Frequently asked questions (F.A.Q.):

1) Benefits of Classic Computer Shop
2) Vintage electronics for beginners
3) Payment
4) VAT (Value Added Tax, Nederlands: BTW)
5) Shipment
6) Condition of items
7) Various

Please read this F.A.Q. page, the terms & conditions and other pages first before emailing or calling. Most questions are already answered. Thanks!

1) Benefits of Classic Computer Shop

Shopping at Classic Computer Shop gives you many benefits compared to local shops, other webshops, online market places, auction websites and local private sales:

14 Days not-happy-money-back warranty
Classic Computer Shop does not do difficult, within 14 days after receipt of your purchase, if you want to return it (without reason). That's a promise. Also see the returns & warranty page.

6 Months warranty on non-conformity
In the unlikely case that your purchase, within 6 months after receipt, is not as described and / or represented, Classic Computer Shop will try to work out a solution together. Also see the returns & warranty page.

Honest and detailed item descriptions and authentic photos
Openness, because Classic Computer Shop thinks also long term, to make you happy or even surprise you in a positive way.

Experienced & professional Dutch classic computer seller
Classic Computer Shop is a Dutch specialist that knows what to look for in classic computer items, thanks to over 10 years of experience in collecting, repairing, restoring, using and trading these items on a daily basis. Communicating in a professional manner with customers. Personal customer service, no third party involved. These things matter.

An online seller you can trust
Feel free to search online or ask around. Long term thinking is part of the policy.

Competitive and reasonable prices
Prices do matter, therefore Classic Computer Shop checks prices online before advertising over here, to make sure that you get value for money.

Openness about prices
You don't have to ask for prices, make random offers or negotiate.

Worldwide shipping
If you're willing to pay for it, Classic Computer Shop can ship it, where ever it may be.

Professional packing and shipping from The Netherlands
Classic Computer Shop has years of experience with packing and shipping fragile, large, small, heavy and light weight computer related items. From memory modules to CRT monitors. Experience with how to pack items, with what materials and with what parcel service to ship. Classic Computer Shop makes sure you get your purchase as described, shipped from The Netherlands.

Pay with iDeal, Bancontact, Mastercard, Visa card, American Express, Maestro or V-Pay card, PayPal or Bitcoin.
Easy, quick and safe payment.

24h per day, 365 days per year online shopping
Flexibility. No annoying auctions that end at weird times. No need to hurry. No frustrations. Shop from the comfort of your seat.

See what's on stock instantly
Almost all items for sale are listed on this webshop and you can instantly see the actual stock. New items are being listed online as soon as possible. Sold items are being delisted as soon as possible.

Extensive assortment
Classic Computer Shop often offers items that are related to each other. This can save you shipping costs and lots of time.

2) Vintage electronic equipment for 'beginners'

Safety first
As with all vintage electronics, please make sure that the item which you want to plug into the mains socket is safe. Although Classic Computer Shop checks all items on basic user safety, you should inspect your purchase too before plugging it in because (most) items are used and old. Furthermore never leave vintage electronic equipment plugged in when you don't use it, to minimize the risk of a fire hazard. Make sure that devices and parts which need to be grounded are grounded to avoid electric shock hazard. Extra attention is required during repairs; disconnect power whenever possible, discharge any CRT and any capacitor with high capacity. Use an isolation transformer when power is required during repairs.

Nothing lasts forever
Classic Computer Shop mainly sells computer items that are 20 years and older. The components of these products are also likely to be of that age. Most of the electronic components (e.g. capacitors) wear out during the time, even unused ones. The same issue of wear also applies to for example mechanical components of some computers and vintage storage media like floppy disks and cassette tapes. Either way, the message is that some of these components will need replacement when you actually want to keep using your classic computer. Please keep this in mind when buying any sort of classic electronic equipment. Even when Classic Computer Shop advertises an item as working, it means that the item was working at the time it was being tested. This is no guarantee it will keep working forever. It also does not mean that Classic Computer Shop has repaired or replaced something (unless mentioned). 

The internet is your maintenance guide
The good thing is that most components can either be replaced by new modern ones that are often much more reliable or sometimes components can be repaired. You can search for a specialist who can do this for you, but online you can find information on almost any classic computer, including repair tips and technical faqs, sometimes including complete schematics, photos and youtube videos. All you need is time, patience, the right tools, parts and to simply follow the steps given on those websites.

3) Payment

Invoice
After ordering you'll receive an invoice within 24h. For information about VAT (BTW) click here.

Payment term
Payment is expected to be received by Classic Computer Shop within 4 days after receipt of your invoice, also when using bank transfer. Classic Computer Shop can't reserve items any longer than 4 days without payment. Of course you can also pay immediately by using one of the methods explained here.

Payment methods overview
Dependent on your location you have the option of using various different payment methods at classiccomputershop.com:



Paying at pickup
A) Cash

Prepayment
B) Internet banking / bank transfer
C) iDeal
D) Bancontact
E) Mastercard / Visa / American Express credit card
F) Maestro or V-PAY debit card
G) PayPal
H) Bitcoin

A) Cash at pickup
Payment at pickup is allowed but only with exact cash money in euro’s; Classic Computer Shop does not own a physical store and therefore has no change. This option adds € 5 to the total item amount.

After choosing 'Cash Payment In Exact Euro's At Pickup' as payment method and successfully completing the order process, you will instantly receive an order confirmation at the email address provided during the order process. Hereafter you'll receive an invoice from Classic Computer Shop within 24h and you'll be contacted for a pickup appointment. Payment is either way expected to be received within 4 days after receipt of your invoice.
 
B) Internet banking / bank transfer
Internet banking using the IBAN is increasingly gaining European acceptance as the cheapest payment method for online transactions. It is also a very fast payment method nowadays.

After choosing 'Internet Banking / Bank Transfer (IBAN)' as payment method and successfully completing the order process, you will instantly receive an order confirmation at the email address provided during the order process. Hereafter you'll receive an invoice from Classic Computer Shop within 24h. You then have to pay the total order amount, mentioning the invoice number, to Classic Computer Shop’s IBAN (and BIC) using your own (internet) banking environment. Please keep in mind the transaction process time of ca. 2 working days. Payment is either way expected to be received within 4 days after receipt of your invoice.

C) iDeal
In case you have access to internet banking at a Dutch bank, such as ING, Rabobank, ABN Amro and others, then you also have the option of paying via iDeal. This option is free of any charges.

During the order process you can choose for 'iDeal' as payment method. By continuing the order process you'll be led to your own familiar and secure internet banking environment. You can then instantly approve the payment. Hereafter you'll be led to this webshop again which confirms the payment. It is important that you carefully follow all instructions as given during the order process. Classic Computer Shop will subsequently instantly receive confirmation from the bank about the status of the payment. An order confirmation email will instantly be sent to your email address as indicated during the order process.

D) Bancontact
In case you have access to internet banking at a Belgian bank, then you also have the option of paying via Bancontact. This option adds 2.0% to the total item amount.

During the order process you can choose for 'Bancontact' as payment method. By continuing the order process you'll be led to your own familiar and secure internet banking environment. You can then instantly approve the payment. Hereafter you'll be led to this webshop again which confirms the payment. It is important that you carefully follow all instructions as given during the order process. Classic Computer Shop will subsequently instantly receive confirmation from the bank about the status of the payment. An order confirmation email will instantly be sent to your email address as indicated during the order process.

E) Mastercard / Visa / American Express credit card
Classic Computer Shop accepts valid Mastercard, Visa and American Express credit cards (without restrictions for international payments to the SEPA). This option adds 5.0% to the total item amount. The limit per transaction is € 1000,-. It is a very safe payment method because the transaction will be verified for fraud using Mollie as the payment provider. Besides you have a 120 days chargeback period.

During the order process you can choose for 'Credit Card' as payment method. By continuing the order process you'll be led to the secure Mollie internet banking environment where your personal details and credit card details will be verified. You can then instantly approve the payment. Hereafter you'll be led to this webshop again which confirms the payment. It is important that you carefully follow all instructions as given during the order process. Classic Computer Shop will subsequently instantly receive confirmation from Mollie about the status of the payment. An order confirmation email will instantly be sent to your email address as indicated during the order process.
 
F) Maestro or V-PAY debit card
Classic Computer Shop accepts valid Maestro and V-PAY debit cards (without restrictions for international payments to the SEPA). This option adds 5.0% to the total item amount. The limit per transaction is € 1000,-. It is a very safe payment method because the transaction will be verified for fraud using Mollie as the payment provider. Besides you have a 120 days chargeback period.

During the order process you can choose for 'Credit Card' as payment method. By continuing the order process you'll be led to the secure Mollie internet banking environment where your personal details and debit card details will be verified. You can then instantly approve the payment. Hereafter you'll be led to this webshop again which confirms the payment. It is important that you carefully follow all instructions as given during the order process. Classic Computer Shop will subsequently instantly receive confirmation from Mollie about the status of the payment. An order confirmation email will instantly be sent to your email address as indicated during the order process.

G) PayPal
Classic Computer Shop accepts payments by PayPal, dependent on your location. This option adds 9.5% to the total item amount. It is a very safe payment method because the transaction will be verified for fraud by PayPal. Besides you have a 180 days chargeback period.

During the order process you can choose for 'PayPal' as payment method. By continuing the order process you'll be led to the secure PayPal internet banking environment where you can login and instantly approve the payment. Hereafter you'll be led to this webshop again which confirms the payment. It is important that you carefully follow all instructions as given during the order process. Classic Computer Shop will subsequently instantly receive confirmation from PayPal about the status of the payment. An order confirmation email will instantly be sent to your email address as indicated during the order process.

H) Bitcoin
Classic Computer Shop accepts payments with Bitcoin. This option adds 3.0% to the total item amount. It is a very safe payment method because the transaction will be verified for fraud using Mollie as the payment provider. 

During the order process you can choose for 'BitCoin' as payment method. By continuing the order process you'll be led to the secure Mollie internet banking environment where you can then instantly approve the payment. Hereafter you'll be led to this webshop again which confirms the payment. It is important that you carefully follow all instructions as given during the order process. Classic Computer Shop will subsequently instantly receive confirmation from Mollie about the status of the payment. An order confirmation email will instantly be sent to your email address as indicated during the order process.

Payment transaction time
If you pay using iDeal, Bancontact, credit card, debit card, PayPal or Bitcoin, then the payment is not immediately present in Classic Computer Shop's SEPA bank account. It takes ca. 1-10 working days (dependent on chosen payment method) before funds are transferred and received by Classic Computer Shop. To match incoming funds with outgoing funds and to prevent becoming a victim of cyber crime, your order will not be shipped before the actual receipt of the payment in the SEPA bank account of Classic Computer Shop. 

4) VAT (Value Added Tax, Nederlands: BTW)

Margeregeling – VAT (BTW) rule used goods for EU private customers
As standard Classic Computer Shop uses the Dutch VAT (BTW) regulation 'margeregeling' because Classic Computer Shop mainly sells used items to private persons within the EU (European Union). That means orders are without VAT (BTW) on the invoice; when you buy as a company you can not subtract VAT (BTW) when doing tax return. Classic Computer Shop lists no VAT (BTW) on the invoice, nor do the prices on this webshop show VAT (BTW). This tax rule applies to Dutch and EU private customers.

If you are a Dutch or EU company with a VAT (BTW) code, it's cheaper for you to either choose for a BTW included invoice (Netherlands) or VAT free invoice for intracommunal delivery (EU).
 
Also see the website of the Dutch tax authority (Belastingdienst).

BTW inclusief factuur voor bedrijven binnen Nederland
Nederlandse bedrijven kunnen een factuur inclusief 21% BTW krijgen. Om een BTW inclusief factuur te ontvangen moet u uw BTW code tijdens het bestelproces invoeren en kiezen voor 'Internet Banking / Bank Transfer (IBAN)' als de betaalmethode. Na ontvangst van uw bestelling zal Classic Computer Shop u een BTW inclusief factuur met het correcte totaalbedrag binnen 24u sturen, welke u met overschrijving moet betalen. Het totaalbedrag hiervan is altijd iets hoger dan de totaalprijs gebaseerd op de margeprijzen zoals vermeld op deze webshop.

Voor een offerte inclusief 21% BTW kunt u een email sturen.

VAT free invoice for companies within EU (except Netherlands)
EU businesses can apply for an intracommunal delivery. This means that the invoice is VAT free. To apply for a VAT free invoice please enter your VAT code during the order process and choose for 'Internet Banking / Bank Transfer (IBAN)' as the payment method. After receipt of your order Classic Computer Shop will send you a VAT free invoice with the correct total amount within 24h, which you have to pay using bank transfer. This total amount will always be slightly lower than the total price based on the 'margeregeling' on the webshop.

If you want to receive a VAT free quote in advance, please send an email.

Shipments outside EU
Classic Computer Shop ships orders to non-EU countries without VAT listed on the invoice. To make ordering easier the total price shopping cart = total price invoice. Your customs might charge additional VAT and import taxes when your order arrives in your country. These are your full, own responsibility.

5) Shipment

General information
All items are shipped from The Netherlands.

Classic Computer Shop ships to many countries:

Orders will be shipped to the (alternative shipping) address as registered on the website, except if you pay with PayPal, then the registered shipping address at PayPal will be used.

No shipping to a P.O. box. 

Shipping costs
To look up shipping costs you need to take the following steps:

1) Make sure you are on the item page.
2) Click on 'Order' (i.e. put in shopping cart) underneath the pictures.
3) In the pop up window click on 'Go to shopping cart'.
4) Scroll down and select the right options and country.
5) Shipping costs will be displayed.

Shipping-, packaging- and handling costs as well as fees are included in the shipping costs. This is the reason why Classic Computer Shop charges more for shipping costs than the average private seller.

You are responsible for any customs fee upon delivery.

Combined shipping
Before ordering multiple heavy (total weight >15kg) and/or large items (total volume >100l), Classic Computer Shop recommends to first ask for an actual shipping costs quote, as it can be different from the quoted shipping costs on the website which are an estimate in this case. The actual shipping costs determined and listed on the invoice by Classic Computers Shop are the shipping costs which you have to pay.

Shipping services and packaging
Usually Classic Computer Shop sends orders with the economy services of DHL, DPD or Postnl. These parcel services usually outsource deliveries to other parcel services outside The Netherlands. If you have specific wishes such as a priority express service, then please let Classic Computer Shop know in advance by sending an email.

To reduce Classic Computer Shop's foot print on the environment, Classic Computer Shop tries to use used packaging and packaging materials, in good condition, as much as possible for standard and premium shipping. ESD sensitive items are always packed in anti-static bags or foil.

You can choose out of various shipping options at the order process:
 

• Standard shipping: high grade packing standards + used packaging if available + tracking code (for parcels only)

• Premium shipping: high grade packing standards + used packaging if available + duct tape + fragile stickers on box + tracking code (parcels & mail)

• Premium plus shipping: high priority handling + high grade packing standards + new & more packaging materials + duct tape + fragile stickers on box + tracking code (parcels & mail) + no delivery to your neighbours (only in Netherlands) + insurance that covers the complete value of the order against damage or loss

Tracking codes with instructions about how to track will be sent by email directly after shipping. Some light weight (<500g) items sent as mail (standard shipping) will be sent without a tracking code. If you want a tracking code for a small item that can be sent as mail then please select premium (plus) shipping. 

Delivery time
Orders will usually be shipped within 2 working days after receipt of payment (on time) in the SEPA bank account of Classic Computer Shop. It means that payment received in other accounts (such as PayPal) needs to be transferred to and received in the SEPA bank account of Classic Computer Shop first before your order is being shipped. This transaction processing takes ca. 1-10 working days. Classic Computer Shop however will dispatch your order as soon as possible; the estimated delivery time for orders within The Netherlands is less than 3 working days, within Europe less than 10 working days and to the U.S. less than 20 working days.

Local pickup
Pickup is only possible after agreement about the pickup date and time. During the order process on the website you can select 'Pickup At Request' and propose a date and time in the comments field.

6) Condition of items

Condition explained
Actual item condition can be found on the item page. Classic Computer Shop puts care, expertise and honesty in the item condition description and photos because the price of an item is related to the condition.

Classic Computer Shop offers many items as untested, because of several reasons. For example some items have so little value that it's not worth investing the time testing them as a business. A few items, especially some very old computers and monitors, have a high risk of causing problems during testing. Lack of testing equipment and/or knowledge is also common. It's not possible to test these untested items as yet for you. If you buy such an untested item, then you buy it as is.

In any case; all items are visually inspected on technical and cosmetic condition before sale on this webshop, including untested items.

Storage
Classic Computer Shop stores all items in plastic containers where no dust or other dirt can come in and these plastic containers are stored in a dry and smoke free environment. Some used items are vacuum cleaned and/or spray cleaned to remove the worst amount of dust and/or dirt before they are advertised over here. Despite this some used items need to be cleaned (internal) more thoroughly before use, this is inherent of the classic computer hobby.

7) Various

Can you give me advice about what to buy?
Yes, feel free to send an email with your question.

What does 'N/A' in the item description mean?
'N/A' stands for 'not available'. The particular data is not available / unknown.

What does 'CIB' in the item description mean?
'CIB' stands for 'complete in box'. The particular item is 100% complete.

What does 'NOS' in the item description mean?
'NOS' stands for 'new old stock'. The particular item is old new stock, 100% complete and never used, just like it came from the factory.

Does a minimum order amount apply?
Yes, it is € 5 excluding shipping costs.

What is your least price / can I negotiate?
Classic Computer Shop is transparent about prices on this website. If you want to ask for a discount, then please send Classic Computer Shop a clear and detailed offer instead. Most offers are being rejected though, because Classic Computer Shop doesn't price arbitrarily. However, if you have good reason to believe the price is too high, then you can always try.

Do you want to trade items from this webshop?
Unless you have a very good deal for Classic Computer Shop, the answer is no.

Do you delay shipment of my order for national holidays and/or vacation?
Yes, but only when it is explicitly mentioned on the home page of this website. If nothing is mentioned then the normal delivery times apply.

Do you offer after sales technical support?
To keep costs and thus prices low, Classic Computer Shop does not offer after sales technical support. If you need technical support, you might be able to find it on various fora, websites and you can of course also buy a manual or a book.

Where can I leave feedback about my order?
Feel free to leave feedback about your order at the independent review website Trustpilot. If you have experienced any issues with your order, then please contact Classic Computer Shop first before leaving any feedback. Thank you!

I can't find the item I'm looking for on your webshop, do you know where I can find this item?
Classic Computer Shop might have the item on stock where you're looking for, but not advertised online, for example small (spare) parts such as DRAM, BIOS and ROM chips. Feel free to send an email with your request.

Why do you offer so few home computers (e.g. Commodore 64, Amiga 500, Atari 800XL, Philips MSX) on your webshop anymore?
Important reasons for this decision include amongst others that these old home computers usually have serious defects. Classic Computer Shop wants to keep the quality level of its stock high, so such items are not welcome. It's becoming increasingly rarer to find fully working home computers in good condition.

Can you repair or restore item x for me / can you install this in my computer?
No, Classic Computer Shop does not offer any professional services for items that were bought elsewhere.  

Does Classic Computer Shop have an eBay account?
Yes it does, under another name, but currently not for selling items because of the limitations of the eBay website.

Does Classic Computer Shop have a Marktplaats account?
Yes, for local advertising only.

Is Classic Computer Shop affiliated with online businesses (websites) called vintagecomputershop.com/.eu/.nl, retrocomputershop.com/.eu/.nl or anything like that (on eBay/Facebook/Amibay/forum x)?
No, certainly not.

Why don't you reply to my Whatsapp message?
Sorry, but Classic Computer Shop doesn't use Whatsapp. Please send an email instead.

Why don't you reply to my Facebook message?
Sorry, but Classic Computer Shop doesn't look everyday on Facebook. Please send an email instead if you want to receive a quick response.    

Why don't you reply to my email?

..you haven't read this F.A.Q. page carefully enough
..or you haven't read the terms & conditions page carefully enough
..or you haven't read any other page on this website carefully enough
..or your writing skill is abominable (sorry!)
..or you are anonymous
..or you are a troll
..or you are a spammer
..or you are a scammer
..or a combination of these

Classic Computer Shop receives every day many emails. To save time and costs Classic Computer Shop can't reply to any random email

Why don't you answer the phone?
Sorry, but either..

..Classic Computer Shop doesn't have time to answer the phone (please email or leave voicemail message)
..or you call with a private (anonymous) number
..or a combination of these

Why is this website written in English (and not Dutch)?
Because of the international character of the business Classic Computer Shop has chosen to write the website in English only. In case you have questions in Dutch or German, then feel free to contact.