Items in the outlet store are items that were shipped from Dell and returned. Some may have been returned because the shipping address was wrong or shipment was refused. Some may have ordered, used the computer for a few days, changed their mind and returned it. Some may have gotten a PC that was defective and returned it. Basically, anything the leaves Dell and comes back can't be sold as new, so it's sold through the outlet. You might get a brand new computer, or one that's been used for a couple of weeks. Everything is tested and carrys the same warranty as a new machine - and they have a 21 day return policy - just like a new machine.
Personally, I tend to buy most of my computers through the outlet. I can get them cheaper and quicker, and the statistician in me likes to think that there are less odds of getting a bad machine since it's been tested twice. Don't know if that's accurate, but that's what I tell myself.
Anyway, over the last 5 years I've purchased 4 desktops and 3 laptops from the outlet and have been pleased with all of them. I wouldn't hesitate to buy from the outlet if I can get the config I want at a good price.
I buy a fair amount of stuff from DELL and was wondering about using their outlet as well. However when I have priced high end laptop systems in the past I got the impression by waiting for some good coupon codes / weekly specials, that I could get about as good a price buying the system "new". I was wondering if you have done much comparing - taking into consideration weekly specials / coupon codes?
On the other hand I got the impression that lower end desktop systems can be picked up at a better deal at the outlet - probably because there is much less margin on the lower end new desktop systems. However I have not done that much searching in the outlet site, so don't have a complete picture.
Yep - you need to comparision shop. Sometimes, the best deals are on the Home site, sometimes on the Small Business site, sometimes on the Outlet site. All of the different purchasing options offer different deals and different coupons at different times. I imagine the deals track each other pretty well, too - ex: if Home puts on a good sale, that'll draw customers away from Small Bus and Outlet, which will cause them to respond with deals of their own. Capitalism at its finest.
I usually figure out what I need and what I feel would be a good price, then start watching the different sites and coupon codes to see what I can come up with. I recommend checking www.fatwallet.com for coupon codes - they do a good job consolidating current offers from Dell Outlet, Dell Home and Dell Small Business. Also, sign up for the email alerts from the Dell Home and Dell Small Business sites - they often send out pretty good coupons.
On average, I'd say I save about 10% going to the Outlet. Not a huge amount but not bad. I've definitely seen the new site come out with 'outrageous deals' that beat anything I've found in the outlet, but I have rarely needed to buy a computer when those deals were active.
Biggest detriment to the Outlet compared to the new site is the inability to configure the comptuer just as you want it. The outlet does offer search options that help you narrow your selection to something that's pretty close - but it can be challenging at times if you're looking for a specific screen resolution on a laptop, or a 2.8ghz, 800mhz FSB instead of the 533 FSB option...
Message Edited by TechniKal on 10-28-2004 05:26 PM
Thanks for all of the advice. I was able to find the system like I had configured to purchase through the Home site, only difference is a larger HD, almost $200 less and I should have it by Monday.
TechniKal
76 Posts
0
October 28th, 2004 19:00
Items in the outlet store are items that were shipped from Dell and returned. Some may have been returned because the shipping address was wrong or shipment was refused. Some may have ordered, used the computer for a few days, changed their mind and returned it. Some may have gotten a PC that was defective and returned it. Basically, anything the leaves Dell and comes back can't be sold as new, so it's sold through the outlet. You might get a brand new computer, or one that's been used for a couple of weeks. Everything is tested and carrys the same warranty as a new machine - and they have a 21 day return policy - just like a new machine.
Personally, I tend to buy most of my computers through the outlet. I can get them cheaper and quicker, and the statistician in me likes to think that there are less odds of getting a bad machine since it's been tested twice. Don't know if that's accurate, but that's what I tell myself.
Anyway, over the last 5 years I've purchased 4 desktops and 3 laptops from the outlet and have been pleased with all of them. I wouldn't hesitate to buy from the outlet if I can get the config I want at a good price.
anettis
366 Posts
0
October 28th, 2004 19:00
Tech,
I buy a fair amount of stuff from DELL and was wondering about using their outlet as well. However when I have priced high end laptop systems in the past I got the impression by waiting for some good coupon codes / weekly specials, that I could get about as good a price buying the system "new". I was wondering if you have done much comparing - taking into consideration weekly specials / coupon codes?
On the other hand I got the impression that lower end desktop systems can be picked up at a better deal at the outlet - probably because there is much less margin on the lower end new desktop systems. However I have not done that much searching in the outlet site, so don't have a complete picture.
TechniKal
76 Posts
0
October 28th, 2004 21:00
Yep - you need to comparision shop. Sometimes, the best deals are on the Home site, sometimes on the Small Business site, sometimes on the Outlet site. All of the different purchasing options offer different deals and different coupons at different times. I imagine the deals track each other pretty well, too - ex: if Home puts on a good sale, that'll draw customers away from Small Bus and Outlet, which will cause them to respond with deals of their own. Capitalism at its finest.
I usually figure out what I need and what I feel would be a good price, then start watching the different sites and coupon codes to see what I can come up with. I recommend checking www.fatwallet.com for coupon codes - they do a good job consolidating current offers from Dell Outlet, Dell Home and Dell Small Business. Also, sign up for the email alerts from the Dell Home and Dell Small Business sites - they often send out pretty good coupons.
On average, I'd say I save about 10% going to the Outlet. Not a huge amount but not bad. I've definitely seen the new site come out with 'outrageous deals' that beat anything I've found in the outlet, but I have rarely needed to buy a computer when those deals were active.
Biggest detriment to the Outlet compared to the new site is the inability to configure the comptuer just as you want it. The outlet does offer search options that help you narrow your selection to something that's pretty close - but it can be challenging at times if you're looking for a specific screen resolution on a laptop, or a 2.8ghz, 800mhz FSB instead of the 533 FSB option...
Message Edited by TechniKal on 10-28-2004 05:26 PM
bensmom243
5 Posts
0
October 29th, 2004 02:00
TechniKal
76 Posts
0
October 29th, 2004 11:00