Elite seals are prestigious banners given to retailers who are loved by their customers. To get one, a retailer has to consistently get high scores over time
"Assembly was professional and done with a fine attention to detail. Packaged carefully and included all manuals, accessories, upc codes, driver discs, etc.
They knew right away when I chose two incompatible pieces of hardware. It would be nice if the website helped indicate what hardware is compatible (both physically and electronically), as I think it would make the shopping experience less intimidating for those of us with intermediate computer knowledge. Still, they perfectly fill the niche of those who want more options than somebody like Dell provides, but does not want to take on the time and risk of building a computer from scratch.
Took the full 10 business days quoted for assembly but well worth the wait. thank you"
"Excellent company to work with. I received my new machine right on time, and everything was carefully and professionally packed. I was up and running in minutes after I opened the box. All specs were followed to the T. The couple interactions I had with customer service were great. Received fast, courteous responses and both questions I had were resolved immediately. I highly highly recommend AVA Direct."
"The way to go if you want a custom system but want someone else to assemble it and, more important, want a warranty on the system. The variety of components offered is outstanding and the final build quality exceptional. Plus, AVADirect doesn't just put together the system without considering the options you've chosen. I had one unusual option selected. Rather than just build it as I specified they double checked with me to be sure I hadn't made a mistake when I configure the system.
I've had my system for over 2 months now and am still very pleased with it. You can find sites that will be cheaper than AVADirect but not by a lot and, at best, they could only match AVADirect's level of service and quality. I suspect most of those lower cost sites wouldn't come close.
At 19 days from placing the order until when it shipped it did take 3 or 4 more days than I'd hoped for but I did place the order the day before Thanksgiving so I wasn't overly surprised by that. AVADirect will be the first place I go next time I'm buying a system."
"Simply amazing!
Over the past couple of months, I researched and reviewed all components in advanced. This was my first time I needed someone to build a bare bone computer system. I was concerned about spending a great deal of money on a online store. I narrowed down 2 build companies to build my system. AVADirect was my choice. They have the best selection of HIGH
quality components that I have seen. Everything posted on their site explained the entire process, from start to finish. I receive my order confirmation, build status and all the shipping details as promised. When I received the computer the packing was outstanding, no damage and all paperwork and CD’s were all arranged neatly in the Motherboard box. The one thing that really jumped out was when I opened my case, was the professional detail taken in placement of the wiring. VERY, VERY Nice. I will be a return customer!!!!! Thanks AVADirect."
"I was very impressed with the selection options that AVADirect offers, the price is incredible and the build quality is the best that I have seen on a computer (even the ones I build which I thought were the best!)
It takes a little while to get your computer but as they say in the finest kitchens, good food takes time and their computers are worth it."
"I'm thrilled with my experience with AVADirect! I've built my previous two computers, but have not kept up with the various parts and compatibility issues, so I went to AVADirect when I needed a new "box". Joe and Chris Mundy were exceptional in helping me put the right parts together for a computer that will serve me now and later. There were some issues with one of the parts, discovered because AVADirect will not ship a completed system until it has proven stable - and mine did not. Troubleshooting the problem and switching out a malfunctioning part solved the problem, though this did delay the unit shipping to me. Do I appreciate the fact that this troubleshooting was done at AVADirect's end and NOT mine? You bet! My new computer arrived and was a "wow" in itself. The unit was securely packed for shipping. The various cables inside are beautifully bundled and secured against flopping around. The accompanying "bits and bobs" and documentation were neatly packed in the motherboard box. Overall, a very professional job from start to finish. One small quibble - I wish AVADirect had been more pro-active in contacting me when there was a delay in the process (the bad part, troubleshooting and replacing same). When I contacted them, however, a response was quick and informative. I would DEFINITELY use AVADirect again!"
"I have now ordered five systems from AVA Direct for my team of developers. The systems have all been excellent, save one, which had a bad on-board Ethernet port. Their support was flawless, sending me a new motherboard quickly, and without any hassle. We will be continuing to purchase systems from them, at least five more. Danny Cox"
"I have posted detailed review of my buying experience at
http://www.ponticstar.com/blog/2010/01/11/best-place-to-buy-a-computer-online/
Overall I would recommend AVADirect to anyone who wants to buy a computer online. Their professionalism, prices and warranty are hard to beat. Although you are expected to have some knowledge about computers and their components, you can always contact AVADirect with any questions or recommendations. I am pretty sure they will patiently answer all of your questions and help you out building computer of your dream within your budget."
"Joe and Jim did an excellent job of tailoring a system that met several critical criteria. They were very prompt in getting back to me and contacted me as soon as there were any issues with the configuration of my system, or parts that were on back-order. I am extremely pleased with the system that they built for me and it was nice to go and pick it up in person. I would highly recommend that you make your next computer purchase with them.
Update - 5/19/2010 - The motherboard in my laptop went bad. I sent in my laptop the last Wednesday of April. AVADirect had to send my laptop to the manufacturer to get the mb replaced. I use this laptop for my business and school. They paid for the shipping to their facility and put a RUSH on my replacement. I will be getting my laptop back sometime this week, they will be overnighting it to me. I had to play communications tag with Chris their support director to keep him on top of the progress of my laptop - he was not as communicative with me as I wanted him to be. In order to try and placate me, he offered me games - the games that he offered were all cheap and in one case I could have downloaded it myself for free. So my support experience has been less than stellar thus far. Sent a communication to their CEO and President to make sure that they are aware of my displeasure.
Update 5/23/2010 - I received a very prompt e-mail from the CEO and President, asking me what we could do to turn my experience into a satisfactory one. I was quite pleased with the extra attention and detail that Alex added to my experience. The fact that he was willing to work with me, speaks volumes about this company. Laptop came back in tip top shape."
"Jim Gasper and the team at AVA Direct did what no others could do. They delivered the powerful 3D Workstations we needed in the most professional and timely manner I have ever had the pleasure dealing with. Fantastic customer contact from Jim Gasper. He was on the phone with me every step of the way insurer I was delivered what I wanted and needed. Their prices can't be beat, I know I tried. We will do all of our business with AVA Direct from now on."
"I needed a mobile graphics workstation for my digital photography, video, and 3D work. After shopping around at major vendors, I found they could not offer me the options I wanted.
AVA Direct's website and customer service department helped me get the hardware and sofware configuration that worked for me."
"After researching a number of custom builders, I chose AVA Direct and was impressed all through the process of refining my order and receiving my new computer.
Good communication, excellent service, and exceptional build quality. I expected the custom build to take a couple weeks, so I was neither surprised or disappointed that it took that long to receive. I guess I'm happy to wait a few extra days for the quality provided.
I'm not a high-end gamer ... just a moderate home-office power user with a desire for the option of a solid home media-server ("all-in-one").
I'm very happy with AVA Direct and look forward to ordering from them again in the future.
Greg Bjerke
Fargo, ND"
"I would not hesitate to recommend AVADirect to any of my friends and family and will do business with them again.
The build is beautiful and the customer service has been outstanding.
I started configuring a system at a competitors website. While researching components and the competitor, I kept reading less than complimentary reviews of that competitor and came across the ResellerRatings reviews for AVADirect. I was very nervous about making such a large purchase over the internet. The reviews convinced me to check AVADirect's website.
After configuring a system using their tools, I decided that I didn't know as much as I thought and called there 877 number. Joe Mundey answered and asked a few questions about what I wanted and how I would be using the computer. I knew what kind of computer I wanted, Joe knew what I needed. He reworked my initial configuration to eliminate all conflicts and suggested changes that would make the computer into the one I actually wanted. He explained there procedures, what they would do and how it would be done. He explained the burn in process, which is what convinced me that AVADirect was right choice.
The wait was hard for me but when the system finally arrived It was worth it. The build Is finely crafted. The wiring runs show an attention to detail that is over the top. The air flow through the machine is unimpeded. I thought this thing would sound like a jet, but it is extremely quiet. Everything works and it is the fastest computer I have ever been close to.
I had a single issue with the computer. I could not see one of my hard drives in Windows. I contacted AVADirect and they started working on the problem. Within minutes I got an email back from Chris Mundey with suggestions on how to solve the problem. It took two tries but we found that a cable had worked lose in shipping."
"Other than an expected longer waiting period due to everyone wanting to upgrade to Windows 7 during the holiday season, I am delighted with my experience with AVA Direct. The packaging was excellent. The computer is awesome. The pricing is very competitive. I would definately recommend this company to anyone wanting to buy a new PC."