6 Smart Tech Buying Tips for Your Law Firm

We all fall prey to tricks when buying technology; often we don’t even realize we’re being tricked. Tactics like psychological pricing, upselling, and the classic bait and switch can subtly force you to spend more money than you had originally intended.
November 27, 2019
By Brittany Saucier

6 Smart Tech Buying Tips for Your Law Firm

Save yourself some time and money and shop smart.

We all fall prey to tricks when buying technology; often we don’t even realize we’re being tricked. Tactics like psychological pricing, upselling, and the classic bait and switch can subtly force you to spend more money than you had originally intended. 

The next time you go to buy a new gadget for the office, remember these tips and don’t get fooled into buying things your firm doesn’t need.

Extended Warranties Are The Devil

Whether you’re buying a $2500 laptop or a $400 smartphone, you’re likely to be offered an extended warranty. In most cases that “peace of mind” is a waste of your money. Here’s why:

  • Most one-year warranties only cover manufacturer defects. This means that if your laptop has been damaged because you happened to spill tea on it, or your phone somehow fell and the screen cracked, it won’t be covered.
  • It is difficult to prove that a defect is at the fault of the manufacturer. Many warranty payouts are denied on account of unrelated, trivial damage like a dent in the case or scratched screen. If the defect can be traced back to user error, it definitely will be.
  • Additional costs like shipping charges can add up if you want to get your device to a service center for warranty repairs.
  • Considering that some warranties can cost 10-30% of the price of the product, it is likely not worth the money.

Just because you bought a device from a certain retailer doesn’t mean that you should get all your accessories from there as well.

Just Say No to Accessories

The number one rule when it comes to shopping for new tech is to buy what you need. That TV stand might be a great place to set up the new flat screen you just bought for your waiting room, but do you really want to impulsively spend an extra $200 without shopping around first?

Just because you bought a device from a certain retailer doesn’t mean that you should get all your accessories from there as well. It is wiser to try multiple stores until you find the best deal. In the least you will be a more educated consumer, and can rest easy that you didn’t over pay.

Most companies try to lure you into purchasing accessories to go along with large purchases. Big ticket items are typically the items stores make the least money on, while marked up accessories are the real cash cow. Plan out what you need to buy beforehand and avoid buying expensive accessories out of impulse or convenience.

Wait for… the Price to Drop

This is an effective strategy when it comes to buying tech. If you’re shopping for the latest smartphone or laptop, it is always cheaper to not to be an early bird. Some worms aren’t worth the pull.

For example, back in 2014, the iPhone 6 had a market price of $849. Just one year later the same model sold for around $200. Remember, buying new tech isn’t a race. Instead of trying to play catch up with everyone else, be smart about when you choose to invest in anything new.

Tricksy, Useless Extra Feature

Let’s say you’re looking to buy a new camera. You could go for a $1500 Nikon DSLR that comes loaded with advanced features, but do you really need a camera suited for a professional photographer? The $500 DSLR will work just as well for your basic photography needs at a lesser price. You can always upgrade down the road if you decide you need more features. 

Carefully consider what you will be using your new purchase for and take a look at all the models available. Chances are you don’t need all the bells and whistles.

Cheap Computers! If You Get Here In Time…

Here’s the secret, you will never get there in time.

If you see an ad for a really stellar deal on a new router, and it seems too good to be true it probably is. Companies sometimes will advertise enticing deals just to get shoppers in the store. They may carry only one or two items at the sale price, and then they will tell you that they’ve run out of stock. You will likely get upsold on something else, a similar item perhaps, but not at the same price. 

If this happens to you, stick to your guns and your budget and keep shopping around.

Save the Gas, Shop Online

Most of these pitfalls can be avoided by shopping online! There is no sales person upselling you, no possibility of a bait and switch, and no guilt over not buying that warranty. You can easily compare prices and features, and your purchases will be delivered right to your door. The only thing to be aware of is impulse buying since it is SO easy to shop online. If you are able to stick to your budget, online shopping is hands down the way to go.

Hopefully with these tips you can go out and buy some great tech to keep your firm running smoothly.

 

If you are looking for more revenue to buy more tech, we can help. Cascade Digital Marketing has a Family Law Marketing system that will get you new clients automatically and generate more revenue every month. Through a proven system of web design and digital advertising, we get our family law clients new cases every month and up to 10 times ROI. What if you got $10,000 in fees for every $1,000 you spent on marketing? Interested? Let’s talk.

 

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