The answer for one person may not be correct for someone else. The best we can do is to give you enough information to make the best decision. And who better to tell you about the services they provide then the people themselves. In this and future articles we will talk to the store operators, both large and small, and ask them the questions you want answered in hopes of helping you make that decision.

Once again we are off to examine an area reseller, in an effort to help you find the company that will provide you the finest service. This month, we visit DesignTech Computer Group in Dayton, Ohio. Its owner is Chris Smith.

MPCR: How long have you been in business?

DCG: I opened DesignTech Computer Group in January of 1997, before that I was a private consultant and worked in information technologies departments for various local and federal government agencies for 12 years.

MPCR: What makes you different from other dealers?

DCG: The high standards that we set for ourselves in quality and service. We expect nothing less from ourselves than perfection. For example, we offer over 86,000 computer products - that's over 36,000 more than the largest national chain store in the area. Our prices are lower, along with the product being delivered right to the client's front door, usually within one to two days. We deliver our systems, set them up and offer to train the client on how to use it. Plus we offer 24-hour support for our clients.

MPCR: Where are you located?

DCG: We do not have a storefront. This throws some people off, but we feel that we can offer better service and lower prices due to this. By not having the overhead of a storefront we can offer lower prices on all of our products. We can also be more responsive to new products and offer immediate reductions the day that price changes are announced

MPCR: What do you do if a customer wishes to see or have a product demonstration prior to purchase?

DCG: We have demo systems available to show our clients by appointment and we are completely accessible at all times. This allows us to operate as a one-to-one consultant for our clients, which means they get the best personal service at the best price.

MPCR: What sets your brand systems apart from the rest?

DCG: Our systems are custom made for each client. We don't have a typical system that we start with and then add a standard set of upgrades. We start from scratch with cases we have custom-built for us and then let the client choose from any product and any manufacturer on the market. We then install programs specific to our client's needs and perform custom configurations that make our systems unique in their details. If there are any manufacturer's rebates or price cuts that occur while we're building the system, we pass these savings along to the client. We deliver and set up each system. The large national chains charge for delivery. We also offer free training to our clients on how to use their system.

MPCR: What other extras do you provide?

DCG: We offer 24-hour toll-free support during the two-year warranty period. We keep a printout of every system configuration we build on file so we can help a client later decide what peripherals will best match their system. Our return clients (and they all have) receive special pricing on all products. I also believe that a person's name should hold weight. If one of our clients refers someone to us we give their referrals special pricing also. The biggest compliment to me is when one of our clients calls and just tells me what they want and to send it. They know that they will get the right item, the right support and the lowest price around.

MPCR: How do you keep up with the latest technologies?

DCG: I believe that you can judge a person by the company he keeps, so we have aligned ourselves with the top names in the industry. We are a Certified Intel Products Dealer, Authorized Diamond Multimedia Value Added Reseller, IOMEGA EasyReseller, Novell Partner and OEM Microsoft Authorized Partner. This allows us to have access to the manufacturer's training programs, as well as constantly reading and scanning the Internet for the latest trends and products.

MPCR: Why do you call yourselves ``team members"?

DCG: I work with several others with various skills and expertise. We evaluate a client's needs and then pair the client up with the exact person that I know can fill those needs. In this way we form a ``team" which is headed by the clients themselves because the team's goal is to satisfy the client.

MPCR: What message would you like our readers to get when they visit you?

DCG: Honesty and teamwork! That's what it's all about. It takes both parties to make a good computer match. If you buy an inferior computer or get horrible support from someone else, you will throw your hands in the air out of aggravation and scream ``I just don't get computers - I give up." But if I provide you a great computer that runs perfectly with excellent support, it may change your life. You may start a new career or hobby that will change your life forever.

MPCR: How can people contact you?

DCG: You can call DesignTech Computer Group at (937) 235-8012 or view our Web site at www.designtechgroup.com.