Any tips for UK buyers?

As I've mentioned in another thread I'm looking at the Vostro 1700 to replace the HP nc6320 which I'm not overly happy with.

Now from what I've gathered it pays to buy over the phone rather than online (even if you usually use a cashback site like Quidco). So are there any tips for getting the config or upgrade you want? I'm quite happy to play hardball with any sales rep.

Also is it worth waiting until August? I've been told this is the quietest month of the year as people are on holiday and it's before the college/school rush. Are you more likely to get a better deal because they want to make sales? Also I've read to make sure you buy as a home customer as you get the advantage of the distance selling regulations and the 7 day ability to send it back if it's not up to scratch.

Cheers..

 

I recently bought an Inspiron 1520 (it comes tomorrow!) and I recommend working out what you want and then phoning them. You can usually bargain with them - if your sales rep isn't budging then phone back and speak to someone else! I asked for student discount (which they don't do in the UK but they offered me money off anyway without asking me to prove I'm a student...which is lucky as I'm not anymore) and then umm'd and ahhh'd and compared it to a similar hp laptop that I was also interested in and they brought the price down further and threw in free bluetooth if I bought it there and then. Also I recommend asking at the begining for a lower spec (eg a lower processor) because my order was at £721 and I asked if I upgraded the processor to the one I wanted (usually £47) would you do it for £750 and they said yes.

As for waiting until August - it may be quieter but the sooner you order it the quicker it will come!

 

Thanks for that..

I've picked up a few tips from reading around..I've got a few tactics too. I'm going to work out exactly the spec I would want based on an evalue code and then rejig it together with my ideal price.

Yeah, quicker you order etc..but I'm still in the pondering phase. I might give HP one more shot in trying to sort out my various nc6320 issues. But also waiting a month will hopefully see a few reviews popping up and any initial Vostro issues highlighted.