PC World disappoints in satisfaction survey Supermarkets outstrip high street PC giant
27 August 2009
Shoppers on the look-out for advice when buying a new computer should avoid big-name brands, warns Which?.
Computer high street PC giant PC World was ranked in bottom place in a recent survey of technology retailers achieving a disappointing customer score of just 42%. Currys was also languishing near the bottom with 45%.
Both specialist retailers rated below supermarkets, which achieved a slightly higher rating of 47%.
Sarah Kidner, Editor, Which? Computing says: 'Disappointingly, the shops that most people would probably turn to when buying a computer performed badly in terms of customer service. A computer is often a costly purchase, so make sure you get good advice and information before splashing out.'
Apple store staff praised
By comparison customers rated the specialist Apple stores top of the table awarding its retail outlets an overall satisfaction score of 88%. Although there are only a small number of Apple shops across the UK, they were praised for providing customers with all the information required, and for the availability of sales staff.
High street retailer John Lewis is also a favourite amongst computer buyers, scoring an impressive 84%. Independent shops also out-performed the more established computer shops with an average customer score of 73%.
The customer score is based on a combination overall satisfaction with a brand, and the likelihood to recommend it to a friend, based on responses from 7,683 online panel members who were asked about their experiences when buying a computer.
The survey also rated the best laptop and desktop brands with Apple again coming out on top in the desktop category with a customer score of 94%.
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