An Idea For a New Column for ABX Labs

[Miles]

Fellow ABX Members

We have an idea that we feel is excellent for a new column in ABX Labs. Sometimes, however, we faill to consider all the shortcomings or benefits of doing something new and I must admit a bit revolutionary so in this case we decide to turn to the membership for some help with this one.

Synopsis of Plan

Most of you have at some time or another gotten the short end of the stick in purchases from various and sundry companies. Unfortunately in today's society this trend appears to be growing. Our thoughts are to start a "Computer Advocacy" column that would go something like this:

1) A computer user recieves a product that is for whatever reason dysfunctional or otherwise not working as outlined by either the manufacturer or distributor...I'm not talking simple things here, but more indicative of a bad product.

2) Said user attempts to go through the proper channels to rectify the problems and meets with resistance or worse complete failure of either the distributor or manufacturer to make any attempt to affirm their stated polices and make the user a "happy camper"

3) The user writes to (for now we'll call it the ABX Sentinel or something similarly named) and outlines his/her actions to try and rectify the problem.

4) We in turn investigate and if we feel the user has been truly wronged intercede on his/her behalf with the merchant/distributor/manufacturer of the product.

5) To make a very long scenario a bit more palatable we publish the results of the investigation and the outcome be it pro or con for our membership and guests to read. With an average of around 300 members and guests online at any given time that's quite a bit of buying power that can be influenced by the outcome be it pro or con.

6) This type of influence on buying power can lead to two things happening: a) If the result is positive it will affirm others to continue purchasing from the merchant/distributor/manufacturer in question; b) If the outcome is negative then the opposite would probably ensue.

That's a short synopsis of what we're considering and wanted to poll the membership to see what your thoughts are before we try this venture. Think of this like a combination of a merchant rating system and consumer review all rolled up into one.

Those of you that have read some of my older articles on another forum, know that I have always been a strong "Computer Consumer Advocate" and want to see the right thing done as I have been shafted myself on occasion by a merchant or three.

All thoughts and ideas are welcomed, please help us to make the right decision here.

[Keri]

Superb idea!

For those of us that read Maximum PC Magazine this would be identical to the "Watchdog" feature every month in the MAG. I love this feature and would be happy to help and/or participate in the same here.

[Underwater Mike]

I like it, too! Might get some mobo manufacturers to actually answer support emails and such.

[Deer Slayer]

We have the power to do a lot with all of us united, but if we don't unite, we're no different than the rest of the public. It will give us some real power to put a stop to some of the blatent scams that some of the hardware manufacturers have pulled. Maybe they'll put a little more effort into keeping their customers happy if we make our opinion heard! Nice, I really want to see this happen!

[Miles]

Bump for some more member feedback

[Kipperfillets]

Hmmm the big boys sell all over the world so in that case would they care what a small percentage of the worlds population think? on the other hand they might look at the hits on a particular subject and take notice if they were high. just my take on this,

[zapionics<alt>]

I think its a great idea and could work to effect real changes in the way manufacturers promote their products and handle complaints.


So I say go for it!

In fact, what about extending it to the retailers/etailers as well? Many problems occur at the point of sale with some retailers often failing to even honour the law, let alone their own published warranties!
I remember one etailer, (a big online presence over here) wouldnt do anything to help me with a bad gpu but the manufacturer, (Asus in this case), were fantastic and exchanged it without any questions asked even tho I wasnt their direct customer.

[Snafu]

It is an excellent idea!

It can be effective and even it even more so through the participation of members. If each member sent a message to the company. Sort of like a letter writing campaign. Not only that how long do you think companies want a bad word to remain posted on a website for all to read and discuss openl? Hopefully the manufacturer will see the error in their ways and try to rectify the situation. Maybe not immediately but eventually.

What makes this appraoch better than the "WatchDog" is that this discussion would occur on a live forum in real time as it were rather than in a mag than is months behind. Nothing against the WatchDog - they are bound by editors and publishing deadlines to get it into print. The Internet is much more effective and far reaching. There are far more non-members on line so folks are watching (reading).

[Miles]

Originally Posted by zapionics<alt>

I think its a great idea and could work to effect real changes in the way manufacturers promote their products and handle complaints.


So I say go for it!

In fact, what about extending it to the retailers/etailers as well? Many problems occur at the point of sale with some retailers often failing to even honour the law, let alone their own published warranties!
I remember one etailer, (a big online presence over here) wouldnt do anything to help me with a bad gpu but the manufacturer, (Asus in this case), were fantastic and exchanged it without any questions asked even tho I wasnt their direct customer.

Etailers/retailers would probably be our primary focus to begin with as we'd probably have to gather a tremendous amount of supported information before directly going to a manufacturer. Plus the sheer volume of problems in most cases are more directly associated with the etailers/retailer.