Technologically Savvy Consumers don’t have to be all that Technical
July 27, 2010 – 10:00 amNot everyone is a techie but thanks to the internet, we all have the ability to be technologically savvy enough to make wise buying decisions. Technology product reviews, spec sheets, social media, blogs and websites, and other tools can all be used to help you figure out which technology tools to buy. The right technology tools will provide you with a great return on your investment and adequate research can help prevent buyer’s remorse. Much of the info below has been written in terms of our belief in our own abilities with our hosted Kerio Connect solutions here at GetSync’d.com but really, the info below can apply to making buying decisions for just about any product.
When looking at buying various technology tools, whether you’re looking for a hosted solution to sync your email, a new mobile phone, your next gaming console, or some other piece of technology, consider at least three things:
- Reputation
- Support
- Value added services
Reputation
Good news can spread but bad news tends to spread fast. This works to your advantage as a consumer because reading product reviews could help make your buying decision much easier. If you were looking at GetSync’d versus the Google apps sync tool, for instance, reading some reviews could help you learn about product strengths and weaknesses so you can make the right choice for hosted solutions. Learn which companies are well-regarded by their customers and which companies are not and that can narrow things down for you in terms of a long list of possibilities. Read up on product quality as well as the quality of the company supplying the product. Certifications and preferred partner status with manufacturers and technology companies is another good sign.
Support
When something is touted as user-friendly, that’s something that can be reassuring. But user-friendly and supported is even better. You don’t want to wait for five business days for a response when you log a support ticket for an essential tool. When you need help, you want it instantly, especially when you first get acquainted with software applications, for instance. Look for a company with a reputation for great support to save you frustration factor and help you get to benefit from the tool as soon as possible after you buy it.
Value Added Services
Do the companies you’re looking at offer competitive pricing, upgrades, enhancements, additional free tools, useful information, and advice that can make your life easier? These sorts of things help companies stand apart from their competition. To toot our own horn, GetSync’d, for instance, offers new and existing customers GetSecure services for free. This helps existing Hosted Kerio Connect customers benefit and new customers see that the product offers more than syncing; it offers ant-spam and anti-virus protection as well. When a company demonstrates willingness to continue to provide value to customers, this is a sign you’ve made a wise technology decision.
What do you think? In areas of pricing, support, product reviews, reputation, and quality, what’s most important to you when you decide to buy a technology product?


