<p>Dad’o’2, we also had no idea that Dell negotiated until I read it from a number of student posters on the College Life forum last year. In the end, it was a regular “if we can agree to this price, will you buy it today” car sales type of event. </p>
<p>My S had been shopping the various models, specs, and pricing of a number of laptops throughout the summer. Sales promos fluctuated greatly over the summer, and he paid attention to trends. One highly-rated system fluctuated as much as $1500. He talked with his U’s tech dept for their recs and discount pricing. Then he did a lot of online research, reading reviews from C-net, PC Magazine, Gaming sites & etc about specific components, sound cards, graphics cards & what not. He’s built desktops, so he’s comfortable talking specs and customizing a system. </p>
<p>I believe he started by very simply talking to a salesperson on the phone and asking questions about the various Dell products and comparing their products to other models and configurations. He had a very good understanding of the differences between the Latitudes, the Inspirons, and the XPS gaming systems. He viewed it as a value proposition, unbundling the systems, weighing hardware & software features and prices. </p>
<p>He worked with one salesperson over a period of days. Once S had a firm idea of what he could build in comparison to other models on the market, he came up with his idea of a fair price, including the most complete extended wty. He finally made his pitch, and the salesperson was countering, wanting to swap out features or upgrades, talking with his supervisor, while S was talking with his Dad (coaching him to stay firm when my S wanted to cave), back and forth…you get the idea.</p>
<p>It was a lot of work & a great learning experience, but S was really proud of his success. He built a great machine at a great price. My H prides himself on being a great value shopper, getting the best quality for his needs at the best price, and was duly impressed with our S.</p>
<p>I should add that Dell has done fine by our family since we’ve purchased at least four computers through the years at their advertised prices. Now we know better. </p>
<p>(We’ve also owned all types of computers, business and personal, from Dells, Intels, Toshibas, Gateways, HPs, & Macs, so this is not a Dell only spiel. Just passing it along.)</p>