How best to order computer

[Sand]

Hello,

I have (finally) decided on the model I am going to order, (today) and I wonder if anyone has an opinion on most efficient way of ordering, whether from the website, or by phone with a real person. Is there any advantage to the phone, and why? And, is the weekend a good time to order? I know, they are probably dumb questions, but I don't know.

Thanks to everyone for all the help in making my decision, which is the T42 2379 DXU.

TIA,Sandra

[Leon]

either is fine, before I do, I would check with Bill, host of this site (he has some great deals and wonderful service)... www.thinkpads.com

[Sand]

Yes, I have already checked with Bill, but he does not sell them the Express models

Thanks,
Sandra

[Leon]

In that case, order by phone, and "lean" on the salesperson for a better deal. Tell them what you want, and ask for their best price. Also, ask for free shipping, and if they can add any "extras" onto your order. Smile on the phone, be nice, and you'll often find that they will do things for you. If you find the person on the phone unresponsive, tell them you'll wait, and call back. You will get someone else, and try again. The weekend is probably a good time to call, because thing are slower.

P.S. Please register for our Forum

[Sand]

How do you 'lean' on them

When I have talked with them in the past, they were pretty cut and dried, quoting the price listed. It's already discounted to 1799.00 so I don't know if they would lower that. Also, the shipping is free.

Could you tell me what 'extras' I would need/want to ask for; do you mean have them built in , or peripherals, like cables , USB Serial port for a printer; mouse, or software? I wouldn't know what to ask for.


I'm sorry, I do not understand the 'P.S. to register'. I thought I already joined, otherwise I could not post.

thanks,
Sandra

[Leon]

sorry, my error, the "Register" message was meant for someone else...

Welcome to our Forum!

maybe they won't give you more if it's already heavily discounted, but my experience shows that they have some "wiggle" room.....

when you call, tell them something about yourself, (you're a student, an employee of a large company, whatever...), then tell them the model your looking at.... ask directly if they can do better on the price because you are also shopping for it elsewhere and want their best price...

after they agree to something (or not), ask if they can include an accessory at no charge or discounted... have something in mind... more memory, an extra battery, a case maybe....think about which of these (or the other items that you mentioned) would be most useful to you and be ready to ask...

[Sand]

Thank you for the welcome; I love this forum, being able to talk with others about the IBM laptop. I have learned a lot from everyone's comments and experiences. I hope I will ever get to the point of knowing enough to offer some support, but I doubt if I will ever reach the expertise that's already here,in my lifetime.

I will think hard about those suggestions you made before I call, and hopefully they will be willing to do that.

Thank you so much for your help.

Sandra

[Leon]

Great, most important, be friendly when you call! Let us know how it works out. Even if it IS too discounted to get more, you have selected a great machine at a fair price.

P.S. Please put your location in your profile.

[rhema83]

And you can ask them to waive sales tax and shipping if you are good. I did that about half a year ago when I bought my T42.

[rocketman]

And you can ask them to waive sales tax and shipping if you are good. I did that about half a year ago when I bought my T42.

IBM is not going to "waive sales tax" unlesss you ship it to a state that doesn't have sales tax. No way no how.

[anonymouse]

For best pricing, find someone you know who works for IBM. The employee purchase plan also includes "friends and family" (the employee has a small/low yearly limit).