Hardware for Consignment Businesses

There may be 2 reasons to buy hardware from the software provider: 1) To be sure to get the correct hardware, and 2) convenience.

The name & model # of a hardware piece is all that is needed from the software provider. Search Google for the hardware make and model # and compare prices. Huge price differences.

Nothing is gained by purchasing hardware from a software vendor. The warranties and guarantees are the same. Shipping time will be the same (or longer with an unnecessary middle man added to the mix).

Here's one example: The Zebra 2824 Thermal Printer is available online with shipping and cable for just over $200. The exact same printer is listed at $399 by one software vendor. Add $14 more for the cable. An inflated $21 shipping charge is tacked on at the end. Total cost? $435. Markup for the vendor: 100%. Added benefit to you: Zero.

Some software vendors will charge fees if hardware isn't purchased from them. Turn about is fair play. Don't buy their software. It's over priced anyway and their policies may suggest a manipulative approach to business.

In addition to high annual fees ($150 to $600+) there are separate fees for hardware-related services: $45-$90 for 'printer support', $20 for 'scanner support', $75 for a printer driver (available online for free), $35 for a $10 flash drive. The kicker? $300 per computer for networking and no support for networking.

  Hardware for Consignment Shops...