Christmas
High Tech “How-To’” for Holiday Gift Giving
By
Dec 3, 2005, 23:48

(ARA) – The Consumer Electronics Association is forecasting a nearly 10 percent increase in sales of consumer electronics for the upcoming holiday season. From iPods, to PDAs and digital cameras and computers, consumers are lining up to spend their holiday budgets on the latest tech gadgets.
However, tech-hungry consumers don’t always translate to tech-savvy users. "The latest electronics are at the top of wish lists this year", according to Larry Mondry, CEO of CompUSA. "We know gift-givers want to be sure their purchases can be easily set-up so they can be enjoyed right away.”

Here are six tips to make sure your present is ready for gift-opening time.

Essentials of Pre-Gift Prep

When giving a technology-based gift, preparation is almost as important as giving:

* Select a gift targeted toward the age or skill level of the receiver. This is especially true with gifts for children.

* Open the box and examine the item, unless it will prevent you from making a return or exchange. Ensure all the parts are included. Double check to see that power cords and instructions are enclosed.

* Buy a supply of batteries in advance. Nothing is more frustrating than staring at your new gadget without a battery in the entire house.

* Check to see if the tech gift requires a battery charge. If it does, make sure you plug it in early so the battery is fully charged by gift opening time.

* Purchase your item from a store that offers in-store installation, set-up or training. In addition, you may be able to purchase a gift certificate for in-home service the recipient can use at their convenience.

* Ask the in-store sales associates to advise you on all the software, peripherals, cables or accessories you will need to get the most out of your tech gift.

Time to Call the Experts

Sometimes setting up and enjoying your tech gift requires more than an instruction book and batteries. In fact, a recent survey revealed more than 60 percent of consumers prefer to give electronic gifts knowing full tech support is offered by the retailer rather than the manufacturer.

How do you know when it’s time to call the experts? Ask yourself these three questions. If you answer yes to any of them, pick up the phone and call for professional tech support:

* Does your gift require any wiring or cabling? Only professionals should attempt in-home or in-office cabling systems. Even wireless systems can require professional support to protect against identity theft and unauthorized usage of your wireless network.

* Do you need to load software or install hardware? Establishing connectivity and communication between computers, PDAs, digital cameras and game consoles can be complicated. An in-home tech service expert can ensure proper installation without unnecessary downtime and loss of valuable information.

* Does the recipient need a little extra help? You can add sparkle to your tech gift by adding a gift certificate for tech support. Don’t be shy about calling the experts to help set-up load your iPod or sync up your PDA with your computer.

Who Do You Call?

If you’ve never used a tech support service, only about 7 percent of consumers actually have, you may not know how to select the best provider for you. Here are seven guidelines to get you started:

* What are the fees? Do they charge an hourly or flat-rate for particular services? A flat rate is more desirable, because there is no guessing game of how much time a technician might require.

* Is the work guaranteed? Are support services guaranteed with no additional charges (such as service calls or parts) if the work is defective? Reputable providers will stand by their work and correct the issue to meet your satisfaction.

* How soon can the service be performed? Your time is valuable and when technology isn’t working, you may be less productive. Look for a provider who can help you as soon as possible — even the next day.

* Is the provider easy to work with? Can you schedule appointments easily and conveniently over the phone or online? The best providers should be taking the hassle out of technology service, not adding to it.

* What certifications do the technicians hold? “On the job training” is not a substitute for certification provided by leading software and hardware companies. Look for a provider that employs experienced professionals you can trust.

* Is service available both in-home and in-store? You may save time and money by bringing your tech item into a store where an expert can advise you on upgrades, provide troubleshooting or give you a quick training session. In addition, you should find a provider that can come to your home or office for bigger projects such as networking, computer set-up and hardware or software installation.

* What do other customers say? Ask for results from customer satisfaction surveys or direct customer feedback. If the tech support provider can’t provide those, ask for direct references.

If you’re considering a tech gift this holiday season, shop early, take preparations seriously and never forget the importance of quality tech support. For more information on technical services, visit www.compusa.com/tech_services. Courtesy of ARA Content

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