However, the focus of this post is on enthusiast parts, and those two are not that high in the list of priorities of people buying them.

People who buy rare or high-end parts will care about after sales support, but it’s not as important to them as to the common consumer. First off, they don’t need to call tech support as much — they will know if the part is a dud and will proceed to RMA directly. Also, unlike a consumer who just bought his first PC, they’re not as affected by a dud because they’re likely to have a spare around. And there’s also the tendency for these people to voluntarily break their warranties (e.g. overclocking).

Proximity is not an issue for rare or high-end parts, simply because there are only a few places selling those stuff locally. It’s either you buy it in this certain store (and understand that you may have to make a return trip) or you don’t.

For other parts, I’ll have to say that it’s worth it most of the time. As a commuter, my round trip between Gilmore and Taguig only costs P86. Considering I buy a part which is just P500 cheaper than “SRP” and I have to go back to replace it, I still save money. I might be wasting an hour or two because I chose to buy from Gilmore instead of Makati, but hey, I’m the type of guy who doesn’t care about wasting time on useless things.

(Actually, PCHub and PCX now has branches in Pasong Tamo so that round trip is just P37 )

However, the focus of this post is on enthusiast parts, and those two are not that high in the list of priorities of people buying them.

People who buy rare or high-end parts will care about after sales support, but it’s not as important to them as to the common consumer. First off, they don’t need to call tech support as much — they will know if the part is a dud and will proceed to RMA directly. Also, unlike a consumer who just bought his first PC, they’re not as affected by a dud because they’re likely to have a spare around. And there’s also the tendency for these people to voluntarily break their warranties (e.g. overclocking).

Proximity is not an issue for rare or high-end parts, simply because there are only a few places selling those stuff locally. It’s either you buy it in this certain store (and understand that you may have to make a return trip) or you don’t.

For other parts, I’ll have to say that it’s worth it most of the time. As a commuter, my round trip between Gilmore and Taguig only costs P86. Considering I buy a part which is just P500 cheaper than “SRP” and I have to go back to replace it, I still save money. I might be wasting an hour or two because I chose to buy from Gilmore instead of Makati, but hey, I’m the type of guy who doesn’t care about wasting time on useless things.

(Actually, PCHub and PCX now has branches in Pasong Tamo so that round trip is just P37 )

And proximity? The trip alone can translate to savings as well. This also is partly related to after sales. Having to return, exchange, and send back an item under warranty at a place not really inaccessible to you can set you back time, money, and comfort. Gilmore might be the mecca of cheaper prices but you might actually be set to be spending more on logistics alone.

Just a couple of points to consider, IMHO.

And proximity? The trip alone can translate to savings as well. This also is partly related to after sales. Having to return, exchange, and send back an item under warranty at a place not really inaccessible to you can set you back time, money, and comfort. Gilmore might be the mecca of cheaper prices but you might actually be set to be spending more on logistics alone.

Just a couple of points to consider, IMHO.