5/5

posted Jun-06-2009

Fast shipping, excellent item packaged well, easy ordering process, great price. This seller is highly recommended for all memory upgrade needs.

Have high hopes for this next order (made today).

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October 2009 Addendum:

The last order from June turned out very well, so this seller doesn't disappoint (at least for me).

Since then, I ordered twice more from 1st Choice for other folks; once in August, and again in September. Both orders arrived in due time, and installations were flawless.

One crucial note is that the site's Memory Configurator was used to select items in all four purchases. The need for knowledge of specific computer models, total mem required, and dimm slots aside, there was never a reason to check for more tedious technical spec-based compatibility since they removed a sizeable portion of human error (on the customer end) from the equation.

That said... in regards to possible disappointments--and in defense of 1st Choice, I think it comes down to down to regulating expectations, and understanding seller intentions based on their site layouts.

In the past, if I wanted to purchase items that were already researched for custom-built comps, I'd shop at say... NewEgg, or with another trusted/proven seller. Although these days, the tendency is to stick with NewEgg for baseline standards (during product research) and/or buys since their customer support is top notch, they occasionally have great deals, and their customer reviews tend to be more informed than most.

Just by scouring sites, you can easily tell there's a huge difference between a company like 1st Choice and NewEgg (or similar others). The former is straightforward, streamlined, and incredibly sparse, while the other is loaded with well organized layers of details, and can boast an impressive sales history. It's silly to expect a lot from customer service/support based on scant site information, or simply by "word of mouth", especially if most people don't talk much about support as a highlighted feature. Also, if there are any concerns or questions about products, then check the site for info to get in touch with a human via phone or some other means.

With 1CM, the ultra-convenient Memory Configurator was the key reason why any purchases were made in the first place, not much else--although free shipping is great, too. This feature is at the top of their index and displayed in such a way that you can't ignore it, unless you already know what you want. You can see why so many say buying from them is both quick and easy.

This is not to say that the company's process is perfect, or even ideal, but generally speaking, when a lot of customers are happy on an objective level, things are working well. Unless someone is putting a gun to your head and forcing you to buy from them, your own (un)informed decision is still your own.

1CM is still highly recommended, especially if you're going to use their MemConfig to get what you need.

This review was modified by Bi0NicSQUiD on October 03 2009 07:22:20 AM

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5/5

posted Jun-10-2009

Excellent company. I was looking for a hard to find product and by luck, happened upon their site. It was a great price, and after checking resellerratings, I went ahead with the a small, but crucial purchase.

It was fast and easy; they shipped immediately, gave me a tracking number, and packaged the product very well. (It was in superb condition when it arrived, and has been working great for months.)

I've urged others to check them out for purchases, but have yet to hear about their results.

Regardless.... this seller is highly recommended.

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5/5

posted Jun-10-2009

So far so good for a seller I stumbled upon...

My second purchase from this store took place several days ago, and I received my order today (the 10th)! Well packaged, and the shipping was fast.

My first order (back at the beginning of the year), had free ground shipping, and that was handled/packaged with the same amount of care.

Prices at AMS are competitive, and considering their sales, overall selections, and reliability, I'd happily pick this company other similar others anyday.

Highly recommended.

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5/5

posted Jun-10-2009

An excellent seller. Another stumbled upon, and was lucky.

My order arrived today, so I can say shipping was fast, the product was what I hoped for, and ordering was damn easy. The tracking number was very useful, and they don't spam you with a lot of superfluous details.

The reason for picking this company was overall pricing.

Highly recommended.

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5/5

posted Jun-11-2009

I've known about this company for many years, but never had the opportunity to purchase from them until just recently.

They aren't always the best in terms of low price, but that's easily made up for their wide selection, item availability, sales reliability, and overall high standards.

At the time of the order, I was in desperate need for a device that was out of stock or unavailable at almost every major venue/outlet I checked. (It's still backordered almost everywhere atm.) So it was either pay some exorbitant price, or get it at the normal rate. Surprisingly, I found it at the normal rate with free shipping at Full Compass and had to make the buy. (When a company has a good stock of a high quality item that's sold out elsewhere, that says a lot.)

The item was packaged very well--happily cushioned and could have been hurled about a hundred feet or more without real damage to the item (not that I would have done that), and the UPS tracking was sublime.

If this is what I can expect from all future transactions with Full Compass, they'll definitely be on my short list for a crunch.

Highly recommended.

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5/5

posted Jun-11-2009

My order from this seller was pain-free and a good deal, i.e., three small hard-to-find items, cheaper than a lot of international merchants, with reasonable shipping rates.

They don't have a whole heck of a lot in terms of selection, but what they do have seems to be of good quality. And so far, the items from my last order have been very durable.

For all intents and purposes, I was only ever going to make small "non-essential" buys from this seller, but I might pick them over others if they can follow-through with the Pandora sale.

This review was modified by Bi0NicSQUiD on June 11 2009 07:42:41 PM

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5/5

posted Jun-11-2009

I was looking everywhere for a reasonably priced, brand name, portable multimedia player and really only found it at TechforLess. (Another seller found by chance.)

I didn't care that it was refurbished, and never felt that it was worth ~$350-$400 it was going for as "new" most everywhere, even eBay. I took a risk, and wound up very happy with the purchase--which was less than half the retail price.

The item was as described, and working in perfect near condition. It's still being used today, and has worked wonders for impromptu presentations and conferences.

A definite seller to return to if I'm ever in need of a solid item (new or used) at a great price.

This review was modified by Bi0NicSQUiD on June 11 2009 08:25:38 PM

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5/5

posted Jun-11-2009

I've ordered from them more than several times already and everytime, there's been zero disappointment.

Whether it's a complicated or simple purchase, they've come through as fast, efficient, accurate, and wholly reliable.

They also have some of the best prices around for your most basic needs, and a wide selection of well... so much. Whenever I've made purchases, I always find myself adding more to the cart than anticipated (for many a pending project).

If anything, I'd consider myself a lifetime customer. Monoprice is highly recommended.

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June 2010 Addendum:

Wanted to add this... while their RMA system is solid, it can be pricey to return items.

Earlier in the year, I picked up a few things in successive orders that were inherently flawed for my system--perhaps not defective, just not up to par, being low tech, so there was a phase where I had to bundle a lot of items together for multiple RMAs (to save on shipping).

This was frustrating at first when I wanted to return a single item for a refund, and was going to have to pay more than *half* of the money spent on return shipping. (I dunno how monoprice gets such great shipping rates.) But it was fortuitous that I had ordered additional replacement-items-that-would-be-returned-due-to-flaws not long after.

In essence, making purchases from monoprice might save you money, but returning things will cost you more than necessary--unless you make it a strategic return.

This review was modified by Bi0NicSQUiD on June 26 2010 09:40:01 AM

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5/5

posted Jun-24-2009

The first purchase made from this randomly discovered seller was surprisingly good.

Despite all of the positive reviews on ResellerRatings, I couldn't help but think the opposite based on the overall site look, the reviews per item (on their site), and the brands/types of items being sold.

But in the end, it turned out much better than expected, and the shipping was... free. Friggin sweet.

The site presents the quality (and quantity) of their wares in an unequivocal way (which is both good and bad), but there really is no reliable way to advertise excellent sales transactions and shipping except via word of mouth--and then taking the plunge.

The item I purchased was much better than others made it out to be, and works well.

I'll definitely order more from them in the future.

This review was modified by Bi0NicSQUiD on June 24 2009 11:59:46 AM

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5/5

posted Jul-23-2009

Stumbled upon this dealer while in search for an item and found just what I needed with a great price.

I had never heard of this store or dealer before, and there were no ratings for them, but this one order (with incredibly reasonable shipping) was sent via FedEx with zero problems from their end.

Tracking was included, but the FedEx delivery person must have been new since the item was strangely misplaced. I called Atlantic's customer service, got in touch with a very friendly support lady, i.e., Sheryl (sp), who then promptly looked into the error, got back to me within minutes (after working it out with FedEx), and then said that the order should arrive the next day in the appropriate location.

And voila, it was there.

The item itself was very well packaged, of excellent quality/build, and also works wonders for my applications.

Note: FedEx later called me by mistake, thinking my number was Sheryl's, and wanted to confirm that the delivery was successful. Whether or not this was due to extra effort from Atlantic's customer service end, it was still very much appreciated, and surprising.

This seller is highly recommended on all fronts.

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5/5

posted Jul-23-2009

My third order with Zazzle and seriously, I can't laud them enough.

Their prices are a tad high, but you do get the quality. And there is generally a whole slew of options--which is what anyone wants when it comes to such items. (Cafepress gouges all over the place, and offers up only vaguely par or relatively subpar results, i.e., cheaply printed, overpriced items.)

Shipping speed is a tossup, but regardless of that, there hasn't yet been an occasion where I regreted the purchase.

This seller is also one to keep in mind if you're ever in need of their services.

Highly recommended.

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5/5

posted Jun-12-2010

Another stumbled-upon shop that happened to be selling the item I wanted at the best price--with free shipping to boot!

This first experience with UWantSavings.com was great:

The item was well packaged, and the tracking information was much appreciated. Communication was overall decent; however, while understandable that they want to get people to give them good reviews, and to make extra sure that both order and emails are received, it's still a bit excessive to receive so many notices regarding a shipped item that isn't even over $15 in value. (For large, time-sensitive orders, this would be a relief, but I suppose it's a good standard to retain if it's applied across the board--not just to first-time buyers.)

But, bottomline: there were no problems whatsoever with the whole; the process was quick and easy, and I got exactly what I wanted in due time.

If there are any future orders, this post will be updated.

Seller recommended.

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5/5

posted Jun-16-2010

Excellent store. Excellent goods.

I was dithering about buying from them for years since I could sometimes find cheaper prices elsewhere, or they simply didn't carry the exact items I wanted.

With this first purchase, I was able to see just how quickly (and well) they ship items. Even though they don't accept paypal, it's still very easy to submit orders since you don't have to register for anything, or click through any surprise superfluous survey. Pluses: no extra email spam, and tracking info is provided.

If a much more expensive order is placed in the future, this post will be updated.

Highly recommended!

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5/5

posted Jun-16-2010

This stumbled-upon, windfall seller is recommended.

Around the time of the sale (late 2008), I was looking everywhere for a computer that was quickly disappearing from everyone's shelves and stock. I had picked up one of the last (and decently priced) from Newegg and was looking for another; if most sellers didn't have them listed as discontinued, or out of stock, the exorbitant price mark-ups were very unattractive.

A seemingly random search tangent brought up American(TV) as a dealer. It confused me that the small chainstore could be carrying such a highend item, but in retrospect, it seems like a highly reliable HHGregg for internet orders.

The excellent price was topped off with fast shipping. The UPS tracking number was provided the next day, and several days later, packaged received.

Whether or not it was luck, this risk taken with an unheard-of store gave me much better results than the Newegg purchase. (The latter's item was dead on arrival, and no exchanges were feasible.)

There was never a reason to contact American(TV)'s customer service, and to this day, the item is in great shape.

Will update the post if there are any future orders.

This review was modified by Bi0NicSQUiD on June 16 2010 10:34:16 AM

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5/5

posted Jun-16-2010

Yet another stumbled-upon dealer that yielded great results. (Who knew an ides of March find could be so sweet?)

I wanted a particular camera model and couldn't find it anywhere for a sane price. And in a random search, Vann's was shown to have it in stock.

But not only did they have the lowest price available (at the time), they had free shipping/zero tax, and included 2GB of memory and an exquisite carrying pouch for free.

Awesome.

The order process was easy (they even did a phone follow-up to double check credit card information), and FedEx shipping/tracking was used.

Bottom line: Superb shipping and deals make a happy customer.

Will update this post if there are future purchases.

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