Skip to main content
/

Site Navigation

Your Account

Choose Language

Where to tell people to buy things

I understand its encouraged to buy parts (HDDs, RAM) from ifixit to support it, but is it necessary for me to link everything back to ifixit's products? I mean for screens, keyboards, etc. I link it back to ifixit, and if its not available, then I'll link them to ebay. But HDDs and RAM, I find much easier to find to identify which computer they own, by model, and do a lot more clicking. But to find these products on newegg, its a simple trick of typing in the URL bar ne (space) [whatever I need to search for] and it will link me directly to what I searched for. No need go to thru newegg's main site then search.

One way to fix this may be to make finding products on the ifixit's site much easier, for example, it took me literally 10 minutes to find the 12.5" CD to HDD adapter, and it required a lot of clicking.

So basically my question is, do I need to link all products to ifixit's site or can I continue to link to newegg's? What if I say "Newegg offers it here, but you can support ifixit by buying it here"

Answered! View the answer I have this problem too

Is this a good question?

Score 1
2 Comments

I agree, that's an awkward part to find. I forget what to call it half the time. We are very open to feedback for ways we can make part linking as easy and fast as possible.

by

If you want to search using an URL we support that. You can type ifixit.com/search/Hard+Drive for a parts search and /guide/search/hard+drive for a guide search.

by

Add a comment

1 Answer

Chosen Solution

Considering that people buying parts is what keeps iFixit able to give us free resources, I've always tried my absolute hardest to find a part on iFixit first. Seeing as Answers would be impossible (and it's a great resource) without sales, I try to support as much as I can, also, on the About page, it says this:

What's the catch?

We make money by selling parts. If you want to help us feed our programmers, buy something or tell your friends about us.

Answers is totally free, and will always be that way. Our goal is to help you keep your stuff working longer. Period. You won't see any Google-baiting, ad-stuffing, or answer-cloaking here.

So I mean I guess it's okay to link to other parts suppliers, and I've done it myself, but it's probably less insulting to link to iFixit first. I actually suggested on Meta earlier about making parts more easier linked, and they said it's manual work of linking for every single device, but they'll get on it eventually, so hopefully it'll get easier.

Was this answer helpful?

Score 2

5 Comments:

agree, but i didn't do it once or twice - in time sensitive cases, not that i think that ifixit would send it slow - but it makes sometimes no sense. the slow shipping takes 2-4 weeks and cost 6$ - the faster ones will cost around 35$ - in case of a iPod mini battery that would make a price between 21 and 50 $ - i can get the same part here in germany for 10$ - shipping included (and got it in 2 days max.)

by

I mean in rush situations I suggest just going over to your local Best Buy or Radio Shack, forget online, go retail

by

But it depends on your location, my dorm is pretty much 45 min away from Boston, and I don't drive (legally) so its hard to get somewhere, but I'm close enough to Newegg's warehouse I usually get it in two days anyway (including the day I send in the order)

by

So maybe for you I guess, but for someone else you can't exactly assume the same conditions apply. Oh and you mention you live in a dorm, most colleges have some sort of computer support center or store, which I know sometimes have limited supplies, but at least you can buy from there. I guess it depends on the school though.

by

We've actually got pretty some pretty reasonable options for getting orders shipped fast. UPS Ground is overnight to California, and USPS Priority Mail is a pretty dang good deal for shipping to the east coast in 3-4 days. We ship all orders same-day that come in before our shipping cutoff (including Saturday for USPS). Of course, nothing is as fast as getting the part locally, and we're definitely fans of supporting your local retailers.

by

Add a comment

Add your answer

Gabe will be eternally grateful.