"To clarify abbreviations and a symbol used in my review, I've listed them with their descriptions below:

"KCC" = KC Computers, "~" = is approximately equal to, "h" = hours, "m" = minutes, "s" = seconds, and "EDT" = Eastern Daylight Time.

Customer Service: 9.7/10

At my request, KCC and I contacted each other only by e-mail. With a respectful and positive attitude, KCC consistently communicated with me seven days a week and answered all of my questions individually.

After collecting data from 12 of my e-mail inquiries and KCC's corresponding 12 replies to my e-mail inquiries, I calculated the amount of time that elapsed between when I sent each e-mail inquiry and when I received KCC's corresponding reply. Here are the results:

Minimum time ~ 3m 54s
Average time ~ 2h 29m 36s
Maximum time ~ 13h 13m 15s

When I explained my RAM modules choice: "I'm specifying my RAM to be Kingston HyperX DDR2-800 2048MB. I want two of those modules, which would yield 4GB total in 2 RAM slots," KCC responded with: "Kingston HyperX DDR2-800 2GB (2x1GB) $170 x 2." I requested two 2GB modules (KCC's price = $340), but KCC quoted me for four 1GB modules. Although I explained my RAM choice a second time and resolved the misunderstanding, I deduct 0.1 customer service point to equate to KCC's inattentiveness to my first explanation. Current customer service rating = 9.9.

To my request: "If you can use Fed-Ex shipping, then please inform me of your required shipping price for each shipping option," KCC responded with: "UPS Ground Shipping/insurance/packaging (~4 business days) $75." I was interested in using FedEx because I specified the shipping company by name. I don't know if KCC ignored my interest in using FedEx, but I deduct 0.2 customer service point because if KCC couldn't use FedEx, then KCC could've at least stated that FedEx couldn't be used and explained why FedEx couldn't be used. Current customer service rating = 9.7.

I requested KCC to only install MS Windows XP Home Edition and all of the hardware drivers on my computer, and I noticed that the only other software installed was Prime95 (according to Wikipedia, Prime95 can be used to stress test a computer).

Each time that I didn't immediately respond to one of KCC's e-mails, KCC e-mailed me again to ask me if I had received its initial e-mail and demonstrated attentiveness for ensuring uninterrupted customer support.

Pricing of Products and Services: 10/10
Shipping and Packaging: 10/10

I paid $75 for, according to KCC, "UPS Ground Shipping/insurance/packaging (~4 business days)." I'm guessing that "~4 business days" means I should receive my order within approximately 4 complete business days from the shipment day.

June 22, Friday: KCC informs me that it hopes "to ship early next week barring any issues."
June 26, Tuesday: KCC notifies me that it hopes "to ship Wednesday after final testing."
June 27, Wednesday: At about 2:49 P.M. EDT I receive a KCC e-mail which states that KCC is shipping my order on the same day.
July 03, Tuesday: At approximately 4:50 P.M. EDT I receive my order.

If I count Wednesday as an incomplete business day for UPS shipping, then I received my order in 4 complete business days (5 business days if UPS continued to ship my order on Saturday, June 30).

Packaged with my computer were product manuals, unused product parts/accessories, and installation discs for hardware drivers and software programs.

Assuming that KCC does provide lifetime customer service and labor without additional financial cost, then I am completely satisfied with KCC's prices.

Return or Replacement: ?/10

I requested KCC to test all of my computer's hardware including an external hard drive (KCC's price = $150 for a Western Digital 320GB external hard drive) that I also purchased from KCC. I have not encountered any hardware problems, I have not noticed any damages or issues on my computer case, and I therefore have not needed to return or replace anything.

Likelihood of Future Purchases: 10/10

I plan to continue to purchase products from KCC, and I've recommended KCC to the two most important people, excluding myself, in my existence."

"My buying experience with KC Computers has been superb. I feel I was given excellent guidance and consideration, the purchase and delivery went great, and I was given great customer service after the sale as well!

D. Wilson

"

"The guys at KC were very helpful and very professional at getting me a well built system, quickly and at a great price."

"Kevin from KC Computers was extremely friendly and helpful from the point when I first considered buying a computer from him to today, two weeks after I received my brand new desktop. Some qualities that truly set him apart from all other computer manufacturers out there:
1. Responsiveness: I had several questions for Kevin during this process of creating/purchasing my computer, ranging from, "Which video card will I need to do *this*?" to "Will my sound card have any conflicts with Windows Vista?" I felt confident that I could call KC Computers at any time to get comprehensive answers to these, or any other, similar questions.
2. Professionalism: KC Computers, like others have said, does not try to sell you something you do not need. They only try to find the ideal scenario/setup for what *you* identify as *your* needs. Also, as a side note, from the point at which I provided my original quote to KC, I paused, resumed, paused, and again resumed my computer purchase, i.e. I put my order on hold a couple of times while I looked around some more and even reevaluated my need for a new computer. Notwithstanding, when contacted KC Computers to resume the process, it was like nothing had happened and we quickly finalized my computer purchase.
*** Also: near the end of my computer's assembly, I discovered through some internet research the debut of the 8800 GT 512 MB video card; this would outshine the 8600 GTS 312MB I had originally selected. Kevin diligently worked with me to do a last minute switchout, and gave me the overclocked card to boot. If there's only one stone to throw in this review, I would have liked Kevin to suggest that this card was out there and that, for a comparable price, it offered even better performance for the 8600 GTS (in lieu of me doing my own research). However, my rating of KC Computers remains as "very satisfied" given the fact that he responded so quickly to change it out.
3. Quality: The computer I received arrived in tip-top shape, all cables/disks were packaged and organized immaculately. The computer booted up like a charm and cleanly, i.e. no sorts of bundled software.
4. Price: Price was pretty competitive with what other custom-builders offer. I felt like I really got my money's worth with this deal. The lifetime support and keen responsiveness from this company make me even more confident of my purchase.

Be assured that my next computer, desktop or laptop, will be built by KC Computers. I am very satisfied with their work.

"

"Excellent service answered my e-mails as late as 2 am in the morning! Also saved me around 300 dollars on uneeded components and the computer is just what i wanted. Good price excellent craftsmanship on the computer no problems at all had the computer for around 5 months now and no hiccups. Would recommend to anybody wanting a custom computer with no hassle and the best customer support i have ever experienced"

"Like what every other reviewer said.. Kevin was great and prompt in his responses, always answers your questions throughly, and sells great computers at competitive prices! I've been running this PC for 2 months now without a hitch. Will definitely purchase my next PC from them."

"Prices are average to a little above average. However, the prompt reponses from Kevin through email is worth the little extra you pay. He'll help you out if you're unsure on what to buy and he will make sure to give you some ideas within your budget. Had a few minor difficulties that Kevin helped me resolve promptly."

"Good service, very thorough and open to lots of consultation before purchase. A new website is on the way, and that will be very nice."

"Kevin was extremely helpful during the ordering process, and constantly kept me up to date with my order status. My laptop arrived in perfect condition very quickly too - you'd be hard-pressed to find another store that caters to your every whim. Thanks again Kevin!"

"This is a review of the second computer purchased from KC. The computer arrived well packed and in pristine shape. It performed perfectly right out of the box. I purchased from KC approximately 4 months ago. Granted, I had a few minor problems with my first, Kevin was accessable at all times, allowing me the level of comfort necessary to purchase my second PC for my son. Keep up the good work. There probably is no better review than to buy from thw same vendor again."

"KC Computer has a great customer service, their prompt reply of emails from the beginning of the build to actually receiving the computer was a great help; he answered all of my questions regarding the build, and some questions that I had in my mind. The price was beautiful, with the amount of help that they gave me, I think it's totally worth it. The day that I received my computer, I was amazed by the decent job they've done on this computer; the wires in the case were organized so it doesnt look messy, and most importantly, the computer is working very very fine. But I soon encounter a hard drive problem, and Kevin suspected that it could be a hard drive failure so he immediately ordered a replacement drive from Seagate which arrived in like 2 or 3 days, now where would you get that kind of support, with no extra cost. This is definitely a great company to do business with, great customer service, great price, great job KC Computers!"

"KC Computers provided excellent support, which is the reason I used them. They noticed they had installed the wrong memory even before I received the computer, and had the correct memory in the mail. After the swap, everything has been running fine."

"If you're looking for good customer service, this company is a solid choice. After a bit of back and forth with Kevin via e-mail regarding what type of computer I could afford, I placed my order. The machine arrived DOA, but Kevin was very responsive via e-mail and then on the phone to get the problem corrected (had to test the RAM, format the drive and reinstall Vista - a fairly simple process, although seating the RAM was unnerving for a noob like me - if that sort of thing is old hat to you, no worries). They definitely care about getting things right at KC - even after something goes wrong. From what I've read about other mail order PC vendors, this is a rare commodity. Buy with confidence that even if something isn't working, KC will see that it gets fixed."

"(below added 04.21.09)
A Second time dealing with these folks and absolutely PERFECT!. Kevin is wonderful and very courteous, helpful, knowledgeable, professional, perfect quality, and prompt! I used to build my own computers but it got to be too much and I was and AM, VERY glad to have found KC computers. They will build it however you want and for what you want with QUALITY components that last and work wonderfully. That was key to me, when I built computers, I refused to build them if the customer wanted cheap no name components that wouldn't last the first month...I insisted on quality components even tho they may cost a little more. And tho KC will build with what you want, that they can obtain, They DO know quality components and recommend them and they don't recommend more than what you need like some do, to get more money. Kevin, what can i say? Many, Many thanks for another wonderful job and I WILL be back and WILL recommend you to others!!Thanks so very much.
My only beef is that I wish Resellerratings would allow a person to post review for each purchase from the same vendor instead of just updating the same review, but that is ok...thanks for this site guys!


(below written 10.15.07

Well, another satisfied customer. I sure don't understand why it is not a full 10 rating over here, for it not to be is just plain wrong. I have dealt with others such as monarch(they went under) who were good, but these guys at KC have outdone them all. A very very topnotch profedssional company and KEVIN IS the man. They put up with a not so nice email from me at the beginning, and had tremendous, endless patience throughout all facets of this order and treated me very very nicely, much nicer than I deserved. And now that the computer is here they are still very very fast and quick to respond and help or advise in any way they can. Kevin also gave me a lot of advice prior to the order on diff components so i got what I needed. They are not pushy. They are very polite and nice, almost too much so...chuckling.
The order went thru just fine, lickety split, and the computer was here before I was expecting it. Packaging for shipment was outstanding. Like I said, all facets of this deal was perfect or above perfect. They simply just don't come any better than KC Computers. I am also grateful there is an honorable company like them still around to do bare bones, and small enough to be personable and carry on a nice professional relationship with a customer. Another words, they aren't too big for their britches. They have been Very Very very honest with me. I trust them/Kevin totally.
Again, they bent over backwards for me, a kinda rude customer at the first and they never wavered from their customer care. And customer care, unlike with companies like Dell, etc, means just what it says to KC Computers.....Customer CARE..and the to care and take care of their customers.
So anyone looking for components or barebones or a system, you can't go wrong with KC, in fact I will be returning for another system next year...Hear that Kev?....stay in business bro...I'll be back!! Prices were very reasonable. In the early 2000's I built computers for 3 or 4 yrs and I would only build ones with quality components that were dependable and would last...and may cost just a mite more than a chep component that would not last a year, so I know how this business is, and they gave me a computer with components I am pleased with at a very reasonable price, and this computer will last for years to come.
I have thought long and hard and can't think of one thing about this whole transaction that was not tip top. Thanks again, KC and Kevin....t"

"Wow!..what more can I say, looking at all these great reviews, I'm reminded that it was these that initially steered me to Kevin and KC Computers and I am so grateful for it. Every word written is so true and it's great to see that Kevin has consistently provided this excellent level of service and professionalism to everyone.

My story is this: I had been researching a custom build for many months, especially as I was transitioning into a new field: 3D Animation/Art & Design - and needed
a system that could handle the necessary applications but also be truly unique to me- my own special custom rig. I was ready to build my own, with some extra prompting from friends, but was concerned about follow up support and service as this investment was so important to my ongoing career work. The last thing I wanted was to have to worry about the extra legwork, time and hassles with certain manufacturers and vendors should something go wrong. With KC's minimum 1 year warranty plus they provide lifetime customer technical support- it was a no brainer, and a good deal at that- read on...

Some words about cost- I had done my homework pretty thoroughly and in my situation, I would NOT have saved all that much money doing a self build (certainly not what it was worth for the time it would take me and to have the assurance of support), and pricing out my specs through the "major" full system vendors/retailers such as Dell, HP, Boxx Tech, Alienware, etc, would have resulted in at least a 40-50% higher cost, (sometimes more!)at all of them. Again, no brainer. Plus, it is my design- not some big mass vendor's. Kevin collaborates with you every step of the way with speedy responses, knowledgeable input, but no hard-sell here at all. It really was, and is, as if I was collaborating with him together to get exactly what I want and need. Even after receipt of my system I had some ongoing questions that Kevin responded to right away. I am very very happy with my decision to work with KC Computers and would recommend it to everyone who does not want to self build or spend a fortune with the big- name-poor-service-vendors !"