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    Not a Bargain: QVC

    Discussion in 'Notebook and Tech Bargains' started by WashWest, Aug 11, 2006.

  1. WashWest

    WashWest Notebook Consultant NBR Reviewer

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    While channel surfing last night, I noticed that QVC was hawking Dells. I couldn't resist watching. This probably isn't breaking news, but QVC is not the best place to get a new computer. What surprised me, though, was just how overpriced they are.

    First they offered a Dell B110 desktop with a 15” flat panel. Allegedly, the “retail value” was $1567.00, but their special low price was only $816, plus shipping. Wow, big savings.

    So I went to dell.com to check it out. I configured the same desktop for $599, with free shipping, not using any coupons.

    Next they offered an Inspiron e 1405 for $1392, plus shipping. A huge savings off the "Retail Value" of $1981. At Dell’s site, you can get the same laptop for $1281. Of course, that’s before coupons. (And on the QVC site this morning, that very same e1405 will now set you back $1532!)

    Why would anyone buy from QVC? Even if you don’t have a computer yet and can’t order online, you can call Dell and order over the phone! I feel for the people who are getting hosed by QVC.
     
  2. drumfu

    drumfu super modfu

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    it's quite sad, isn't it ?

    it's like watching people get robbed in front of your face and there's nothing you can do.
     
  3. coutch

    coutch Newbie

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    Suckers will buy things because you tell them it's "on sale". My dad used to have a small appliance store, and most of his regular prices were actually lower than those of hte big surface discount stores. But the little old ladies didn't care, they wouldn buy anything because it wasn't "on-sale". He just put some big tags with bright red stars with the same price on it, and the little old ladies started buying ...

    It's like the ads that say "70% off" .... but what you really have to know is 70% off of what fictitious price ??
     
  4. Pitabred

    Pitabred Linux geek con rat flail!

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    Real value versus perceived value ;) People buy on the second one much more often than the first...
     
  5. chris2pher71

    chris2pher71 Notebook Evangelist

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    I wish I owned QVC....so I could.....uh....give my NBR buddies discounts...i mean..."sale prices"....yeah.

    8)
     
  6. admlam

    admlam Notebook Deity NBR Reviewer

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  7. Gautam

    Gautam election 2008 NBR Reviewer

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    Who would buy on TV? Obviously not the computer savvy. It is for people who don't know anything about computers, so they are easily ripped off. Sadly, these are usually the elderly who are victims.