-side
script.)

Prices are posted, you just have to allow the site to work as
intended in your browser. Which means, allowing scripting.

On the other hand, if it's as you say and I'll never
be able to check prices without opening an account
that implies NewEgg is essentially a combination
shopping club and datamining operation, and that I
have to give them my personal information before I
can really even enter the store.

I don't know why you think you need to be signed in to view pricing.
You're making far too many assumptions with nothing to support them.

| Now that you can call them, you
| might ask why no phone orders and see why you don't agree with
| the answer. I'm betting you wont agree no matter what you learn.

You think I'm just a complainer?

You tend to do that the majority of the time. No offense intended.

I thought I laid it out pretty clearly. I prefer to
deal with companies where I can call in an order
and I don't want to have to enable javascript
just to look at their site. I want honest pricing.
I don't want to cooperate with a site that can
change prices depending on the visitor.

I've called in orders over the phone before, but, you do need to have
the newegg part/item number to do so. They don't have time to discuss
or compare products for you over the phone though. That's what the
website is for.

Some companies/purchasers may infact get different pricing, if you do
enough business to justify it. I know techdata would give you one
price and me another, due to difference in volume and amount of
material purchased. I know of several local electrical suppply houses
in this area that do the same thing. They don't charge me full retail
due to the business relationship I have with them, where as if you
walked into one that sold to the public, you'd pay a higher price
than myself for the same material and/or tool.

This is the way in which many companies work if in specific markets.
I'm surprised you have a problem with that.

I'll go elsewhwere. That seems to bother you
more than it does me. But I will keep in mind
that NewEgg has at least some customers who
are strident fans -- in case they ever fix their
website. That's a good sign.

There website is fine. Newegg has thousands of customers; they've
been around a long time. They keep those customers with the awesome
price of components, etc, and excellent customer support after the
sale. It would be different if you knew anything about the company,
but, until recently; you didn't even know they had a phone number you
could call and talk to a person. So, your opinions of newegg and it's
site really aren't useful to anyone. Especially those of us who have
done business with them before and will happily continue doing so.


--
To prevent yourself from being a victim of cyber
stalking, it's highly recommended you visit he
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================================================== =
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On Thu, 11 Jan 2018 13:20:06 -0600, Char Jackson
wrote:

On Thu, 11 Jan 2018 09:15:05 -0800, Gene Wirchenko
wrote:

On Wed, 10 Jan 2018 11:23:46 -0800, pyotr filipivich
wrote:

[snip]

I was reminded that those security answers do not have to be
correct - just one's you can remember.

Well, when you get around to answering them, they sure have to
be!

What they're saying is that when you're challenged with one of your
security questions, the answer you give has to match the answer you gave
when you set it up. That's all.

I know that. Many security questions provided ask about a
favourite. Since that can easily change over time, they are bad
questions.

When you create security questions, it's considered a good practice to
provide the 'wrong' answer, but the key is to be able to provide that
same 'wrong' answer later, when challenged.

I have seen some sites where it is required that the answers be
different. This means one still has to keep track of the answers.

Sincerely,

Gene Wirchenko