Re: Staples as a Source for Buying Computers--Market Driven at theConsumer's Expense?
David C. Holley wrote:
> While I can see whole dollar prices as possibly being indicitive of a
> discontinued item, I find it unlikely that other odd prices such as .97,
> .92, .68 have any significant meaning. Staples uses a pricing model that
> looks at the true cost of a product from acquisition to warehouse to
> delivery to the retail stores with such issues as transportation, storage,
> handling, etc. It goes beyond just looking at the cost to purchase the
> product and the selling price of the product. As such, the odd prices are
> most likely generated from a pricing algorithim and accepted as is unless
> the analyst decides to adjust them.
>
> "Jose" <jose_ease@yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:c21fd80c-231f-41ba-9f49-34b0ac3731e3@21g2000yqj.googlegroups.com...
> On Jan 6, 11:09 am, "W. eWatson" <wolftra...@invalid.com> wrote:
>> I bought a new HP computer at Staples, and recently started into
>> creating a set of rescue disks. It was mystifying. I resorted to
>> Newsgroups and here. Last night, I Googled HP and noticed a chat. I
>> tried it. It was busted. I noticed something about contact them for
>> support. I called. I found out I had a year of free support any time.
>>
>> I have no recollection of Staples telling me anything about this, other
>> than I had a year of parts replacement. Today I went over and looked at
>> their PCs, and found none mentioned free HP support, but did offer, for
>> a price, their care. BTW, I did dig out a support phone number (I don't
>> think they mentioned free) from HP's minimal getting started booklet,
>> which seems very h/w oriented. HP answered my questions satisfactorily.
>>
>> So to me this looks like Staples as less than honest about what one gets
>> with computers bought there.
>
> In that case, the first recommendation I have is to come up with
> (borrow/copy/create) a genuine bootable XP installation CD (if your
> new system came with XP). You may find that a lot handier later if
> your system doesn't boot some day.
>
> Not telling you about something is not the same as not being honest.
>
> There are good bargains to be had at these stores - especially in the
> electronics department.
>
> A "trick" for shopping these places (Staples, Office Depot especially)
> is to pay special attention to the price. If the price does not end
> in .99, that item is discontinued and reduced for quick sale.
> Reasonable offers accepted.
>
> If you see a price ending in .97, .92, .68 etc. - make them an offer.
> 25-50% of the display price (or less) even.
>
> If the sales person doesn't know anything what you are talking about,
> speak to the manager. Somebody put that goofy price on there and
> knows what it means. They know what you're talking about. If the
> manager doesn't know, find the correct manager or call the next day
> and talk to them on the phone.
>
> It may be a display item with a few miles on it or be scratched, they
> may not have the right box or power cord, but you will get it cheap.
> Computer, TVs, printers, cameras, etc. They usually have the same
> warranty. It not, you can always walk.
>
> Make an offer!
>
>
I'm skipping over several messages just to see my response a few minutes
ago. Particularly note my mention of the mgr, and my claim their
approach has nothing to do with me, but has to do with the information
available to the customer. Other than that I am going to report this to
Consumer Reports.