Delivering The Goods, Even The Pricey Ones
Hewlett-Packard Online
Although I love using
my HP Jornada, the support for this Pocket PC is not as widespread as for
Palm and other PDAs. That is unfortunate because the printer and PC
company makes quality products.
That lack of availability has caused several difficult times when I
have lost a stylus or needed a replacement cradle. I have found that shopping
at HP is the reliable only way to get accessories for my PDA. Luckily for me,
the store is comprehensive and responsive. And while there, I’ve been known to snag a laptop (this is being typed on tricked out HP Pavilion) or printer (our office uses HP multifunction printers all over)
HP Has One Store With Many Names
Like Dell, Microsoft and others, HP sends visitors to its various
domain names to the main HP site. The site functions as a supersite
for the entire product line. In addition to accessories, visitors can download
drivers, free add-ons and research all things HP.
Entering HP’s former business address or any of the
former addresses lead to a well designed main page. Shoppers can find
product support or go straight to product selection. But even when browsing
through the products, there are plenty of resources and helpful information.
With HP’s acquisition of Compaq, the company now has multiple products that fit any budget.
HP.com delivers large pictures,
detailed specifications and the ability to compare products from a wide selection.
Online Shopping Doesn’t Get Easier Than The Official HP Store
Checking out is easy and gives shoppers all
the appropriate privacy and opt-out notices. I received an immediate confirmation
notice via email and a second notice when my order shipped. The second confirmation
comes in HTML format with what is now industry-standard information: links
to tracking numbers, order numbers and a printable receipt.
Wonder of wonders, the thing that impressed me the most was a telephone
number that rang to a live human being if any problems developed during
the order. I love great customer service, and HP delivers great service.
Shipping costs were reasonable, and after placing several orders at
the site over the past year, I’ve noticed that various shipping options
are often on sale. Like other shipping discounts, these savings are usually
designed for higher priced items, but it doesn’t hurt to poke around the
site and see what is available.
In every situation, my order arrived exactly when promised, and in one
case, a day earlier. My latest order was made late on a Wednesday night.
The order was confirmed Thursday, shipped Friday and arrived Monday. I
certainly can’t complain about delays.
HP has also gotten smarter about its shipping and sends products
well packaged in a generic series of boxes. It is not unusual to receive
a large box for a small item, but I do not mind the volume since the orders
are well packed and I don’t seem to be paying extra. The box is a mobile
ad for the site with the URL emblazoned in two inch high letters
on each side. Inside is a packing slip with receipt information. For those
of us who still manage to lose every piece of paper sent to us, you can
also return to the site and reprint any of the order information for at
least a month.
The Bottom Line, Clicks and All
This leading PC maker delivers the goods at a quality price and in a timely manner.
Five Things To Remember From This Review
1. Don’t be confused by the various domain names. Many companies, even those
who don’t have web based businesses automatically redirect common names
and derivatives to their main site.
2. Prices are list with little discounting, but there are usually sales. Look for them.
3. HP provides a call center option – even for shoppers who have
already purchased — a major service benefit.
4. You can do more at the site than shop. There’s a lot of useful product
information there, but remember that it’s biased towards HP and Compaq products.
5. Shipping is reasonably priced and very fast.
Special HP Sale!
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