Getting The Best Price For Your Computer
Is there a good time to buy a computer?
Generally, the weekends and the end of the year are good times to buy a computer. You'll typically find discounts or free add-ons that people will throw in, if you're buying a computer at the end of the month or year, because they're trying to meet their quotas.
Do computer salespeople work on commission?
Some salespeople do work on commission, some don't. If that is something that you're concerned about, feel free to ask the computer salespeople, and they'll let you know if they're working on commission. If they are working on commission, just be a little bit more guarded as to what they tell you to buy, because they have an incentive to selling it.
Can I negotiate the price of my computer system?
Generally you can't negotiate the price of the computer, but you definitely want to negotiate on any warranties or cables or high margin items. Ink cartridges you can definitely negotiate on if you're buying a machine. You want to negotiate on those because those products carry high markups.
What are some examples of "high margin" computer products?
Cables are number one. When you buy a printer, you need to get that USB cable with it and in general you can find markups a hundred or even two hundred percent in those items. Ink cartridges also carry a high margin, not to the extent of cables, but those are also items you can wheel and deal with.
How do computer stores make their money?
Computer stores generally make their money in dealing with large volume. The computers themselves have really, really low margins on them, so volume helps. Also, accessories and peripherals are really big money makers for the computer stores. Cables, inks, surge protectors, CDs, media, all the little knick knacks that you get for your computer.
How do I know if my computer salesperson is doing a good job?
You know if you can trust your computer salesman if you feel comfortable with them, if they're answering all your questions to your satisfaction, if you don't feel pressured to buy something, if they are truthful, and if they let you know about everything up front; you'll get a sense you can trust them. If you're dealing with someone, you'll be able to tell if they're trying to pull one over on you or if they're being honest with you.
What is the real story behind "free add-on" items?
Add-ons almost always have a mail-in rebate associated with them. So you go and buy something. "Buy this computer and get a free printer" and then in fine print, "after mail-in rebate" which you almost never see. You'll forget to mail it in. I am not much for those free add-ons. I would rather get the product that I am getting for a good price than have to worry about dealing with those mail-in rebates. The computer stores are counting on that you don't mail in those rebates.
Can I return a computer if I change my mind?
Most often, the case is "no." Once you buy a computer, manufacturers will not take the machines back unless there was something physically wrong with the machine when you purchased it. If you do return the computer, you're generally charged a restocking fee, even if they do decide to take it back.
Is it a good idea to buy my computer online?
There are both pros and cons to buying your computer online. If you buy your computer online you can save yourself sales tax, if you buy it out of state. However, you do have to pay for shipping for the computer, in most cases. You can usually save a little bit by buying a computer online, but the downside is, if something goes wrong, you're going to have to pack it and ship it back, thus incurring costs. Also, if you have any problems with your computer, you don't have someone where you can deal face to face. If you buy it from a local store, if you have any problems, most stores are usually helpful. They want to help you resolve your problems.
What are the hidden costs of ordering computers online?
Some of the problems or hidden costs with ordering computers online is that you may not receive what you ordered. Sometimes a product could be backordered and you never receive it until after a few weeks, and during that time a new model may have come out. Of course, you're stuck because the computer manufacturers will not take the machines back. So, it's always good to be careful when you buy a machine online. You will get some benefits and some cost savings sometimes, but there are those issues also associated with it too.
