Internet Home Business Hardware Offers - Legit or Not?

A Home Business Article Contributed by Sharon Hill

Free Computers for Your Internet Home Business - Can It Be True?

You're a start-up home business owner, and you need Internet access that is low cost. You also need hardware. You see some free or low cost offers online. Are they legitimate? Let's take a look at a few.

You see, for instance, an ad for a free computer. Or one that's going to cost next to nothing - perhaps the ad runs in your local paper, or you see it online. Here's what you need to know. You have to find out - and it may take some digging and ardent questioning - what the true up front cost is going to be. Then find out if there is a rebate and what the limitations and requirements are for you to earn the rebate.

There are many times, with computer purchase, that the rebate requires that you sign up with one particular host for three years of Internet service for your home business. The difference in the cost of their service and another less expensive Internet provider for your home business may be greater than the rebate, or even the rebate and the savings on the computer. There are some rebates that are deducted right at the store.

Most, however, ask you to send in the receipt within 30 days of purchase and then wait up to 12 weeks for the rebate check to arrive.

What You Need to Ask about This Internet Home Business Offer

Before you make a decision about this computer purchase, and/or a rebate offer, here is what you need to find out:

Are you required to sign up for their home business Internet service to get the discount or rebate? If the answer is yes, what is the commitment time? What is the penalty for early cancellation of this home business Internet service?

What's the total cost of the home business Internet service they provide?

Are you going to be able to access the Internet without accruing long distance charges? Will there be an hourly fee for any technical support or customer service calls? (Ask this even if they provide a toll free number. Toll free doesn't necessarily mean free.)

Some offers may say they are selling or giving you a computer when what they really mean is the tower (CPU)and the keyboard. You need to ask if a monitor is included.

How long does it take to get your rebate check?

Coming to a Conclusion about Your Internet Home Business Hardware Offer

Once you have the answers to all the above questions you'll be able to sit down and do the math to determine if this offer is really cost-effective for you. In most cases you will probably find that you are better off looking for a bargain elsewhere - perhaps a new PC on sale through a local retailer or online. Or a good used PC through such reputable firms as Computer Renaissance (a franchise that sells used hardware.) You may also decide that your Internet Provider be one recommended by a friend, business associate, or one of the more well known providers.

The other point to consider is that if it took all this time digging up the real information on the offer, even were it to turn out to be a "deal" do you really want to do business with a firm that was not up front with you in the first place? I think not.