Question about Ordering, Best Method?

Im looking to purchase a M17x within the next month or two so Im starting my research now. I've noticed theres 2 main methods people are using to save money when purchasing this laptop.

First, I've noticed people have been searching through the dell outlet website to find something they like and to save a bit of coin. Is this the preferred method that people here are using? Has anyone had a big problem with using the outlet? If so, was that problem handled well?

Second, Is that I have heard when you call or chat with an alienware represenative you can actually save more than just ordering online using the configurator.

Just wondering which method would be best for me, I do not really like the idea of owning a refurbished product but if the quality is damn near new then I think I could handle it because I would be saving money. I already applied for a Dell preferred account so I could finance it a bit, Can I use that dell preferred account on the outlet website?

Thanks for any responses!

 

Personally, I like ordering over the phone. Can't really do that on the outlet, but the outlet can save you a nice amount of money, if you happen to snatch what you want. Also comes with the same warranty. So if something does come damaged, you can get the part replaced. Which works out well.

If you like new products, ordering over the phone is good, because you can haggle a bit. It gives the sales rep a sale for commission, so there is some incentive for them to get the sale completed. If you havn't seen the thread in my sig, check out the first post of it. I've been meaning to updated it but have been with out internet for quite a while. Only have access at work and on the phone since I moved.

 

From a personal aspect and from prior experience working for Dell; Order online.

I say this because I have encountered numerous support calls where a sales agent did not specify the correct part on a customer order. When it takes 2+ weeks to receive a product from Dell, you want to have peace and mind knowing that you got exactly what you ordered. If you have buyers' remorse, the sales agents may be generous in chopping a certain percentage off the purchase price. This way they don't completely lose a sale and you pay less.

DFS does not work with Dell Outlet. You have to pay outright for everything that you see on there.

 

There is a 3rd option that saved me 12% off the website price...and that is to go through a dell reseller. The particular reseller i went through told me that their margin is 20% on alienware laptops, so the best they could do was 12%...because they have a 3% creditcard fee which left them with a 5% profit. I thought that was fair.