Trade Up & Go

http://b2b.sony.com/documents/promotions/TradeUpGoPro4_Sellsheet_Final.pdf

http://sony.tradeups.com/Customers/12/LandingPage.aspx?PromotionID=95

It says in the promotion "Please note: CTO models are excluded from this promotion. Your purchase model must match the options in the purchase drop down menu to qualify".

1. Why are the Z and SR models on sonystyle OUTLET listed as CTO?
2. Is every Z and SR on sonystyle considered CTO?
3. Are the outlet models excluded from this promotion?

 

Thats odd, I did the exact same promotion for my CTO Z but I did not see the exception that is on this one. Weird...well free bump for you

 

I went down to Fry's and compared the Z and SR. I decided on the Z for the smaller size and matt screen.

If times weren't so tough, I would have plunked down $2k+ for a CTO or a Fry's-in-the-box. But I was looking for a good deal and luckily found this. Let me tell you it was a real PITA finding a qualifying b2b dealer with a likeable Z that was on the TU&G list, but the $450 back for my Dell 600m was worth it. I will also qualify for the FREE productivity/mobility bundle by going this route.

I placed an order for this Z540: http://b2b.sony.com/Solutions/product/VGN-Z540NBB I paid $1560 including sales tax, shipping, CA recycling fee. So after TU&G $1110 final, plus I'll get one of the FREE bundles.

The only downside is that ALL the Z's out there are Vista Business with XPP downgrade media. I would have preferred VHP or Ultimate, but the only way to get that is pay thru the nose for a CTO.

 

Think I scored bigtime on my Z540: upgraded RAM to 4GB, plus mobility rebate free stuff- extra battery, stick charger, & carry case.

Paid $1560 including tax & shipping
Paid $30 to add matching OEM 2GB DDR3
Got $450 back for TradeUp & Go
Sold carry case for $40
Final cost $1100

 

By the way. The Trade Up and Go Pro 4 trade in program has been extended through June 30th, 2009. Yay.

 

Quick question - why isn't the Z6xx series up there in the get a free quote? I called marketvelocity - the company that handles trade-ins for sony - and they're about as useful as the wall. They just said keep checking back for and updated product list. I want to get one of the updated Z series models and have a Dell notebook currently and wouldn't want to pass up on $450 so may have to settle for a Z5xx series notebook such as the 550. Anyone that has used this program, do you know how long it takes them to update the product list?

For reference, here is the site:
http://sony.tradeups.com/Customers/12/GetQuote.aspx
If you go to model # in the bottom the Z only goes to 5xx

Thanks for the help

 

Because this program is typically used for their B2B customer base, and for customers of their resellers like CDW, Newegg and others, it is based upon models that are available to them at this time. Currently none of the Z600 series are available today (though they are coming soon they say) to the reseller community, so they haven't needed to update the site. I'd expect updates to it shortly though when the models are put onto the B2B resellers websites.

 

I see that makes sense. It seems like the Z600 series is just starting to be available (saw some on J&R Music & Computer World in stock) via resellers. Would you say the best thing to do is wait even though I'm ready to buy now? I believe you have to file the claim within 30 days of purchase and don't want to risk losing out on $450 if they're not available in that time.