Covid Issues

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Covid and the problems it is causing

As we are all aware Covid has had a devastating impact on all of our lives. The computer industry, unfortunately, has not been left unscathed with many products hard, if not impossible, to obtain and many others suffering from higher prices. Here is a run down of common problems we have experienced.

Laptops have been in huge demand and low availability pusing prices up. Even refurbished laptops are 30% to 50% more expensive than they should be as supplies of new ones have dried up schools have become desperate to keep children learning from home and will pay almost anything to do this. We are doing what we can maintain stocks of reasonably priced laptops but our range is smaller than normal. As supplies of laptops are showing signs of improving unfortunately they appear to be going to all of the big players who order thousands at a time meaning that they are, as of January 2021, the like of PCWorld are frequently cheaper than we we can even buy at but please be aware that many of the big retailers focus more on price than a quality, long lasting product. When sorted by price the first third of PC World's listings are just not fit for purpose and are lower spec than all but our cheapest refurbs.

Webcams. For months we were unable to source webcams not costing 3 times the normal rate. This problem does appear to be resolved currently and stocks seem plentiful

Printers. Another product that has been in short supply but there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel and we hope to have printer back in stock during January. All that seems to be currently availably so far is either dirt cheap printers that cost more for the inks or commercial grade unit with commercial grade prices.

Computer components. Since so many more of us have had time on our hands there has been a massive rise in the demand for gaming PCs. Combined with manufacturing slow downs in the far east this has once again pushed up prices and decresed availability. Frequently quotes have to be ammended for customers even if there has only been a day or two from our initial quote.

We hate the idea of rushing customers to make a decision about what can be a significant purchase but in the current climate we're sorry to say that swift decisions are needed to afoid disapointment. Now there are vaccines we hope there is light at the end of the tunnel but this is a global problem and it is going to take a long time for things to get back to normal.