Dick Smith to sell Dell PCs

Halcon (Cornerstone member):

David Flynn wrote "Dell already has plenty of real world presence through its retail partnerships at Officeworks and The Good Guys plus stand-alone kiosks at over a dozen shopping centres (mainly Westfield) in most states.

Those kiosks don’t hold stock or sell systems, however – shoppers place their order online through dell.com.au with the help of a kiosk staffer for delivery to their home or office".

Sure, but the big difference is noticeable, the kiosks use the same model as talking to a phone operator instead of using the Internet directly to make the order/purchase, with this option you can choose any range of DELL systems Desktops or laptops tailor made for the individual user or business.
With Officeworks and the other affiliated retail outlets the panorama changes completely, these systems are built already like any other computer company like HP, Asus to name a few.
These systems are sold with few options like processor type, memory and hard drive configuration, to appeal certain prospective buyers.
Well informed users may prefer to custom build their systems prior delivery, this approach is more flexible and depend upon the buyer budget and the needs for the system to be used for.

lordy16 (New user):

Some larger Officeworks store do in fact allow you to order custom built machines, and get them sent either to the Officeworks store or to your home. In either case you can play with the different styles of machines in store, then order a configuration that suits you best, and pay for it through the Officeworks store too. I'm not sure if The Good Guys offers the same service at all.

todd_h86 (Cornerstone member):

But they are generally cheaper than the same spec on the dell website (less postage im assuming) but I got my Dell XPS M1530 notebook for $200 cheaper than the same one of the Dell website, sure I would have liked to have a 2.53GHz CPU instead of the 2.4Ghz, but I couldnt see a point in paying (then) $500 more for it! Also for all my warranty etc I go to the place of purchase for 4 years (Good Guys)

So it can suit many people! If I were building a custom rig I would buy all the components myself anyways so the Dell website is obsolete to me.

petert (Advanced member):

"It’s hard to judge the look and feel of a product when you can neither look at it nor feel it."

True, but for some people, including me, support is crucial. I've never purchased Dell because I've never had the desire to try to discuss technical matters over a crackling phone line with someone has has poor English skills ... and to then be required to package a computer and send it away (potentially for several weeks) for repairs. I will be very interested to learn about the support through DS.

Raindog (Senior Forumologist):

Quoting petert:
I've never had the desire to try to discuss technical matters over a crackling phone line with someone has has poor English skills ...

And those same urban myths will have the call centre situated in India. The reality is very different. Business customers of course get fast-tracked to the more capable IT support.

petert (Advanced member):

Quoting Raindog:
And those same urban myths will have the call centre situated in India


I phoned a Dell call centre a while ago to try to get advice on fixing a fault with a friend's computer. FACT: From memory, the call centre was in Malaysia. FACT: The person that I spoke-to has very poor English skills, could not answer my simple questions. FACT: The operator promised to have a supervisor call me and I am still waiting for that call. FACT: the phone line was awful and crackling. FACT: My experience was no urban myth!

Raindog (Senior Forumologist):

Quoting petert:
phoned a Dell call centre a few years ago to try to get advice on fixing a fault with a friend's computer.

With all due respect Peter that is hardly representative. I have had many instances of first rate support from Dell albeit through a strong accent. And support at a corporate level is a cut above the retail offer, both of which i use exclusively. Would the advice/support offered from a DSE franchise be better by comparison.

Is short it costs less to deal with Dell in most instances, I can get spares quickly and can cut the call centre cycle short and just have the part sent. Simple economy.

Unfortunately you are some what geographically challenged to be able to avail yourself of all of the Dell services available.

The Dell retail forays are there for the consumer level, limited range of know what your getting boxes. The PC equivalent of the fast food hamburger. Consistent, reasonable value, but far from exciting.

The Big Baboo (Advanced Forumologist):

So does that mean they would now become Dick Dell stores or that the salesman would go by the name of Dell Smith :) I know,I know it's bad but it's only Tuesday gimme a break willya :):)