- Oct 9, 1999
- 5,143
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I recently ordered a Dell 4600 computer from Dell Small Business.
The computer came in yesterday.
Today I received a 15% off coupon and noticed that the same system includes a $200 rebate, instead of the $100 rebate on the system I just received.
A savings of a bit over $200 if I ordered a few days later.
I called Dell and asked about price protection.
Representative said, "yes, we offer 30 day price protection for the same line item system."
Here's the catch, same line item means EXACT same system, not only hardware configuration but everything else as well.
This means that if everything is the same except the mail in rebate goes from $100 to $200 then that line item is changed and the price protection is void.
Silly, yes? All Dell has to do is make a different mouse, or keyboard standard on a system and they do not have to guarantee price protection.
After discussing this with the rep for a few minutes I said, "fine, I'll just return the system and order a new one."
She said all I would have to pay is Dell's shipping, which was zero since I got free shipping.
Then she put me on hold for about 10 minutes.
When she came back on she said she spoke with the returns dept and they are offering me a $200 discount if I keep the computer.
I said, "fine" and that was that.
Pretty sneaky, huh? They won't do anything unless push comes to shove.
So, if you ordered a Dell system, remember you can return it and order a new one if prices drop radically. If you get free shipping all you'll have to pay is return shipping, which if $50 is still not much if you can get a discount of $200 or more on a new system.
Also, I learned that the return department is authorized to issue discounts up to $700 depending on the system.
Just thought I'd share my experience and save someone a headache!
Mark
The computer came in yesterday.
Today I received a 15% off coupon and noticed that the same system includes a $200 rebate, instead of the $100 rebate on the system I just received.
A savings of a bit over $200 if I ordered a few days later.
I called Dell and asked about price protection.
Representative said, "yes, we offer 30 day price protection for the same line item system."
Here's the catch, same line item means EXACT same system, not only hardware configuration but everything else as well.
This means that if everything is the same except the mail in rebate goes from $100 to $200 then that line item is changed and the price protection is void.
Silly, yes? All Dell has to do is make a different mouse, or keyboard standard on a system and they do not have to guarantee price protection.
After discussing this with the rep for a few minutes I said, "fine, I'll just return the system and order a new one."
She said all I would have to pay is Dell's shipping, which was zero since I got free shipping.
Then she put me on hold for about 10 minutes.
When she came back on she said she spoke with the returns dept and they are offering me a $200 discount if I keep the computer.
I said, "fine" and that was that.
Pretty sneaky, huh? They won't do anything unless push comes to shove.
So, if you ordered a Dell system, remember you can return it and order a new one if prices drop radically. If you get free shipping all you'll have to pay is return shipping, which if $50 is still not much if you can get a discount of $200 or more on a new system.
Also, I learned that the return department is authorized to issue discounts up to $700 depending on the system.
Just thought I'd share my experience and save someone a headache!
Mark
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