Do you shop around, or mostly buy your components from one retailer?

[SteveGrabowski]

For me, I buy almost exclusively from newegg. They have a great selection of hardware, really good prices, they ship quickly, they often have either free or dirt cheap shipping, I don't pay any sales tax since I'm not in California or New Jersey, and the one time I had to return something it was a breeze. I feel kind of weird recommending systems I do from pcpartpicker now, since I don't practice what I preach. The one time I did build a system with parts from a bunch of different retailers it wasn't a great experience. Some stuff came in a couple of days, some in a couple of weeks, my video card was broken, etc, and maybe I shouldn't recommend these builds where one part is from newegg, one from amazon, one from SuperBiiz, etc. About the only time I wander from newegg is for accessories like case fans and for mechanical hard drives, since I don't trust UPS's shipping with OEM drives. Then I often buy a retail drive from Best Buy when it's on sale (no Microcenter, no Fry's where I live).

 

So do you guys actually shop around different places like all our pcpartpicker builds would say to save every last dollar? Or do you just go with one or two reliable sellers?

[Albatross]

I used to only buy from Newegg or Amazon. But then I met Superbiiz and was like, "I should buy from them instead.". Now I buy from them all around equally.

 

(there are no Microcenters or Fry's around me either. Shame, too.)

[ImBleu]

I only use 2 shops, but i dont have the neweggs/ncix/microcentre/amazons etc to chose from.

[Interfectorem]

Amazon and Newegg, I compare prices between them, but with expensive items I go with Newegg because no taxes.

[soaringchicken]

In Australia I either buy from Mwave or MSY

[79wjd]

I usually just buy straight from Newegg for convenience, but shopping around really isn't too bad -- especially if you're on a tight budget. 

[SteveGrabowski]

Amazon and Newegg, I compare prices between them, but with expensive items I go with Newegg because no taxes.

 

Dammit the sales tax on amazon sucks now (I'm in Texas too). Not that I ever bought hardware from them, but I buy all my books on amazon still.

[terrytek]

I buy exclusively from Fry's or Newegg.

[Interfectorem]

Dammit the sales tax on amazon sucks now (I'm in Texas too). Not that I ever bought hardware from them, but I buy all my books on amazon still.

Yea, I love them both equally, I've ordered so far my K70, GTX 970, and some sleeved cables from Newegg. Great service. I also RMA'd my first GTX 970 and it was a breeze.

[Enderman]

Whenever possible I try to buy my stuff directly from NCIX or memory express because I can go to the store in person, browse around, not have to pay shipping, and have an easy way to return or replace items.

[Notree]

NCIX or Canada Computers. Whichever is cheaper. And if theres a price cheaper from another retailer I just pricematch.

[handymanshandle]

Well I don't live terribly far from a MicroCenter if the price is rice* (right) most of if not all of the parts for my future build will be bought from MicroCenter and Bestbuy or simply where ever I can get things the cheapest.

[SteveGrabowski]

Whenever possible I try to buy my stuff directly from NCIX or memory express because I can go to the store in person, browse around, not have to pay shipping, and have an easy way to return or replace items.

 

So NCIX is pretty awesome in Canada? They always say orders ship in 5-8 days for NCIXUS, so I have never been tempted to order from their US affiliate.

[Enderman]

So NCIX is pretty awesome in Canada? They always say orders ship in 5-8 days for NCIXUS, so I have never been tempted to order from their US affiliate.

well i have a store near by me, and if the store doesnt have it in stock then it only takes 2-3 days for them to get it from the BC warehouse.

so its like instant, just go there and buy, i really like it.

[MourningSouls]

Usually whichever has the cheapest total from MemoryExpress, NCIX and Newegg. Though I'm not a huge fan of Newegg, so unless it's noticeably cheaper or the only place that has stock I avoid them.

[Sheldon_King]

I typically buy from Newegg, Amazon, or Ebay depending on price and what I am buying. Have bought from NCIX, but I dislike their site, and the ungodly long period of time it took them to ship the item (took a week to leave the warehouse, and a business day to arrive at my door. That is not remotely worth the $3.5 I aved over Amazon at the time.)

 

EDIT: To address the thread topic, I typically buy from a limited set of stores, but I do hop around.  

[Statik]

There is just something I don't like about buying hardware online. I just hate it. I like to have it in my hand, and walk out. Plus if I have issues, it's way easier to return.

 

My local shop has most things, and they also have a 10% price beat guarantee (which I knew about when building my rig) for any retailer/e-retailer.

[RevoltTrain]

I shop around. I buy anywhere that has the best deal.

[QueenDemetria]

I shop around when something is expensive, but if its cheap(like my recent purchase of CM Slim 80mm fans) I just buy them from where they are most convenient.

[Guest]

I shop around but definently prefer Amazon then newegg

[Kc7vwc]

I might buy from different sites once I've made a decision, but all of my 'shopping' or looking is done at Newegg. Personally I think their layout is a million times better than just about anyone I've looked at for PC hardware.

[TacticlTwinkie]

I buy mostly from newegg if my local Microcenter doesn't have what I want in stock. They price match newegg, so I can get a good price and they are just a short drive away. I sometimes buy from Amazon for single parts or smaller parts.

[Psykomantis00]

I research on newegg and then buy on amazon. I'll do research at bestbuy if they actually carry the product I want, but I'll still buy it from amazon. 

[Mushious]

I stick with a single store in NZ (Computer Lounge), they're a bit more expensive than some but, they go above and beyond with the customer service. I do all my looking around with Pricespy though, search engine is just so user friendly.

[trag1c]

I mainly shop at Memory Express especially for lower price items (~$100) since its only like 20 minute drive from my house and their sales team is also very knowledgeable, but I do shop around on NCIX, Amazon, and Newegg to see if I can get a deal that outweighs shipping and 0 wait time.