Quality Computer

I have done business with Quality Computers for several years, as have many of my friends and family. While many of my personal purchases are made online these days, I have run into many occasions when I needed a niche component and couldn’t afford to wait. QCS stocks a surprising number of parts in their store (they actually build some machines in house, in addition to their repair work), which has been a life-​saver in the past.
I am the «computer guru» to many (more than I would like!) of my friends and family. However, I travel frequently and am often so busy with work these days that I don’t have time to help everyone resolve their issues. Many times, for their more complicated problems, I have referred them to QCS and found that they have always been pleased with the service.
Contrary to some of the other reviews listed about Quality, I’ve never had an issue with the management or any of the employees. Occasionally I can find a question that might stump one employee, but there’s usually another one just around the corner that knows exactly what I’m asking. My family, friends, and myself have always been treated fairly in our dealings with QCS.
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve come to appreciate all that small businesses do for the community in which they operate, and some of the challenges that face them, especially in today’s economy. In my opinion, Quality Computers is definitely a small, locally owned business worth supporting.

Update: As Brad mentioned, he contacted me about these issues. But, rather then helping me, he begins arguing with me about them. He claims that QCS «negotiated with Apple» for the price I ultimately received on my MBP?! Man, it’s great that they want to take the credit for that NOW?! He claims they informed me, but that is not true. They seem to be trying pretty hard to put a revisionist spin on poor business decisions.
After reading my initial review, I’m embarrassed that I didn’t mention my third experience with QCS. It was when Apple’s Snow Leopard operating system came out last year. I’m always an early adopter of Apple products, and this operating system was supposed to be a major update. I called QCS (I know, but Best Buy was not carrying it, and QCS was the only Apple retailer in town at that time), and the dude told me they have it. The upgrade was supposed to be $ 29, but when he rung me up, he said $ 42 (or something close to that). When I asked about the discrepancy, he said the owner added $ 10 to it to cover shipping. This was strike three. Here’s what Brad said about that:
«I did have to pay apple next day air. Once I got my next shipment in 3 days later it was $ 29. Apple does not „FIX“ prices, vendors can charge what they need to to be able to cover costs. FYI if you charge what apple does on the web site you make 5% if the customer pays with an AMEX there is 3%, whatever to cover it’s share of ground shipping and you are lucky to pay a salesperson to answer the phone.»
You know what: too bad. Was it really worth it, Brad? You already gouged me twice. You want to take advantage of the loyalist Apple customers? You can explain all you want, but it sure looks like you’re were taking advantage of your no-​longer unique position of being the only Apple retailer in Macon.
Finally, here’s what he said about the MBP in our last email:
«I do not want you to have a bad feeling about my business. If you can bring me a copy of the service order from apple with what they did and to fix the problem with pricing, and your full name so I can look you up on my system I would be happy to refund the $ 85 for the MacBook Pro.»
I have the documents he asked for, but no refund. Instead, he called to harass me – to tell me I was wrong. Great business sense. And I have an even WORSE feeling about your business now, Brad.
Now, I have just two words for QCS: Peach Mac! Let me say them again: PEACH MAC! PEACH MAC! PEACH MAC!
Unfortunately, I have to revise my last review: run run run — take your computer elsewhere — buy your computers elsewhere. Peach Mac just opened up the road. They are WAY better than this sorry excuse for a business. In fact, I’m going to make sure Apple gets a letter about QCS, too.

When netbooks were first coming onto the scene I stopped by QCS to see if they had any so I could get some hands on experience with one and possibly buy one if I liked what I saw.
My wife and i walked in and asked the guy behind the counter if they had any netbooks. He gave us a haughty laugh and said «Oh, do you mean NOTEBOOKS? What brand?» I had to correct him and say «NETBOOKS, you know, small form factor laptops with 10″ or smaller screens and Intel Atom processors?» He just gave me a blank look.
If you’re working in a computer store you need to stay up on technology and netbooks are the fastest selling computers on the market and have been since they came out. His ignorance and attitude cost him a sale.
Also, they advertise that they carry Apple products but they seem to only carry the lower end of the product lines. When I asked about a mid level Macbook I was told that they could order one for me. I can order one for myself! If we got a Microcenter or Fry’s anywhere near here QCS would be out of business in a hurry!