"Well built computer for a great price. Second computer I have bought from AVA. Got almost 4.5 years from first one. This computer was packed super nice and started right up out of the box. Would order another one again. Can barely buy the parts and assemble for what they charge for doing all the work."
"As a first time custom pc buyer, I was a little nervous about the whole process as well as how expensive it could become. AVADirect wasn't the first site I researched but ultimately, I thought that I didn't mind paying a bit more for the consistent positive reviews and experiences others had. So, I took the plunge on February 19th and used the custom builder to make the pc that had the components I wanted and still managed to stay under my budget.
Joe Mundy was always quick to answer my questions. With the experience I had, I definitely see myself recommending AVADirect to anyone looking to get a new PC. "
"My whole experience with AVA has been a positive one. I am very pleased, not only with the customer service, but also with the product itself. "
"As a former loyal Dell customer, all I can say is awesome, 1st class experience. AVADirect's customer service (Joe Mundy) was a tremendous help in ensuring that my configuration was right, making spot on recommendations for CPU cooling, which I hadn't considered, and Power Supply alternate when my first choice wasn't in stock. Overall VERY pleased with system and quality of build. First class experience and I would highly recommend AVADirect to anyone in the market for a new computer. AVADirect rocks."
"Great company to work with. Pretty much every option you could imagine is available to customize your computer as you see fit. Their website is also a great resource to help inform customers on various topics as well."
"Excellent customer service. Excellent build quality. Great choices for components. Operating system was set up properly, with no bloatware. I've built my own systems, ordered from other on line retailers, but now will refer everyone to AVADirect, and I will absolutely be a return customer. "
"Overall a good retailer. Lead time was a bit long, but I am pleased with the final product."
"Overall good experience. Lots of customization available, price was fair for product, and I had a good customer service experience when I had questions. Seems like they did a good quality build, and the computer was very well packaged for shipping. It does take them a bit to process your order and then complete the build, but overall not bad. I'd buy from them again."
"AVADirect helped me design the perfect computer! Their customer service and support helped me through the design process, which was quick and easy. Their pricing was terrific, too!"
"I had a great experience customizing my computer order through AVADirect. Their customer support was very responsive after they noticed some compatibility issues with my selections."
"Excellent quality build, professional and timely customer service at reasonable prices. I highly recommend them. "
"If you want a machine built to your specifications, and you don't want to do it yourself, AVADirect is the way to go. This is the second time I've used them, and I've been very happy both times. They have a great selection of components and friendly, knowledgeable staff."
"My experience with AVA was not eventful. I needed a new desktop computer, and remembered them as being commented on favorably in a "Toms Hardware" article. I placed an order through their website. Three weeks later I received it. It was way over-packaged and undamaged. The options requested were included and Windows 7 was pre-installed. It is everthing that I asked for without any problems. I am very pleased with AVA Computers. "
"Fantastic customer service and thorough guidance in computer purchasing. Couldn't be happier. Thanks Joe Mundy!"
"I thought this company was a good option for a custom built computer, but like so many others my experience with this company has quickly turned sour.
It is true in my experience that once they have your money, it is as if they become a completely different company. Their customer service is one of the absolute worst I have ever dealt with.
I would not recommend avadirect to computer buyers and I will not be doing business with them again.
update 3/14/14: After a months time, my computer was shipped back after attempting to have it repaired under the extended warranty that was purchased in a condition in which it was not shipped to this company. The computer case has been damaged covered in white debri, with scratches, dents and bends to the components. In addition, the accessories required to be shipped back to avadirect with my computer arrived broken in pieces. It is clear to see that no care was taken while my system was in the possession of avadirect technicians. Their website states that they will notify their clients if a shipment arrives to their warehouse damaged, I was never notified, therefore it is safe for me to determine that the extensive damage occurred while the computer was in their possession, which is unacceptable and solidifies my opinion of this company's poor reputation.
Update 3/30/13:
The white clay-like debri covering the outside of the computer case, described in my earlier update, was underneath the plastic that the computer was shipped back in. Also, the manual that was shipped along with the separate components of my computer appears to be water damaged. This along with all those parts being shipped back to me in broken pieces makes me question their care of my components as well.
This was not the condition that the system was shipped to avadirect. Logically, this could not have occurred during shipment through fedex. Therefore, It is easy for me to conclude that the damage occurred while my computer was in avadirect's possession.
Understandably, I do not appreciate the lack of care and handling of my computer while it was in avadirect's possession."
“When AVA direct received this machine, it was easy to diagnose the two points of failure, both the graphics card and the CPU cooling unit were caked with thick, dark dust; both fans were non-functional based on this. The preseance of thick dust is classified as neglect toward routine maintenance listed in our warranty terms, which the customer agreed to: (http://www.avadirect.com/warranties.asp)
The limited warranty does not cover the following:
+Software, including the operating system and software installed by AVADirect's assembly and testing process, as well as any third party software.
+Failure due to viruses, bugs, or any type of malicious software.
+Hardware or components not assembled into the system by AVADirect staff.
+External computer hardware products and peripherals that are not purchased from AVADirect: speakers, keyboards, monitors, etc.
+Problems that result from: External causes such as accident, abuse, misuse, or problems with electrical power
+Servicing not authorized by AVADirect
+Usage that is not in accordance with product instructions
+Failure to follow the product instructions or failure to perform preventive maintenance
+Failure to follow AVADirect's technical support or RMA instructions including improper packaging
+Product that has been damaged by actions that are beyond AVADirect's control, including for example, impacts, fluids, fire, flood, wind, earthquake, lightning or similar disaster, war, strike, lockout, epidemic, destruction of production facilities, riot, insurrection or material unavailability
+Product for which AVADirect has not received payment.
+Any type of compenents custom modified by AVADirect through painting or finishing, disassembly, cutting, etc.
These terms are clear on the subject of maintenance, and keeping our custom-built machines free from heavy dust to prevent damage that may occur. AVADirect does it's best to provide this information to our clients, to ensure every customer's machine runs optimally, however we are unable to ensure (unfortunately) these terms are facilitated once orders are shipped from our facility.
We are offering the customer discounted services in a situation, based on our terms and conditions, that forces AVADirect to deny the customer's warranty claim. We feel this is a very fair approach, considering the circumstances.
3/20/14
proto01 did not purchase an extended warranty from AVADirect; our standard Silver, 3-year limited parts warranty was purchased, as shown on proto01's receipt. As stated previously, AVADirect received proto01's system filled with thick dust, to the point where the CPU heatsink refused to spin, and the graphics card was reaching unacceptable temperatures at idle, and under load.
Futhermore, AVADirect has nothing to gain by mistreating any RMA'd system, while in our possession. As a system builder, we do understand the importance of being able to determine where the disconnect came from. Specifcally, AVADirect takes photos of all orders prior to shipping back to the customer. The state in which the PC is now in, as described by proto01, was not shipped from AVADirect in that condition. Pictures of proto01's system can be seen below.
Proto01's System pictures upon receipt
http://imgur.com/a/XK1lQ#0
Proto01's System pictures prior to shipping back
http://imgur.com/a/GScyw#0
AVADirect did not notify proto01, upon receipt of their RMA, as no damage was incurred. As seen in the posted pictures, proto01's system and accessories were returned undamaged, and without bends to the components - AVADirect also placed a custom, ESD-safe packing material internally to protect system components from damage.
It is possible the system may have become damaged in return transit, in which proto01 would need to contact AVADirect so we can attempt to file a shipping claim. It is very important for our customers to contact AVADirect immediately upon finding damages, as there is a limit to when shipping claims can be filed.
4/1/2014
"The white clay-like debri covering the outside of the computer case, described in my earlier update, was underneath the plastic that the computer was shipped back in."
The "white clay debris" are most likely tiny pieces of Styrofoam, which is typical when a case's packing material is made of this material.
"Also, the manual that was shipped along with the separate components of my computer appears to be water damaged."
Water damages would have been reported immediately upon receipt. For water damages to occur, this would mean AVADirect staff would have needed be within proximity of liquids within our RMA department. This is impossible, as AVADirect has a very strict policy against bringing food, drink, or liquid into all areas where sensitive computer components exist.”
"I'm on my second AVADirect computer and both have been excellent machines. They did a good job of putting them together and the service has been great. Would use them again. "
A rep from AVADirect Custom Computer, MerchServe, has responded:
“You're most welcome, sharbs! Thank you very much for your business, and we look forward to providing you with a plethora of custom solutions in the future!”