A How-To on Making The Best Computer Deal

[Les]

I recently posted a response to an article on best practices for buying a computer which I thought may help all so...posted here.

It does pertain to my experiences with Dell, for the most part, but the methodology wouldnt differ from manufacturer to manufacturer I would guess.

My best practice for ordering is simple:

1. Configure it online;
2. Call a Dell Rep and get a feel for what they can do for you. You may want to 'shop around' for the right Rep;
3. Configure your system with the Rep piece by piece following what you put together online;
4. Go through each and every upgrade even if you dont need it. Ask if they can 'throw it in' for each or ' Whats the lowest I can get that option for?"
5. Dont commit even when you think you have a best price but rather, ask them to send you a quote; this is their committal to you.
6. If you run into a Rep that doesnt want to send a quote after an offer, it usually means they are giving you an incredible deal and may get in trouble for it.
7. Believe it, CSRs will give great deals for your response via email and their sales stats.
8. After you have a quote, dont be afraid to bring it to another CSR to confirm it cant be beat. DONT ever tell them the quote number or other CSR name though. They are not allowed to cut throat one another and, if you do this, they cant beat the deal you have...

Has this worked for me? I have made an incredible number of purchases for friends from Dell for the most part and find this system solid. Myself, when I bought my m1210, I got it for under 1600 taxes included when it listed for 2850. Not bad?

and...Good Luck!!!

[baddogboxer]

This is very true. The simple explanation is you want to buy from them but................. and watch them work! The documentation is a good idea but if you get one who is selling too cheap you might want to take it and get a confirmation # makes it easier to explain vs a bunch of emails confirming a low price. Lets Dell person tel their boss, "opps I made a mistake" "paper trail" not so much.

[Les]

Tx for the pm's but....if you find this helpful please comment to keep it at the top for others to find...

[Les]

Bump for the Reps...

[coriolis]

Not alot of manufacturers sell direct, so this method can't be applied to alot of brands. However, some larger brands like HP and Sony do sell direct, but your mileage may vary. Dell allows quite a tolerance for lower prices, due to the fact they mass produce and can allow potential small discounts which will lead to sales.

[littlechuey]

bump and repped. great stuff

i've only talked with dell sales on the phone a few times and found it close to impossible. but now that you've enlightened me about these... "hidden deals" i guess i can go ahead and sit through the agony to save myself some chump change.

[edcgoldguru]

Thanks for the good post. I think I'll give them a call tomorro and see what they can do. Or would you want to call them for me Flamenko since it sounds like you know what your talking about. LOL.

[Les]

Tx alot!!! Glad to help!!

[edcgoldguru]

Bump... and I'm about to give them a call. I'll let you know how it goes.

[WorkinProgress]

Thanks a bunch for this. I wonder how well I 'll be doing