Hardware is a critical part of any business. If you don’t have the correct hardware, your software may not run efficiently or at all. This scenario can then adversely affect your productivity and your business’s bottom line.
Unfortunately, when purchasing new hardware, many companies make mistakes that can end up costing them time and money. Here are some of the most common errors.
1. Failing to research beforehand
It’s important to view IT purchases as investments, so you should never buy hardware on impulse. You need to ensure first that you understand what functions and features you need. Read articles, tech forums, and reviews so you know what your options are and which ones best meet your needs. Better yet, seek expert advice. You can post a question on popular forums or reach out to a techie friend. This way, you get hardware advice that’s tailored to your situation.
By doing your homework before heading to the store, you are better equipped to make the right IT purchase.
2. Forgetting to check compatibility with existing systems
You need to ensure that any new hardware you buy is compatible with your current systems. Otherwise, you might end up spending money on an expensive paperweight. For example, your new laptop may not be able to run your usual applications if its specs are below the minimum system requirements.
In other cases, you may encounter issues if a hardware component is incompatible with your existing computer. For example, an incompatible RAM module may prevent your computer from booting or cause it to freeze, crash, or reboot frequently.
3. Paying too much
Don’t purchase hardware from the very first store you land. Instead, take the time to compare prices from physical stores and eCommerce websites. If you’re not in a hurry, you can opt to wait for discounts or special promotions to get the best bang for your buck.
4. Skimping on quality for cheaper costs
While you don’t want to overspend on hardware, you don’t want to purchase the least expensive option at the expense of quality either. When you skimp on quality, you may find yourself struggling with a cheap design and poor performance. Not only that, but cheap hardware also often slows down sooner and requires upgrades at a faster rate, forcing you to spend more money in the long run.
Therefore, to make a wise IT investment, strike that fine balance between price and the features you're after.
5. Failing to try before buying
Testing out new hardware is an important step in the tech procurement process. Remember, you’ll likely be stuck with the new device for a couple of years, so you should give it a full test drive before you pay for it. Assess its design, try out its basic functions, and experiment with unfamiliar features.
If you’re planning to buy new hardware online, look for the same product first in a local store for a brief trial run.
6. Purchasing from an unknown retailer
There are a lot of scammers out there that sell used or refurbished hardware but advertise it as brand new. So if you purchase from them, you may end up with hardware that quickly breaks down even if you paid for the price of a brand new one.
In other cases, scammers may sell fake equipment. In fact, Cisco recently warned customers about counterfeit switches, which can introduce security vulnerabilities to a company’s network. The best way to avoid such scams is to purchase only from reputable retailers.
7. Not getting warranty and support
When buying any kind of hardware, always ask about its warranty and support options. This way, if something goes wrong, you can get it fixed or replaced without having to pay for it. Most reputable retailers will offer some kind of warranty, so make sure you understand the terms of the warranty before you make your purchase.
When you partner with Safebit , you’ll be sure that your company makes the right IT investments. Our IT experts thoroughly assess your current systems and offer comprehensive, affordable solutions for better system performance. Schedule your FREE consultation with us today.
