Advice please: negiotation with Dell on new system purchase

I'm on the verge of ordering a 1647 and I'm interested in learning more about negotiating with Dell to get a better deal. From what I've gathered in reading these forums, I'd have a better chance at success if I call in my order (rather than through chat).

FYI: I'm looking at a new system and spending about 1700 USD on an XPS 16.

I'd like to learn more about the following:

1. What approach do I take?
- do I call as an undecided buyer who wants to be convinced to purchase?

2. What kind of deal could I hope to get?
- free/discount on upgrades
- discounted price on the system

I'd like any advice the community has and hear of other peoples' experience.

Thanks

 

Usually by phone will get you a good deal, yes.

The best way is to go configure a few systems, and have them "saved to your cart". That way, you have them in front of you when dealing with the Rep. Also, be prepared to say "no thanks", and dialing back a few times. It's pretty much a guarantee you will be told "sorry, this is the best deal you are going to get".

You can try an get extended warranty thrown in, discount on an upgrade, or the entire system matched.

Do you have access to EPP? If you have that sometimes that is beneficial when dealing with the EPP Reps.

When you call, you take control of the sale with the Rep, you be firm & polite. You say action words like: "I am ready to buy today from you, right now". "What are you going to do to close this sale"? "What is the best you can do for me"?

Some threads to check: (this is Les' older guide, but it's still supreme awesomeness to me)
A How-To on Making The Best Computer Deal

See Post #1 Important!

Here is another thread:

Tips for buying from Dell over the phone?

Good luck! : )

Cin...

 

Just follow the advice from master Cin.

 

When I bought my 1645 last November, I took pretty much the same approach as described above. I configured my system on the Dell site. At that time, I think the website price was already pretty good because the 1645 was configurable at that time as one of their Black Friday specials. After saving it to my cart, I called and spoke with a sales agent. When I politely made it clear that I was ready to buy immediately but that there would have to be some sort of price reduction, I was offered a price that was $150 lower than what I had come up with off of the Dell site.

Even though prices have come down by a significant amount in the 10 months since I made the purchase, the price I paid is still somewhat lower than what I would pay if I were to configure the same system on the Dell site today.

I've used a similar procedure of configuring what I was interested in and then talking with a sales agent a few times with Dell purchases, including at least 2 computers and a high end monitor, and I've always been offered a reduction in the price that significantly lowered what I was getting from the website. So, I strongly endorse following steps similar to these.