Need Computer Components? -- Newegg.com is a Great Resource!
Written: Aug 22 '07 (Updated Aug 26 '07)
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Shopping for my brother is a challenge. However, he loves his computers and is always adding this or that to them. I can’t go wrong shopping at Newegg.com, especially if my brother provides me with a wish list!
http://www.newegg.com
Navigating the Site
This website is extremely easy to navigate. They have recently redone their Home Page to make product searching and selection even easier.
The Top
Along the top of the web page is a Search box as well as tabs for these pages: Customer Service, Help & Info, About Us. There is a button beneath the Search box for Browsing. Let the mouse rest on the Browse button for these options: Home, All Categories, All Brands, Daily Deals. To the right of the Browse button are category options to view specific products.
Products
The first thing noticeable on the website is the array of products. Each category is represented with a single photo and a list of components available in that category. The categories include: Computer Hardware, Electronics, PCs & Notebooks, Digital Cameras, Networking, Software, Game Sphere, Cell Phones & Plans, Apple, DVD Store, Specials.
As an example, under the Computer Hardware category heading, you will find text links to: Memory, Hard Drives, Video Cards, CPUs/Processors, Monitors, Printers/Scanners, Computer Cases, Motherboards, Power Supplies, CD/DVD Burners & Media, Input Devices, and a link for ‘More”.
Newegg Daily Deals
Scroll farther down the page for a section of Daily Deals. Ten deals are displayed with small images, price and a brief product description that is also a link to the specific product page. Next to the heading “Newegg Daily Deals” is a “View All” button. Click this to see all the daily deals.
Searches, RSS Feeds, Polls
A bit farther down the page is an area that displays the top ten product searches. Click on one of the searches to open a page with related items to view. There is also a section featuring links to various RSS feeds as well as a button to view all the feeds. Beneath this is a selected customer testimonial and a poll that asks you to answer a question about products or the site and to cast your vote. You can also see how others have responded.
At the Bottom
The bottom of the page features a variety of links. The category headings are: Customer Service, Shopping Help, My Account, Company Info, Tools & Resources. Within these sections are such choices as contact information, buying a gift certificate, wish lists, order status, RMA request, knowledge base and rebate center.
Shopping the Site
I lucked out with a wish list from my brother. I knew that he wanted more laptop memory, and he provided me with a link to the appropriate page on newegg. However, it is also easy to do a search using the search feature. Typing in “laptop memory” produced 277 results, so I was glad my brother narrowed it down for me! Another way to search is if you already know the item number. Just type the number into the search box to be directed to that item’s page.
Each product page features a large graphic of the item, often with the option to view a larger image or additional views (such as the back and front or a side view of the item). In the case of this laptop memory, there are three views available. The page also has two tabs: Customer Reviews and Specifications. I would think the Specifications tab would be the default, but the website shows the customer reviews first, and you have to click on the tab to view the product specifications. Toward the bottom of the page is manufacturer information and pertinent links. Extra optional warranty product protection plans are also offered if applicable. The price is in large print next to the product photo. If there is a rebate, the rebate amount is shows with the adjusted price. In my case, the 2gb laptop memory cost $82.99 with a $10.00 rebate and an adjusted price of $72.99. (I’ll give the rebate to my brother and let him choose whether he wishes to do it.)
It is easy to order items. Like most online stores, Newegg has an “Add to Cart” button. Click the button to add the item to the cart. The screen changes to the Cart page, and here you can adjust the default quantity of one to however many you wish to order. This page also allows you to calculate shipping by entering the Ship-To zip code. In my case the one item shipping cost was $4.99 for UPS 3-Day service. Newegg ships via either UPS or FedEx. If you wish, it is also simple to remove items from the cart.
Regarding pricing … This is a case of comparison shopping. As a rule, the site offers good prices. However, I always check with the competition to make sure that I’m receiving a good deal.
Knowledge Base
Newegg has an area called the Knowledge Base that offers a wide range of links. There are three glossaries: Intel Glossary, Webopedia, AMD Glossary. There are also Manufacturer Resource links, a list of Forums and review sites. There is also a list of download resources and a collection of reference links that might prove useful.
Checking Out
On the shopping cart page is an area to enter any promotional or gift certificate codes. When finished, click the Checkout button.
The next page prompts you to sign up as a new customer, or to provide a user name and password if you are an existing customer. It is mandatory to provide an email address. I wish the site would allow one to order without setting up a user name and password. It’s just one more piece of information I have to keep track of.
A new screen opens to display the Shipping and Payment options. The typical information is required: name, address, phone number. There are many payment options: Credit Card (Discover, MasterCard, Visa, American Express), PayPal, set up a preferred account, select “Bill Later” or choose the “Mail Payment” option.
Credit Card information is well protected. Not only does Newegg require the 3-digit number from the back of the credit card, but they also want the credit card company’s phone number.
The Fine Print
Newegg has a strict return policy. I highly recommend reading the Return Guidelines before making any purchases. All returns for a refund are charged a 15-percent restocking fee. There is a limited 30-day return policy for a replacement or refund. There is also a limited Non-Refundable 30-day return policy.
Processors (CPUs) can be returned for a refund within 7 days, or returned for a replacement within 30 days. Of course, there is a list of what qualifies for a refund/replacement.
Desktop, PC, Notebook and Tablet PCs are non-refundable. However, they can be returned for replacement within 30 days. Again, there is a long list of what qualifies for return.
LCDs are also non-refundable. They can be returned for replacement within 30 days. There must be a minimum number of 8 dead pixels to declare an LCD as defective, making it eligible for return.
Software can be returned unopened for a refund within 30 days. OEM software is non-refundable. Defective software can be replaced within 30 days.
Memory modules can be returned for a refund within 30 days, or returned for replacement within 90 days. Again, there is a list of what qualifies as a return.
Definitely read the Return Guidelines with all the details before making a purchase!
Shipping & Receipt
I could not find a list of shipping charges on the website. However, it is easy to calculate ahead of Checkout what the charges will be. The website also allows one to calculate the charges for a variety of UPS and FedEx options.
After I placed my order, I received an email informing me that the order had been received and was being processed. The email recapped the order and included a link to the Newegg website where I could check the order status. A follow-up email notified me that the order had shipped, but no tracking number was provided.
My package arrived in time and in excellent condition. The notebook memory package was securely bubble-wrapped to a cardboard stiffener so that it was well protected.
The packing list that came with the shipment detailed the item(s) purchased as well as the return policy. It also included information about how to obtain an RMA number for return.
Summary
Shopping at Newegg.com was a pleasant experience. Though with all the fine print about refunds and returns, I was very nervous ordering from them. I admit that this is not my first choice for shopping. I prefer an online store with a more flexible return policy.
I hope you found this review useful.
Enjoy the day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com
Please read my other reviews:
BestBuy Online Store
Buy.com Online Store
Circuit City Online Store
Staples.com Online Store
StaplesLink.com Online Store (for business purchases)
W.B. Mason Online Store
BJs Warehouse Club
Pogo.com Online Games
Copyright 2007 Dawn L. Stewart
Recommended:
Yes
What product did you purchase or try to purchase? computer memory
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