Placing the order over the phone is better than online?

[r1ych]

I'm thinking of buying a Thinkpad so I called Lenovo for some general warranty information today. At the end of the chat I said I would have a think about placing an order and would do so online when I was ready. She suggested that I should call in the order rather than use the website, as it can get you into a "faster" delivery line

Any truth to this, or was she just after some commission?

[pianowizard]

I haven't ordered directly from IBM because I bought all of my Thinkpads either on eBay or on this forum. But let me tell you my experience with Dell, which may be relevant to you question. I ordered twice from Dell, once was online and the other time was over the phone. The customer representative also claimed that ordering over the phone would guarantee faster delivery, but both orders took about two weeks. In addition, the customer representative talked me into buying several things that I didn't really need, and so I wish I had ordered online instead and saved about $50.

[firestarter]

I dont think it's true. I ordered the R51 (build your own) on 2nd Feb and even though the website gave me a small heartattack by telling me that the delivery is going to be Mar 10th, i called and the rep told me that it'll be not more than 3 weeks and now my laptop is actually scheduled to be delivered on the 13th Feb! It was shipped exactly one week after the order was placed online so i dont think you'll have any delivery problems, unless you're ordering the latest series which i've heard can take a long time.

[BruisedQuasar]

Any truth to this, or was she just after some commission?

Whatever the case may be, you were speaking to a salesperson, not just an hourly phone clerk.

IBM manufacturing follows the Dell cost cutting system. Dell is the most advanced computer-automated company in the world, as well as the world's biggest computer seller. It practically invented cost saving by low inventory and rapid resupply. Connections with parts makers are by computer. When an order comes in, it has to be entered into the central computer system, as the order goes straight to the assembly floor. Component use generates a tally on the supplier's PCs. As parts are used, replacements are ordered, roughly speaking.

All salesmen are taught to close the sale, to help the customer make a decision (to buy), that a sale closed now is better than three potential sales. Ever thank a dealership auto salesman for his time as you walk to your car, saying: "I'll be back later"? If he lets you leave empty handed, odds are you will not be back. Salesmen are taught this reality.