"Home Computers Haggling" Discussion

jojeba

I tried to haggle for my new Dell laptop yesterday - it was an emergency buy as my old one died and I've just started freelancing - and I couldn't wait to order it directly through Dell or online. So went into Currys, who didn't have the model I wanted. Tried again in PC World, who had it - and also had it in the colour I wanted, which other stores didn't! I think my mistake may have been my letting on I was looking for this colour. But the other thing that may have worked against me (sorry to say this) is that I had a woman salesperson... so no batting of eyelids was going to help.
I tried for a discount, playing on the fact that I hadn't planned to buy it today - and got a no, as expected - and then asked if they would throw in a laptop case if I bought it now. No. And then hummed and hahhed and wandered round the store a bit but still nothing thrown in. She was steely! Even after I'd said I couldn't afford to buy it today, she tried to upsell some software with it! (Tried for a discount on that but she said no).
In the end had to take the laptop as I needed it quickly, but didn't take any extras as I know free versions I can use instead.

Better luck next time maybe! Glad I tried, anyway - would kick myself if I hadn't attempted it.