Whatever happened to "Plain Old WYSIWYG Advertising?"

[MichaelD]

I get several hard-copy advertisments a month from Dell. I enjoy receiving them. I got one today.

On "Page-X" they have a laptop. They advertise this laptop for $XXXX.xx and say it comes with this that and the other thing.

I say "Wow...that's a good price for all that!!!!" Then I see that at the bottom it says words to the effect of "Rules 1a thru 234b, on pages 44-95 apply."

So, I flip to the pages and start reading. What a crock of crap. :roll:

To paraphrase, "The Rules" say things like "In order to qualify for the laptop deal on page XXX, you must also concurrently purchase $56,343.09 worth of networking equipment, on a Tuesday. Offer applies only to existing Dell Platinum Spacewalker Customers who have in the past, purchased a tray of memory totalling more than $1,000,000 in British Pounds, on a Thursday."

You get the idea!! :| :disgust:

WHY do they do this crap? Don't they just want me to buy a damn laptop? Isn't that the point of printing and mailing me this pretty full-color circular?

I know I'm ranting...I just don't understand. I threw the damn thing in the trash. SEE WHAT I MEAN? I went from "Hmm, I want to buy this!!" to "Hmm, Fck this!!!" in two seconds flat!

Isn't it self-defeating for Dell?

 

[AFB]

I have noticed this :|

 

[notfred]

You should call them up and say, "I want the laptop on page X for the price printed in big bold letters on page X", and see what they say.

 

[Pepsi90919]

uh, how about what it really says?

 

[mugs]

I've never noticed it because I don't look at their print advertisements... but could you type out the ACTUAL requirements so I know what you're talking about?

 

[Wahsapa]

you of all people dont know this worlds a shithole yet? in this case technology just speeds it up.

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: Pepsi90919
uh, how about what it really says?

Would you like me to scan the damn pages? I use things like "$xxxx.xx" and "comes with these components" so I don't HAVE to scan the damn ad.

You either lack imagination, work for Dell, are dumb as a box of rocks...or all three. THINK man, think!

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: MichaelD

Originally posted by: Pepsi90919
uh, how about what it really says?

Would you like me to scan the damn pages? I use things like "$xxxx.xx" and "comes with these components" so I don't HAVE to scan the damn ad.

You either lack imagination, work for Dell, are dumb as a box of rocks...or all three. THINK man, think!

I think he was talking about the fine print stuff, like I was...

 

[Wallydraigle]

That kind of crap makes me want to commit suic

 

[MichaelD]

Originally posted by: mugs

Originally posted by: MichaelD

Originally posted by: Pepsi90919
uh, how about what it really says?

Would you like me to scan the damn pages? I use things like "$xxxx.xx" and "comes with these components" so I don't HAVE to scan the damn ad.

You either lack imagination, work for Dell, are dumb as a box of rocks...or all three. THINK man, think!

I think he was talking about the fine print stuff, like I was...

I'm sorry...not trying to be a d!ck. I guess I'm going to have to scan the pages; and it IS FINE PRINT bs...that's why I got pissed and posted in the first place!!!

It's such a "Great Deal" until you read the fine print...then it's a rip off. :|

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: MichaelD

Originally posted by: mugs

Originally posted by: MichaelD

Originally posted by: Pepsi90919
uh, how about what it really says?

Would you like me to scan the damn pages? I use things like "$xxxx.xx" and "comes with these components" so I don't HAVE to scan the damn ad.

You either lack imagination, work for Dell, are dumb as a box of rocks...or all three. THINK man, think!

I think he was talking about the fine print stuff, like I was...

I'm sorry...not trying to be a d!ck. I guess I'm going to have to scan the pages; and it IS FINE PRINT bs...that's why I got pissed and posted in the first place!!!

It's such a "Great Deal" until you read the fine print...then it's a rip off. :|

I won't lose sleep over it if you don't scan the pages, don't worry about it. I'll keep an eye out for a Dell ad this Sunday.

 

[Tremulant]

Originally posted by: MichaelD
To paraphrase, "The Rules" say things like "In order to qualify for the laptop deal on page XXX, you must also concurrently purchase $56,343.09 worth of networking equipment, on a Tuesday. Offer applies only to existing Dell Platinum Spacewalker Customers who have in the past, purchased a tray of memory totalling more than $1,000,000 in British Pounds, on a Thursday."

rofl.

Oh, and I think they do that banking on people who won't read the fine print and roll with the extra fees.

 

[BurnItDwn]

"Dell Platinum Spacewalker Customers" .... I hate this acronym, but here goes, LOL

 

[Crusty]

Originally posted by: MichaelD

Originally posted by: Pepsi90919
uh, how about what it really says?

Would you like me to scan the damn pages? I use things like "$xxxx.xx" and "comes with these components" so I don't HAVE to scan the damn ad.

You either lack imagination, work for Dell, are dumb as a box of rocks...or all three. THINK man, think!

I'm voting for dumb as a box of rocks!