GUIDELINES ON PURCHASING

Where should we purchase?

Ideally as much of this equipment as possible should be purchased in your own country (especially the hardware), so that ongoing service can be obtained from the Supplier. ATN is unable to purchase equipment for you. Be sure that your PC conforms with the minimum specifications required (see Components section)

How to choose a PC or Camera supplier

When buying equipment, it is useful to remember the adage: "Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten"

This means that you are not simply buying equipment, but rather a long period of fault-free service. Complicated equipment, such as computers may require specialist attention at times. Therefore, you will need close contact with a supplier or service agent who is able to give you good ongoing service.

When selecting a supplier, we advise you to look for the following characteristics:

1 A good reputation for service after the sale has been made (ask people who have done business with the supplier)

2 Training and expertise in both the hardware and software you intend purchasing. You may need to ask contacts in the video and broadcasting industry, who use editing software.

3 Computers, cameras and software are their main type of business (not just a sideline)

4 Supplier has been in that business for at least 3 years. The computer industry is very competitive and many small companies disappear after a short time. When this happens, their warranty is usually worthless. Any price advantage you may have gained will then be lost.

What are the benefits of importing equipment?

Importing equipment should only be considered where it is not obtainable from local sources.

It is very tempting to think that a great price advantage will be obtained by importing. It is good to compare pricing of a local product with the cost of importing products from other countries. However, quite often with imported equipment there are some "hidden costs", such as documentation, transport, customs duties, etc. which must be added to arrive at the true cost. If this true cost is at least 20% below that of a local product, it may be worthwhile.

Consider the various elements that need to be added to arrive at your true cost for imported equipment:

TRUE COST = Purchase price + taxes + shipping + customs duties + clearance charges + bank charges + exchange costs

There are also certain intangible costs which are difficult to attach a money value to, such as warranty service, spares, incompatibility with local conditions and expertise from local suppliers.

About shipping and customs duties

Shipping may be done in various ways, depending on the country from which shipment originates. Request the supplier to send you details of the various methods of shipment and the estimated cost of each.

We strongly recommended that before placing your order, you obtain written permission from your customs authorities to import the equipment either at a reduced or at no charge for customs duties. If delivery dates are required, make them as wide as possible, in case of shipment delays.

Stores on the Internet

Some of the larger stores have web sites enabling you to obtain pricing and other information which can help you to be well informed about the various alternatives available. Some are listed below:

Resources on the Internet for Video Producers

If you know of good resources we could add to this list, please email to Techinfo@adventist.tv

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