Hardware for Consignment Businesses

There may be 3 reasons to buy hardware from the software provider: 1) To be sure to get the correct hardware, 2) convenience and 3) hardware support.

In most cases lower prices may be found by searching the Internet using the make and model # of a hardware piece. Be prepared however to call upon the maker and/or distributor of the hardware for service.

Here's one example: The Zebra 2824 Thermal Printer is available online with shipping and cable for just over $200. The exact same printer is listed at $399 by one software vendor. Add $14 more for the cable and an inflated $21 shipping charge (tacked on at the end of the order). Total cost? $435. Markup for the vendor: 100%. Added benefit to you: Zero.

Another vendor goes to some lengths to avoid disclosing that the hardware he is selling is not 'brand name'. The cost to him is less but his resale prices are not proportionately less to the consumer.

Nothing is gained by purchasing hardware from a software vendor. The warranties and guarantees are the same. Shipping time could take longer with an unnecessary middle man added to the mix.

Some software vendors are actually in the 'fee business', not the 'software business'. Didn't buy the hardware from them and need help? There's a minimum charge of $75. Want to network computers together? Five additional copies of the software will cost $1,475 just for the software.

  Hardware for Consignment Shops...