Better Deals Over Phone?

Is it true that through calling Dell and speaking to a sales rep you can receive a better deal? If you have done this please tell us of your savings..

 

You can, but it really depends on who you get on the other line.

Basically you configure what you want on Dell's online site, then call in and see if they can get it cheaper and with freebies. If not, try and call in again and see if you can get another rep.

I've tried calling in and getting a discount on a Dell monitor, after 5 tries, all unsucessful, I just gave up and ordered from their site. $300 CDN for a 20" WSXGA LCD last year was a pretty good price.

 

I saved about $30 just by ordering by phone. I told the CSR about the university discount coupon how mine expired before I was able to use it. The CSR said hold on and Ill see what I can do. he talked to his manager, and ended up giving said discount. I know it aint much, but its better than nothing.

Also, I know I was already getting a really good deal, so I didnt push too far.

 

Good reading if it helps...It seems to be garnishing alot of attention...

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=150393

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=152708&page=6&highlight=compensation

They derive from this writeup I did...it seems to work:

Its not so much of getting money back as it is getting add ons for your inconvenience. Ill take the time to explain a bit, which will be a sort of preface for a similar topic, when my systems arrive.

Dell understands there are alot of mistakes and delays that hurts them to an extent and you must believe they have ok'd upgrades and to a certain extent, further discounts.

I have found that the greatest success lies in someone on customer support who is closer to you and during business hours. That is not to say the deals cant be found online in foreign Dell markets that service dell Canada and USA.

Next, when you call, approach it from an angle that you are frustrated, which you are, but never never demean them.

There are several cancelled orders that have regret here because people cancelled in the moment rather than sitting back and thinking things out.

In my experience through several years and just under a hundred purchases with Dell, warranties are the easiest free upgrade. Always try for complete care. Next in line seems to be cheaper things such as soundbaster or bluetooth followed by Vista upgrades. Remember, a gratis Ultimate upgrade is 180 bucks in your pocket.

For those who dont think Ultimate is worthwhile, it is the only Vista edition that allows full system backups, an extremely valuable tool.

Bags have been a popular throw in lately but I find that processor and ram upgrades are the most difficult followed only by monster graphics adapters in desktop systems.

I have seen others who have gained discounts on accessories (the best being a 24" Dell monitor for 299). I almost puked because i helped him with this but he deserved it greatly trust me.

I guess in closing, I will pass on something a very close friend at Dell said to me once, "You never know unless you ask right?". Also, yes they keep records of every conversation you have with them. they know if there dealing with a genuinely upset person or a jerk...

If you plan on ever dealing with Dell again, you dont want to be marked...

Good luck and rep me if you found this informative...
__________________

 

Further....

My best practice for ordering is simple:

1. Configure it online;
2. Call a Dell Rep and get a feel for what they con 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 whe it listed for 2850. Not bad?

Pls rep me if you find this useful (bottom left scales)...Tx.

 

Wow! Great posts! Thanks for the help.... Well I am ordering my Dell over the phone today wish me the best of luck!

 

Before I ordered mines, I did research first. I found the $300 coupon online. Then I read "22 confessions" from a previous dell sales rep manager.http://consumerist.com/consumer/insiders/22-confessions-of-a-former-dell-sales-manager-268831.php
Your better off going to a kiosk. the dell reps there have a different system as far as pricing the laptops. I saved about $500.00. And that is only because I went to the kiosk and ordered there. What they also don't tell you is that the dell reps at the kiosk have automatic discounts. I saved 7 % on software and the dell rep I had, gave me an additional $75 0ff coupon on my order.

 

great posts flamenko, thanks

 

thanks for the great info!
this might sound stupid, but do they charge for calling them to order/how much is it?

 

No calling the sales rep dont have any charge, might want to dial a toll free number....