The problem is, El_Phil, as a consumer/customer, I generally have NO say-so in what I get. Though I used Dell as an example of a company who supplies support from inside/outside the US, in many ways, I have no choice. I buy Photoshop and make a call, I get what Adobe has put in place. Or anything else I buy for my PC that I may need to call about, as in a router (you don't want to hear that story).
As for paying for something, don't think for a minute EVERY single penny of what it takes to research, produce, distribute, and SUPPORT a product hasn't been figured into its cost. For the stupid people who run out and buy "such-and-such" brand car because it comes with free maintenance for the first 5 years, well, you're just paying up front for all of it (whether you use it or not...which is much worse than paying as you need it).
For those who can remember, cars used to contain a LOT more metal than they do now. Now, there is a lot of "plastic". Why? So the car companies can save money (and brag about how
their car didn't increase much in cost.
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Eh? Last time I checked the chassis of a car was still steel and the bodywork was metal of various types (sports cars use plastic/fibreglass for lower weight). The engine block is still steel/ally depending on makers preference or spec.
Yeah the dash and what have you is plastic, but the metal content has probably only gone down (if it has at all) as steel makers can now get the same strength from thinner sheet metal.
You can't work out the tech support costs, it's impossible to factor in the stupidity factor of many users.
So you don't and charge for it aftersale through phone calls. This is progress and to be encouraged. People who don't learn how to fix their machines and need support pay more. I save money as the cost of support isn't included in the machines/components I buy. Everyone is a winner.
