Sneaky as Dell

I was pricing some laptops at work when I noticed something interesting about Dell’s pricing.  Now, hold on tight cause this can give you a headache.

I was running a spreadsheet by hand for the boss, listing out what each added item was and how much it added to the cost of the laptop when I noticed my subtotal at the end did not match Dell’s website.  This particular laptop had a $250 off automatic price break from Dell applied to it.  The “problem” with my math turned out to be the starting price.

When I chose the laptop it had a starting price of $899 in bold (with the original price of $1149 crossed out above it).  I added all the additional parts to the $899.  What Dell is doing is starting with the original price of $1149 when there is a discount applied.

Now get this — when you get to the final total they are the same.  Start at $1149, add all your stuff, take $250 off and you end up with the same price as if you’d started with $899 and added it up.  The $250 off just looks enticing because Dell is offering you a (fake) discount!

Sneaky, says I.

Kell

 Print This Post