Dell To Sell To Retailers

dmarx writes "The Boston Globe reports that Dell, which has heretofore sold only through its website, direct to consumers, will now sell generic computers to dealers. This marks a shift in Dell's business model."

Comments

Changes in Dell's Business

[mike3411]

I've noticed that Dell seems to be shifting away from customizability and towards mass production of more standardized models. Their most "value" -priced desktop model is all but unconfigureable.

Re:Changes in Dell's Business

[Jester99]

Interestingly enough, that second link of yours lists the ship date of that particular machine as September 10 (This as of 8/21/2002). Clicking on the ship date states that it will take about thirteen days to process the order, build the machine, and ship it.

That doesn't sound very mass-produced rapid delivery to me!

(Compare: I purchased a Dell earlier this summer and customized everything, so that had to be all handled specially, no basic assembly-line there. The time from ordering to arrival at my doorstep was four days. Nice.)

Maybe they're just backlogged this week, or strapped for parts?

They did retail before...

[EMIce]

I've seen their machines at Staples, though years ago. But the fact of the matter is that their not selling to any dealers. Only dealers "who serve businesses with 100 employees or fewer." So don't count on seeing an unbranded Dell at the local PC shop anytime soon.

My guess is these white box specials will come without Dell technical support and will sell at a lower price, all the while helping Dell get penetration into small to medium sized businesses. The consultants that service these companies often opt for generic machines so they can make a couple bucks. After all, you can't buy a pricey Dell and mark it up. This move from Dell basically allows the consultants to acquire Dell's at dealer pricing, as long as they provide the technical expertise when typical problems arise. It's less problematic than cobbling together poorly tested combinations of generic parts and there is still a profit to be made. A good move on Dell's part if you ask me.

OK Here's a VALID question.

[DaedalusLogic]

Will they still use all their freaky proprietary connectors I've seen in some models? That would raise the cost of any retailer trying to support the machine. It's little things like a drive bay just a little too thin in width or a power/everybutton connection to the mobo. That's what got me out of manufactured PC's years ago.

Also, "Steven" and I were in the same class in high school. He's a nice guy, a bit goofy at times, but all in all ok. It's funny working in a world where people crack on him as an icon. I'm as annoyed by his character as the rest of us, maybe a little more. I hate anyone that acts like an idiot constantly. But way to go... If I could fall ass backwards into an ad campaign like that I'd love it. Go Dude Go!

Re:Dell makes a great computer....

[rde]

I've found Dell service to range from the great to the appalling; sometimes within the same month.

A couple of years ago, I bought 50 PCs from Dell. 49 worked as expected, one had a dodgy video card (three bluescreened ('98) straight away, but that's a different story). They refused to send out a new one for ages; first of all insisting I perform a bunch of patently unnecessary diagnostics & reinstalls, then stalling me, then losing my details, then, weeks later, sending out a new card.

On another occasion, I rang about a fucked hard disk (under warranty), and they had a guy around the same day with a replacement.

Before you all berate me about my intolerance of helpdesk foibles, let me assure you I'm sympathetic. Having techsupported in the past, I'm fully aware that everyone who rings a helpdesk is a lying bastard. But really: who in their right mind insists on an OS reinstall when the machine's failing in the POST?

Same home town?

[TechnoLust]

So you are from Chattanooga, TN?