AW/DELL Ordering Advice - How to save $$$

Yep they are full of ish in reguards to their statment. Keep in mind they have a tighter margin on the m11x so you probubly will not get 20% off, but they should just tell you that. I will send you my reps info, let me know how it shakes out.

 

Also if it bugs you guys, I can say for myself, I wouldn't regret it one bit even if I paid $1000 (I ended up paying $900 incl. bing cashback for my sig conf).

 

I tried your rep several times yesterday and today, Flynnaz, and he never answered. I then tried the webchat, where they again told me they couldn't do anything. After I ended the webchat, that rep gave me a call and seemed more willing to negotiate.

I ended up buying the M11x with the SU7300 CPU, 4GB RAM, bluetooth module, and no other upgrades for $954 shipped. I have a nagging feeling I could've done better. What do you guys think?

 

You did pretty good man - I haven't been able to get anything from them. Well, I take that back, one guy offered me $50 off my build, but then couldn't apply my 5% coupon (which was also basically $50...) so I ended up talking to 4 different reps, all said the same thing, none cared one bit that I said I had credit card in hand wanting to order.

 

You probably could've gotten all that + the 500gb hd. At least I got sent a quote a few days ago with those specs, but I've been long gone from the M11x train.

 

Well, I just looked at my order confirmation email, and it listed the 500GB HDD and no bluetooth module. Called them back and they added the bluetooth module at no charge for the inconvenience. I am officially happy now.

224-9555 1 Alienware M11x, Cosmic Black
313-9589 1 Overclockable Intel Core2 Duo SU7300 1.3GHz (3MB Cache, 800MHz FSB)
317-8954 1 4GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1066MHz
421-1591 1 Alienhead 3D
320-9963 1 11.6-inch WideHD 1366x768 (720p) WLED
320-9857 1 1GB NVIDIA GeForce GT 335M
342-8744 1 500GB SATAII 7,200RPM
330-9552 1 Personalized Nameplate
330-6106 1 Personalized Nameplate Trigger
313-8792 1 AlienFX Color, Quasar Blue
421-8558 1 Alienware Command Center Software for Alienware M11x
421-1400 1 Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
420-9691 1 DataSafe Local BackUp 2.0 Basic
420-6436 1 PC-Restore, Dim/Insp
421-0092 1 DELL-DOWNLOAD-FLAG
421-1573 1 Alienhead 3D
313-9856 1 Integrated 10/100 Network Interface Card
410-1883 1 ADOBE READER 9.0 MULTI- LANGUAGE
313-9958 1 Integrated High-Definition Surround Sound Audio (5.1)
430-3796 1 M11x Wireless INFO MOD
330-6348 1 Automatic Updates: On
330-8995 1 1.3 Megapixel Webcam
410-0204 1 McAfee VirusScan Plus - 15-Month Subscription
950-3337 1 1 Year Limited Warranty
908-3647 1 Dell Hardware Warranty Plus On-Site Service, Initial Year
922-7060 1 Third Party At Home Service, 24x7 Technical Support, Initial Year
950-9797 1 No Warranty, Year 2 and 3
421-1721 1 Soft Contracts,Banktec Care,Alienware
994-3730 1 Warranty Support,Initial Year
430-8555 1 Optional Bluetooth Module, 2.1+ Enhanced Data Rate
430-3773 1 No Internal WWAN Antenna Installed
421-1360 1 Steam and Portal Factory Installed
330-5090 1 Thank You for Purchasing AlienWare
463-0742 1 Special Pricing Applied
* AW:IMADV8
Subtotal: $900.40
Shipping and Handling: $0.00
Sales Tax: $54.02
Total: $954.42

On a side note, what in the name of cheese is a nameplate trigger?
On another side note, I'll send the rep's info to anyone who wants it. I'm pretty sure she's foreign, but she was more helpful than anyone else I spoke to.

 

Sorry the rep didn't call you back. It looks like you got a edit* GREAT deal, call back and ask for NBD in a few days, tell them you need it before you go in a trip, or you need it for school or work.

 

I paid only 35 more than that for my config, so you could have done a bit better. You should have asked for them to come down on the price a little. I got $50 off that way, or you could try using an expired coupon (Sometimes the rep will honor it ).

 

Name Plate Trigger is their way of saying put a name plate on this lappy, did you tell them what you wanted it to say? If not I think they put M11X

 

Hey, no problem, it worked out great in the end. I didn't really give him all that much time to call back, anyway.

Wouldn't they just try to charge me if I ask for NBD shipping later? What's the incentive for them to throw that in?

That's what I did, actually. I started off asking for $850, she offered $920, I asked for $900, and she agreed. After the order had gone through I found out she'd given me the wrong build, substituting the 500GB HDD and AV for the 160GB HDD and the bluetooth module. I called them back and got a different team member, who threw in the bluetooth module for free.
I ended up saving $206.49 off the EPP site price.

I tried that with the 5% coupon posted recently, none of the reps I talked to bit. I'm sure there are some who would, though.

Yeah, I asked them to put "IMADV8" on it. I think that's what the "AW:IMADV8" at the bottom of the order is.
If Personalized Nameplate Trigger refers to the personalized nameplate, though, what does Personalized Nameplate refer to?
330-9552 1 Personalized Nameplate
330-6106 1 Personalized Nameplate Trigger

 

I called up the other day just to check my order status, and asked if the video cards where holding things up. The CS Rep put me on hold came back on told me my ship date and gave me NBD without me even asking just to make me feel like Dell cares.

 

Oh wow. I'll definitely be trying that, then.

 

Just like that? No explanation just "here you are sir free nbd"?
Some of the reps are nooot smart. I called earlier to check on my return to see when I'm being reimbursed(takes 7-10 buissness days btw, why does it take that long? the package wasnt even open...).

Rep: Oh i so sorry sir. your package is not arrive yet
Me: Well according to Fedex it was received yesterday at 11:57am, so I'm pretty sure it has arrived
Rep: Give me one or two minutes.
*silence*
Rep: Here is number for Dell Sales. Have good day-click-

When I get around to getting my M17x I hope it doesnt have any problems so I don't have to deal with many incompetent reps.
Question about warranty:
I have 1 yr advanced care. The entire first year is covered, not just the first visit right?

 

Yes, it was just like that, I guess I was on the right phone line at the right time

 

I've heard a few mention that 20% off is pretty much the most you can get off your purchase.

Is 10% of this 20% the EPP discount?

or is it an additional 20% off from the cost of the EPP configured model?

Im looking to buy an M15x that has a EPP total cost w/ship/tax of 2018.82. Need to get it down to around 1650..so that would be 10% off from the EPP and an additonal 15% ($299) off. This seem possible?

 

It is 20% off the total full price without epp

 

Hey, just called Dell, and they upgraded me to NBD shipping for free!

 

the way i got NBD shipping was i called about the 5870 if it was being added to the configuration list and he said no of course but just as he was about to say good bye i added i need my computer as fast as possible for a final project and so gave NBD lickity split

 

yea my machine was costing about that with tax with epp then called up a few reps in the epp department(third times the charm). once i got the right rep he added a coupon and a 143 special pricing discount and got 20% off the total cost. So all there is to it is finding a good and reasonable rep who isn't a commission hog and wants to get the most out of you.

 

I told ya

 

Well shoot, I didn't count from the non-EPP price. In that case, I got juuust under 26% off. O_O

Normal price:
Subtotal: $1208.00
Tax: $72.96
Shipping: $8.00
Total: $1,288.96

Discounted price:
Subtotal: 900.40
Tax: $54.02
Shipping: $0.00
Total: $954.42

Total discount:
$334.54
25.9543%

*does a happy dance*

Seriously though, thank you guys so much for all the advice. You have saved me money and are thus my new best friends.

 

I am so proud

 

im guessing this is a decked out m11x congrats enjoy the agile tank

 

tuenk how much did you pay for your M15? total with tax/shipping

just trying to get an idea of what to aim for when i am talking to reps. getting same as urs except going with the i720, 500gb hd, and 4gb 1333 ram.

 

I'm gonna see if I can get them to remove the AV and credit me the $89 difference when I call to get the NBD shipping. Probably won't work, but maybe I can get them to throw in something else to make it up to me.

I'm kind of on the fence about doing the same thing with the HDD. Do any of you know the cache size of the 500GB HDD? If it's 16MB or less, there are comparable ones on Amazon for $90.

EDIT: It's 16MB. Amazon has the exact same model for $90 shipped.

 

what i had to shell out was 1665 before tax and shipping original was about 2098 also without tax and shipping on top

 

Well, that didn't work. After having three separate reps put me on hold for ages before finally disconnecting me, the fourth (Your rep, Flynnaz, he finally answered ) told me the only way they could drop the HDD and the AV would be to drop the EPP discount as well, giving me a final price only $30 less than what I paid. So, no go on that front.

I then called back with a sob story about needing the laptop ASAP for a class, and got a very sympathetic rep who put me on hold for five minutes, then told me that unfortunately my laptop is too far along in the production process to have NBD shipping added. The order status page lists it as "In Production". Is there any truth to this?

And yes, before anyone feels the need to point it out, I am a greedy bum who just can't leave well enough alone.

EDIT: Just called back to see if the last guy was telling the truth. Apparently he noted the call on my account, so that's the end of that.


Be aware that their systems automatically pull up your account info using your phone number when you call in; any questions about your identity or order number are merely for verification. Also, as has just been demonstrated, they can add notations to your account, which might prove inconvenient if they realize you plan to call back.

 

lol i was able to get NBD cause i waited 3 days after my initial order day and was done without issue. lol yea was gonna say what you added at the bottom of your post lol

 

Yeah, I got NBD shipping when I called on the 7th, and my order was placed on the 5th. My order was alread listed as "in production", but they still gave it to me. Granted, the woman I talked to also told me she wasn't sure if she could get it since I had ordered several days ago, and that she would "put in a request" for it, but it looks like that request worked, 'cause I got NBD shipping now

The best thing to do is call ASAP if you want NBD shipping.

 

how were you able to check if you have NBD shipping after your order conformation?

 

Just call back if they say they can't. Its BS if they say the order is too far along, unless its in boxing.

 

IMADV8,
I would just stick with what you have, you will like it I am sure

 

I got an email about it, plus my order changed on Dell's order status page. In the shipping area, it used to say "7 day ground", but now it says "next business day". So there ya go

 

hmmm then ima call back cause nothing was changed about my shipping type in the status area darn cs rep saying he would

 

Yeah, call 'em. The squeaky wheel gets the grease as they say

 

By the way, anyone know on average how long it takes to get your system? Since I've got NBD shipping, I don't have to worry about long shipping times, I was just wondering how long it usually takes from when the order is placed to when you receive your system.

 

well im gonna complain to them about how i was said to be given NBD cause i need for school asap and rep kinda talked to me saying it would take 13-15 days to build im thinking bull**** but time to make use of my negotiation skills.

 

order placed for my M15x and got a little over 20% off

called in and asked for the EPP 10% discount on my regular order making it 2008.87. told her it was out of my price range and then she asked how much i could pay. told her my price of $1750 and she told me my only option was to apply for the dell preferred account. knowing that since i have no credit history i would be denied for the DPA, i told her sure ill go ahead and do that. gave her my info and she put me on hold for 5 mins. when she came back she told me I had been denied for the DPA but that she got me an additional discount and my new total with free shipping and tax would be $1754.

original price: $2232.07
bought for: $1754.44
time it took on the phone to save $477.63: 33 minutes

will be enjoying my new M15x before the end of the month

 

wohast, nice savings! I'm going to add your DPA denial info to the original post. I'm sure it can help others save.

 

If you get the 3% with the DPA, is it still possible to pay off the entire purchase immediately?

 

I don't see why not. You can just pay the DPA as soon as possible.

 

Dell just updated my delivery date from the 23rd to the 15th.

Also, DR650SE, out of curiosity, how much did you pay for the M11x in your sig?

 

So I wanted an M17x back in...August of '09? Yeah just ordred now. A tad late Oh I'm exicted. I know wont regret it. It's delivery time is just after I take the SATs so ill think of it as a gift/encouragement to do well!(even though I only need a 1200 to get into good canadian schools. good grades ftw!)

After taxes and shipping its $2224.47


1 224-8107 Space Black - Anodized Aluminum
1 317-3656 Intel Core i7 620M 2.66 GHz (3.33GHz Turbo Mode, 4MB Cache)
1 317-3660 4GB Dual Channel DDR3 at 1066MHz
1 330-7841 Alienware M17x 240W A/C Adapter
1 320-8856 17-inch WideUXGA 1920 x 1200 RGB LED (1200p)
1 320-8858 Dual 1GB ATI Radeon Mobility HD 4870 in CrossfireX
1 342-0666 250GB 7,200RPM SATA-II HDD
1 330-3924 Name Plate Engraving
1 330-6106 Personalized Nameplate Trigger
1 313-8792 AlienFX Color, Quasar Blue
1 421-2261 Alienware Command Center, M17x
1 421-1400 Genuine Windows 7 Home Premium, 64bit, English
1 420-9691 DataSafe Local BackUp 2.0 Basic
1 420-6436 PC-Restore, Dim/Insp
1 421-1574 Alienhead Chrome Blue
1 421-1595 Alien Schematic
1 410-1883 ADOBE READER 9.0 MULTI- LANGUAGE
1 313-8977 8X DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Drive,QuickSilver
1 421-1304 CyberLink PowerDVD 8.0 Software
1 421-1305 Nero 9 Media Burning Software
1 313-8944 5.1 Channel Audio
1 430-3688 Dell Wireless 1520 802.11n Half Mini Card
1 330-6348 Automatic Updates: On
1 960-9187 CompleteCare Accidental DamageProtection, Inspiron, 1 Year
1 908-2207 Dell Hardware Warranty Plus On-Site Service, Initial Year
1 922-3410 Third Party At Home Service, 24x7 Technical Support, Initial Year
1 950-9797 No Warranty, Year 2 and 3
1 421-1721 Soft Contracts,Banktec Care,Alienware
1 421-1719 Soft Contracts,Consumer Complete Care,Alienware
1 994-3730 Warranty Support,Initial Year
1 430-0628 Bluetooth 2.1 with EDR
1 421-1360 Steam and Portal Factory Installed
1 330-5090 Thank You for Purchasing AlienWare
1 463-0742 Special Pricing Applied

P.S. If anyone needs an awesome representative send me a PM.

 

a little late in ordering . also im waiting on University of Waterloo to see if im accepted for the fall term for computer science lol

 

Wow what are the chances, im hoping to go to Waterloo too! But for Architecure/Engineering.

My mom(who knows jack about computers) was telling me to make sure my laptop would be up to the standards of a University laptop. Yeah... right mom. I'll definitely need something better

 

dude ive been complaining for years for a new laptop cause ive been at college for the past 2 1/2 years with a crappy dell inspiron 5100. Finally got some aid in the finances to get a new comp and finally an m15x and not at some ridiculous price saved at least 20% off the original cost is on its way to me before i hopefully move to waterloo

 

I'm looking to finally order my m11x in the next few weeks (and am very excited about it!). I'm in the UK, are there any offers on at the moment I should be aware of?

I've decided to upgrade the RAM to 4gb, and go for the middle hard drive (not the solid state unfortunately as I can't afford that much). Getting the lowest coverage and using my house insurance to cover it for accidental damage (unless someone can tell me this is an awful idea). I've got it in at just under £900 at the moment.

 

You might want to look into HDD prices on Newegg and Amazon to see if it wouldn't be cheaper to get the 160GB HDD and upgrade later. Even if it's the same price, you'd end up with an extra HDD out of it.

 

Just got an e-mail, what am I to make of this?

Could the card not handle that large of a purchase? When I called earlier the day I ordered AE said a 1500$ purchase would be fine(mentioned wrong order ).

 

Sounds like a problem with your card, not Dell. I'd call AmEx ASAP.