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Same Part, Same Supplier, Different Prices

Posted by timothy on from the guess-which-way-they'd-go-if-equal dept.

linuxwrangler writes "Infoworld's "Notes From The Field column this week includes a comment from a reader who found that Dell listed several different prices for the same part. Intrigued, I grabbed the first part number I found (a 512MB memory module #A0193405) and found that the list price is $289.99 which the price offered to "large businesses". Meanwhile, the GSA/DOD contract price is $266.21 while "home users" find the list-price discounted to $275.49 and "small businesses" fare even better with a $246.49 price. InfoWorld contacted Dell who responded, "Each segment sets its own pricing, and consumers are free to pick the one that's cheapest." Buyer beware."

2 of 412 comments (clear)

  1. My Life is Dilbert by RicJohnson · · Score: 5, Interesting

    This is nothing. Dell always has sold to the business market for more.
    I found this out years ago when I had to upgrade 300+ computers. I went on to their site, found the best price for the most power, and then called up for the best bulk price
    The system I picked was the Dimension, with the latest tech. But the salesman wanted me to buy the 'business optimized' OptiPlex. I pointed out that each unit was MUCH more expensive for the same power, he tried to sell me that new technology was not good for business - I should use 'proven' hardware (i.e. 1 year old chips at top prices).
    I told him no thanks, please give me a price on 300+ Dimensions as I specified them.
    He did give me a price, but when I went to my boss to get the check, I found out that the salesguy called him and told him to but the OptiPlex! Then my PHB believed the vendor, and I eventually got fired cuz I would not support them. (The drivers for the network card would not support the latest Windows)

  2. I work in education.. by Sime208 · · Score: 5, Interesting

    ..and found this out recently.

    The guy that deals with buying equipment called Dell up wanting some machines like what he'd bought his kids.

    For his kids, Dell charged 300gbp per box.

    For the school, they wanted around 30% more!

    Dell's excuse was really laughable. Something about "For schools, the computers can be further upgraded before purchasing so it gives you the option of upgrading at the point of sale.". They could be upgraded for home use too, so that didn't really wash.