Phone Vs Online

I've heard there are benefits such as prices/extras from calling your order in and just wondered some things people got. Also how do EPP/school discounts work over the phone.

 

When you place your order through a sales rep on the phone, the reps usually have access to options that the customer does not. It's usually just small stuff, like free expedited shipping, maybe a free mouse or something. Not sure about the EPP/student discount, though I assume you just tell your rep that you're a student and ask them to apply the student discount pricing.

 

Phone = is usually a better way to go vs. using chat.
You have a more personal convo' with the Rep, and you may find yourself able to get even better deals than what you are currently looking at.

I always use my EPP discount for purchases, and I use the same Rep ~ always.
He has always matched, and beat the current Dell Home Pricing that I'm looking at! And, I always get Next Day Shipping for free!

EPP Reps, are supposed to match/beat Dell home pricing.
When you call and speak with the Dell EPP Rep..it's best to have what you want to purchase *saved* to your cart..That way, they can easily access..and hopefully beat that deal!!

Hope that helps!

Cin

 

Thanks, and does that mean there are specific reps for EPP?

 

NP There are a ton of Reps for EPP..you access them through the EPP Site and the EPP tele' number.
EPP site link: http://www1.us.dell.com/content/segmenter.aspx?c=us&cs=6099&l=en&s=eep&~topic=eep_login

(just like the Dell Home Site, except it has all your instant discount, and info stored from your Member login..on what is applicable to you).

I just use the same person, cuz he's pretty awesome!
Whenever I see a deal I want..I e-mail him to call me, and when he does ~ I usually have a purchase by the end of the convo!

Usually the EPP rep's are pretty good!

Cin

 

Are you saying Dell reps can give you extra discount on top of the ones listed online? How do you ask for these discounts/upgrades?

 

Yes, Dell Reps can do that....
You call *have your cart saved, config ready*..and advise that you would like to purchase, and see what they can do for you. Sometimes you can get a better discount, free upgraded shipping (this is easy for them to do), or maybe even something thrown, in to *close the sale*.

Here, this is a great thread:
How To make The Best Computer Deal:
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=153497

May peep's have had great luck following Les' advice (including myself)

Cin

 

can't hurt to call and compare...

unless you find a really (short lived) good deal online that the rep can't price match...

 

So, inquiring minds want to know (me)...

Have you decided to possibly purchase and check out EPP??


Cin

 

I'm pretty sure I'll end up purchasing through EPP but I'll probably wait until June 26th or later for the windows 7 upgrade program. I'm just planning on purchasing one before the school year and I'm trying to get as much information ahead of time as I can. I currently have an E1505 thats a few years old but I bought this one online and without EPP. So far the Studio XPS 16 is the laptop thats sticking out in my mind as a choice.

 

That's cool..sounds like your going to be making some good decisions!
The SXPS 16 is very nice!!! It's pretty popular here on the Dell forum!


Cin

 

I've just been emailing with a Dell rep in Taiwan, and their prices are a lot cheaper than the website. As others have said, they can also add and remove things not normally accessible on the website (e.g. removing the OS, mouse and mouse matt etc. to save a little, offering different configuration options etc.). It's worth a try

(As for the Studio XPS, if only they had a matte screen option ).

 

A lot of helpful information here, thanks.

 

I ordered on the web the morning of June 2nd. People who ordered by phone the afternoon of June 4th are getting their machines earlier than I will. (Same type of notebook.)

Not only that, but because I was put behind all the phone callers, the chasis for my machine is on backorder. I get to wait an extra week or two because I used the web site.

 

Phone by far regarding specials. In my experiences, many representatives can be negotiated with (so long as a rival is offering a comparable computer in the same price range). The primary thing is to ensure the rep gets your order right and e-mails you a "quote" prior to purchase.

On mine the rep messed up my order and after going through a rather annoying set of discussions regarding a return (they insisted they build and then send out the machine so that I can re-ship it back to them for them to place it on outlet or so I assume). Either way, I did get additional discounts over the phone prior to the error and then quite a few additional ones (alongside EPP as I forgot to include it originally) after their error for compensation. As a result, I'm a happy customer .

 

The phone is the best for *deals*, you are actually speaking with a Rep, be nice..and sometimes you can get those extras..or they will make up for *probs* with your order!

It's worked for me, several times!


Cin

 

One last question, are the reps in Dell chat similar to/the same as those over the phone as far as deals and extras go?

 

I tried to use Dell Chat once..when placing a Order..NO results in the way of a better deal, or extras. I felt like I was chatting with a drone. Each time I asked questions, etc...I was asked *Are you ready to finalize the Order now*. , I didn't like that. When I'm ready to order, I will!

Going by phone was easier to get any type of deal...You are having an actual conversation..making it more personal ~ Hence the better chances of any deals/extras, etc


Cin

 

my parents just ordered a dell and it arrived within a week. they were told by the rep that ordering by phone places you ahead of online orders, which goes out in a batch. plus, i think ordering by phone adds a more personal touch to buying a dell.

 

I just noticed this post. Are you sure they can do that? I requested they either ship my SXPS with no OS or ship it with Ubuntu pre-installed and they said they couldn't do that. They eventually began offering the SXPS with Ubuntu pre-installed anyways (though with rather unusual packaging options).