Puget Custom Computers: Build to Order Computer Systems

Most Commonly Asked

What degree of support accompanies each of your built to order computers?
How can I know what kind of computer I need? I don't even know the difference!
How much will it cost to ship a computer to me?
What addresses can you ship to?
Why should I order through Puget Systems instead of a larger company like Dell?
Where are you located? Do you have a retail storefront?
Do you offer financing?
How quickly can you get a computer system to me?
What is a "burn in" process, and what exactly do you do?
Do you have any sales or special pricing?

Additional FAQ Categories

Q: What degree of support accompanies each of your built to order computers?

A: We understand that the best way to success is through completely satisfied customers. Your computer from Puget includes email and phone support for as long as you own the machine. It is our commitment to provide tech support to the extent that ensures the proper function of your hardware. While this includes resolving basic problems with your operating system, any help needed beyond this is not covered by our support. For complete warranty information, please see our warranty page.

Q: How can I know what kind of computer I need? I don't even know the difference!

A: A large part of every one of our sales is the initial consulting. The best thing you can do is to start by telling us what you will be using this system for, and if you have any preferences regarding the size, appearance, or noise level of the computer. That information, combined with a target budget for your purchase, will allow us to make a complete recommendation for you! We take great care to explain all of the choices to you, and to tell you why we recommend the parts we do. You may not know the difference right now, but it is our job to educate you enough that you can make an informed decision. We are always happy to work with you! Just send us an email to get started. We've also got a great guide to computer hardware, which you can find here.

Q: How much will it cost to ship a computer to me?

A: In order to estimate shipping costs, we not only need your address, but we need to know the size and weight of your computer. Therefore, we really can't give a rate quote until you have a quote on file. The best way to get a pricing estimate on shipping is to put together a computer on our website and save it to your account. If you then go to "My Account" and view your saved configuration, there is a link that will show you all your shipping options and their costs.

Alternately, you can go to UPS.com and get a pricing estimate. We charge our shipping at cost, so the price you see there should be fairly accurate. Use Auburn, WA 98001 as the origin address.

Q: What addresses can you ship to?

A: Puget Systems can ship to any address in the US or Canada that can be confirmed by a credit card or checking account issued in either of those countries. When you submit payment, we check your address against the one(s) on file with your bank, and the two must match. If you would like to ship to an alternate address - one that is *not* on file with your bank - you have two options:

1) Give us the address that is on file with your credit card company. Then fax in a copy of your credit card (front and back) with your driver's license (front and back) and write out the address you would like the system shipped to. Our fax number is (425) 484-6208.

or the easier method...

2) You can call your credit card company and have them add that alternate address as an authorized shipping address (we will still need the billing address).

Q: Why should I order through Puget Systems instead of a larger company like Dell?

A: First, Puget Systems has one thing Dell can never have: extremely responsive and extensive customer service. Our average response time to client emails is under an hour, and it is not uncommon for us to exchange a dozen emails with a client before they purchase. It's not Dell's fault that they can't perform those services -- they are simply too big to offer that. If you take a look at our customer testimonials, you will see that we have an excellent record when it comes to service. We will stop at nothing to make sure you are completely happy with your purchase. That is our main strength over Dell. Second, we believe our systems are configured much more intelligently than Dell's. Since they do not have the time to work with each and every customer, their computers are not tailored to fit each customer's unique needs. Puget Custom Computer Systems, on the other hand, makes sure to take the time to correctly configure a computer. While working with you to put together a computer system, the first question we ask is "What will this computer be used for?" If your computer supplier, whether it be Dell or Puget Systems, does not know the answer to that question, there is no way the build to order computer can be tailored to suit your needs!

Q: Where are you located? Do you have a retail storefront?

A: Puget Custom Computers is based in Auburn, WA -- just a few miles from the SeaTac airport. At this time, we operate as an internet business only, but you are welcome to stop by our office and chat! Without the cost of sales clerks, the monthly rent for a retail facility, and all the associated costs, we are able to greatly reduce our margins on every system we sell. This means lower prices for you. At the moment we are doing quite well in this position, and have no intention of opening a retail facility. It is our primary goal to provide quality systems and great customer service at the lowest possible prices.

Q: Do you offer financing?

A: Regrettably, we do not. We have found that our interest rates would not be competitive, so we have not pursued this option. We do however accept all major credit cards, money orders, checks, and government and educational PO's.

We can also accept PayPal, and they have aquired a financing company called BillMeLater. If you set up a PayPal account, or already have one, you may apply for credit through that program - and if eligible may then use that to purchase from us and make monthly payments.

Q: How quickly can you get a computer system to me?

A: In most cases, we can ship a computer system out in 5-7 days. Compare that with the average 10-15 days from most of our competitors! Depending on the shipping method you choose, this means that a computer can be at your door in the same week that you place your order! If you are in the Seattle area, you also have the option of picking up your computer from our Auburn, WA warehouse the moment it leaves production. If your order includes special order or low demand parts, it takes additional time. New! Click here for complete information on our delivery times.

Q: What is a "burn in" process, and what exactly do you do?

A: Anytime you use new computer components, you are subject to the effects of manufacturing defects, shipping damage, and many other possible sources of component failure. A "burn in" process stresses these components, so that if they are close to failure, we can make sure they break here so we can fix or replace them. It is much like the way Boeing puts huge stresses on aircraft wings before flying the aircraft -- if the wings have a defect and are going to fail, they want that failure to happen before the aircraft leaves the plant. So, a burn in is a way of ensuring that only hardware without defect leaves our facility. What exactly do we do? The first tests we run are very targeted, and put a high amount of stress on individual components. Memory is tested with the utility from MemTest86.com, the CPU is tested at the same time (MemTest86 also stresses the CPU). The hard drive is tested with the manufacturer's factory certification utility. This all takes about 6 hours. Windows is then installed, and all driver updates are installed. At that time, we use two utilities from FutureMark.com -- PCMark 2005 and 3DMark 2005. PCMark stresses the system with everyday functions (JPEG compression, audio conversion, 2D display, etc), while 3DMark tests the 3D video acceleration on your video card and directX software. These utilities are also used to provide benchmark data. They take about 3 hours to run, and are often left looping when the system is in standby for shipping. These utilities stress all aspects of your system simultaneously, and causes the system to run as hot as it can possibly run. This is when we monitor the temperature of your system to ensure adequate cooling. Most problems uncovered in our burn in process are found very early. Memory problems are usually found within 5 minutes, and temperature problems within an hour of the last step. Due to this fact, we feel that the testing we do is more than enough to ensure a great experience for you and your new computer!

Q: Do you have any sales or special pricing?

A: We have a very clear policy on our pricing -- our prices are based on our costs. There are many companies out there that know they can get away with charging $5 more for parts here and there, and then price other parts more competitively to look more attractive. We do not do that. That's why we do not have specials, sales, promotional pricing, or anything of the sort unless they mirror a reduction in our costs. It has always been our goal to make the entire process as simple and clean as possible so you know exactly what you're paying for.

In that same spirit, we do firmly believe that if we experience a lower cost of production, that savings should be passed along to you. Therefore, we do run some specials on occasion, to help focus our sales to specific configurations (reducing our costs of manufacturing), and offer discount on quantity orders, starting at quantity 5. Click here for details.

Would you like to see a question and answer added to this page?
Email your question to us at !