Layout and Presentation
The PCS website is very well laid out and reasonably well presented. I do think some of the graphics are beginning to look a little dated, and the pages need to be made more accessible for the mobile market (maybe a dedicated mobile version of the site?) Some of the more recent graphical additions are much improved (the order chart and the configurator’s pop-up box, for example). It would be great if the website as a whole was updated to mirror this theme. That said, I think most users will take form over function – and rightly so. We all know a flashy website doesn’t always equate to the same standard in terms of service.
Configurator
Many custom build PC configurators are far more complex than they need to be, presenting the user with additional components they don’t need in an attempt to make them spend more than is necessary. The PCS configurator has a clean layout with plenty of (logical) options to choose from, accompanied by a useful help window for each, listing detailed specifications on the parts in question. The best bit about the configurator is that it’s both honest and intelligent – providing a warning where required and advising if a specification is over or underpowered. It really tailors to the customers’ needs which is great. You could take this system one step further by having it evaluate the “bang for buck” ratio of a system. I appreciate that this would be difficult to implement but I’m sure it’s doable, even if it only went as far as to point out whether or not a system is imbalanced (rank each CPU/GPU etc. into separate classes and display a message when two different components are several tiers apart).
Additional Features
Being able to view the current load on the call centre is a fantastic recent addition, though I do feel the delivery time and system clearance sections could be put to better use, as they rarely seem to be updated. More pre-built systems would be nice (though may not be feasible).
Sales Support
Knowledgeable and, most importantly, ENTHUSIASTIC staff based in an English call centre. They know what they’re talking about. No complaints from me here.
Order Process
Brilliant. Just brilliant. Sure it takes some time, but it’s well worth the wait in the end. You’re kept updated every step of the way by E-Mail, SMS and by phone if there’s been a problem or if there’s going to be a delay. This is how it should be done.
Delivery
DHL suck. This is my only criticism of the delivery service. I would rather pay £25 delivery for peace of mind’s sake, knowing my PC is going to arrive on my doorstep without any unscheduled trips. I blame DHL for my RMA. If not for them there probably wouldn’t have been a need for an RMA. See my previous posts regarding this for more information.
Package wise, the PC was well secured in a ‘specially designed box. Following my RMA additional protection was provided in the interior of the PC, as well as additional warning stickers that DHL chose to ignore. I would like to see some more bubble wrap/widgets but it may be that the packaging holds the PC rigid in that it does not need to be wrapped in anything else. I wouldn’t know. The welcome box is a thoughtful inclusion and contains all of the extra bits and bobs.
Aftersales Support
RMA system is fast and efficient (excluding weekends of course). Customer support remains outstanding even after purchase and the warranty conditions are generous. Even so, I think less experienced users should be given less encouragement to DIY. Perhaps an RMA may be more appropriate.
Forums
They rock. You get to know the PCS guys a bit better and this level of informality with the people building your PC is fab. There’s also supremely awesome volunteers such as me helping you out every step of the way! XD
Conclusion
Satisfied? You bet. You can be sure I’ll be sending plenty of custom your way from now on.
Pics to follow.
The PCS website is very well laid out and reasonably well presented. I do think some of the graphics are beginning to look a little dated, and the pages need to be made more accessible for the mobile market (maybe a dedicated mobile version of the site?) Some of the more recent graphical additions are much improved (the order chart and the configurator’s pop-up box, for example). It would be great if the website as a whole was updated to mirror this theme. That said, I think most users will take form over function – and rightly so. We all know a flashy website doesn’t always equate to the same standard in terms of service.
Configurator
Many custom build PC configurators are far more complex than they need to be, presenting the user with additional components they don’t need in an attempt to make them spend more than is necessary. The PCS configurator has a clean layout with plenty of (logical) options to choose from, accompanied by a useful help window for each, listing detailed specifications on the parts in question. The best bit about the configurator is that it’s both honest and intelligent – providing a warning where required and advising if a specification is over or underpowered. It really tailors to the customers’ needs which is great. You could take this system one step further by having it evaluate the “bang for buck” ratio of a system. I appreciate that this would be difficult to implement but I’m sure it’s doable, even if it only went as far as to point out whether or not a system is imbalanced (rank each CPU/GPU etc. into separate classes and display a message when two different components are several tiers apart).
Additional Features
Being able to view the current load on the call centre is a fantastic recent addition, though I do feel the delivery time and system clearance sections could be put to better use, as they rarely seem to be updated. More pre-built systems would be nice (though may not be feasible).
Sales Support
Knowledgeable and, most importantly, ENTHUSIASTIC staff based in an English call centre. They know what they’re talking about. No complaints from me here.
Order Process
Brilliant. Just brilliant. Sure it takes some time, but it’s well worth the wait in the end. You’re kept updated every step of the way by E-Mail, SMS and by phone if there’s been a problem or if there’s going to be a delay. This is how it should be done.
Delivery
DHL suck. This is my only criticism of the delivery service. I would rather pay £25 delivery for peace of mind’s sake, knowing my PC is going to arrive on my doorstep without any unscheduled trips. I blame DHL for my RMA. If not for them there probably wouldn’t have been a need for an RMA. See my previous posts regarding this for more information.
Package wise, the PC was well secured in a ‘specially designed box. Following my RMA additional protection was provided in the interior of the PC, as well as additional warning stickers that DHL chose to ignore. I would like to see some more bubble wrap/widgets but it may be that the packaging holds the PC rigid in that it does not need to be wrapped in anything else. I wouldn’t know. The welcome box is a thoughtful inclusion and contains all of the extra bits and bobs.
Aftersales Support
RMA system is fast and efficient (excluding weekends of course). Customer support remains outstanding even after purchase and the warranty conditions are generous. Even so, I think less experienced users should be given less encouragement to DIY. Perhaps an RMA may be more appropriate.
Forums
They rock. You get to know the PCS guys a bit better and this level of informality with the people building your PC is fab. There’s also supremely awesome volunteers such as me helping you out every step of the way! XD
Conclusion
Satisfied? You bet. You can be sure I’ll be sending plenty of custom your way from now on.
Pics to follow.
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