Scorptec takes sting out of online shopping

Sarah Stokely13 October 2006, 5:54 AM

Online PC component shop Scorpion Technology says it offers low prices as well as easy warranty claims - customers do not need to supply printed receipts to claim on warranty.


scorptec150.jpgScorpion Technology’s director William Kartawidjaja isn’t surprised when he hears that his business has been described as offering the “Rolls Royce” of online IT shopping experiences.

The store is committed to providing a complete online service -- so much so that that walk-in customers to its Melbourne store get seated at a computer terminal and taught how to order online!

While pushing customers towards the online store may sound like the opposite of good customer service, Kartawidjaja says Scorptec’s website was designed as a hub for delivering the best possible service to customers, supported by a dedicated customer service technical team.

Scorptec carries a wide range of high performance technology products including CPUs, videocards, LCD displays, notebooks, motherboards, gaming peripherals, hard disks, AV gear and wireless networking equipment.

New in store are the Logitech MX Revolution Cordless Laser Mouse, the Al Tech Mediagate MG-350HD, a high definition multimedia player with support for an internal hard disk for storage and LAN/Wireless connectivity, and Antec’s new clear side panel gaming case, Nine Hundred, which features a 200mm exhaust fan and 9 drive bays.

Scorptec is also the exclusive A/NZ distributor of Ortery Photosimile, a PC-controlled photography light studio for taking professional-quality digital photos suitable for creating marketing collateral for websites or catalogues.

Scorptec also has an online custom system builder as well as its own pre-configured systems which include its gaming PCs Stinger Gold and Platinum.

Once customers have created a login on Scorptec's website they can request quotes, place and track orders, and even lodge warranty claims online. This makes warranty handling much simpler for customers, says Kartawidjaja. "They don’t need a proof of purchase - if they want to make a warranty claim they can just log in to their account, enter the serial number and it will be verified against their account.”

Kartawidjaja says he believes Scorptec's warranty service is one of the best in the industry. "Unlike other retailers who chose to only give shorter warranty terms or charge for a warranty service, we do not charge customers extra handling fees for warranty returns, and we provide the full warranty terms that is provided by our supplier/manufacturers.”

Nationwide delivery is available, with the option of a warranty service option for onsite servicing for customers outside its Melbourne metro service area.

All courier orders are delivered with insurance cover up to $1500 to insure against damages and losses all at no extra charge.

Local customers can elect to pickup their order from its store in the Melbourne suburb of Clayton. “We encourage customers to place their orders before coming in to our store so their order can be picked, reserved and ready before they come in and collect their order,” says Kartawidjaja.

Scorptec has special pricing on shipping for web orders in October. Orders of $200 or more from NSW, the ACT and SA will have their shipping cost capped at $50, while shipping within the Melbourne metro area is free.

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Matt:

I think you should put the standard newspaper disclaimer "This is an advertising feature" above articles like these. 9 links back to Scorptech? Nice.

Are you going to tell us "What's new in store" at other retailers?

It certainly doesn't belong in the "News" category.

Give me a break.

29 February 2008, 8:29 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend reply

Bruce:

Aside from the obvious advertising (how much does it cost for advertising in the news section? ;)), Scorptec's website still doesn't display images in the listings for things like cases.

Seeing an image of a visual product you're buying is very important, as a lot of cases these days look ... very strange to say the least. Scorpion Technology's webmaster said they were looking at adding the pictures ages ago, but nothing's changed. It's still very meh. For example, clicking http://www.scorptec.com.au/browse/4/37 to view the cases, you'd expect to have pictures of them. Not the case, you're expected to open every single link in order to tell whether the case looks like it fell off the back of a wagon or not.

In short, the sting is very much present in their website and they've done practically nothing to eliminate it lately from what I've seen. They're still miles behind their competitors.

29 February 2008, 8:29 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend reply

Dan Warne:

I can assure you it's not advertorial but as the site editor I value the feedback that it appears that way! We'll make an effort to be a little less enthusiastic about PC stores we interview in the future :-)

29 February 2008, 8:29 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend reply

steve allan:

They do offer good service although more expensive than some in that local area. But the biggest problem with all the semi wholesale outlets ive come across is the fact none have a trade counter. And there’s nothing worse than standing behind someone who’s technically inept for an hour whilst the staff explain the difference between ddr ram and ddr2 or some such rot what all these places need is a dedicated trade counter where ppl can order online what they need and simply come in and pick it up just like a plumbing or engineering supplier

29 February 2008, 8:29 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend reply

TY:

I shop from QLD, and have found the local PC seen leaving a bitter taste in my mount. I have found Scorpion Tech to be a refreshing change to the purchasing experience. Though I am yet to make a warranty clam.

Even with delivery they only cost slightly more, and I have more confidence in there processes.

29 February 2008, 8:29 PM (2 years ago)report abuse Send to a friend reply

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