Major discount of a T43p via a phone order through Lenovo?

[CupOfJoe]

Hi Folks,

I've read up on a few people here who seem to have received some significant discounts when ordering their laptop from Lenovo via the phone (as opposed to a straight web based order). Discounts in the range of $500-$700. Significant.

Is this discount available for anyone who calls up and talks with a direct Lenovo sales rep? Or what is the story here?

I was in an online "chat" with a Lenovo sales rep, and he asked if I was going to order mine online, and I said "well, are there any perks you can give me if I order it over the phone with you?" and his response was that the price would be the same whether ordering it on the phone or via the web.

So what's the bottom line with some people getting these discounts? (I've seen people mention the "tabook" reference file -- is there something to using this when talking with the rep? or what?)

I've currently got a T43p on order -- and am paying a price based on the web -- but would enjoy a significant discount (duh -- who wouldn't ).



By the way -- is $2299 a good price for what I'm buying?

I'm buying model 2687D5U (see it at http://tinyurl.com/c2f4j ).


Thanks,
-CupOfJoe

[JaneL]

So what's the bottom line with some people getting these discounts? (I've seen people mention the "tabook" reference file -- is there something to using this when talking with the rep? or what?)

The bottom line is the same as it is when you buy a car or almost anything else. Sometimes there are discounts that haven't been published on the web yet, sometimes there are discounts that just aren't published that the salesperson will throw in to close the deal, and sometimes it's just the silver-tongued negotiation skills of the person wanting to buy.

Re tabook - see item #1 in the FAQ.

[CupOfJoe]

The bottom line is the same as it is when you buy a car or almost anything else. Sometimes there are discounts that haven't been published on the web yet, sometimes there are discounts that just aren't published that the salesperson will throw in to close the deal, and sometimes it's just the silver-tongued negotiation skills of the person wanting to buy.

Hi nonny,

Thanks for your insight... That's quite interesting. Especially for such an established, big-time corporate entity.

Sure, I've seen the local mom & pop computer store sometimes engage in a little bartering, but I'm not used to the big corporate entity doing business in this fashion.

Now, given what you said above, are we to assume (or do we even know for a fact) that Lenovo Direct Sales Reps are working on a commission basis?

Regards
-CupOfJoe

[DIGITALgimpus]

I've heard they have a % they can give, if that will help bring in the sale. This isn't unique to IBM/Lenovo.

So if you can convince them you may not buy because of price, the rep may offer you a discount, to try and hook you.

When I bought my A31 a few years ago, I got a nice little discount when I said I was a student... and trying to get the best specs I could for my money.

They are very bright people. They know making half the profit on a sale is better than not making a sale at all.