Bargaining when buying a laptop

[maximo]

Is it acceptable to bargain in a computer shop ? If I'm going to spend a small fortune in one go ( �600 is a lot of money for me at the moment ), I'm thinking that maybe I could give it a go and ask for small discount , or a little extra for the price ( like a free case...). What do you think ? Have you ever done that ? Thanks !

[Oneeyedvic]

Agree with most of the above, however some further points:

1) Always make sure the person you are trying to bargain with has the authority - a Saturday lad in the aforementioned computer shop won't be able to reduce the price - the manager can.

2) Be confident in your dealings - if you ask the question "what sort of deal can you do me...." you will (sometimes) get a deal. If you ask "Don't suppose I can have a discount can I...." you will almost undoubtably get a No.

3) Bargain anywhere you want. I have had discounts from shops including BHS (on light fittings) C&A (on a tie), Boss Shop (when buying a suit), Clarks (when buying some holiday snadals), Currys (when buyinf a rear projection tv), Powerhouse (when I bought a dvd player) Jessops when buying a digi camera etc etc etc - if you don;t ask you will never get!

I am renown for getting deals - but it is only because I have the confidence to ask for them.

[rja211077]

Don't agree with Andy - even Currys, Dixons et al will bargain on their PC packages, particularly if you can show them a competitor's deal and ask them to beat/match it. 

You're always more likely to be successful getting stuff thrown in rather than outright cost reductions.

[clarabel82]

When I went to Dixons to buy a laptop there was only the display one left, they wouldn't lower the price but they did throw in a router and one wireless adapter worth �100 altogether, so it does work.

[maximo]

Thank you very much for your sound advice everyone ! I will try to bargain a bit ( if I can overcome my terrible fear of shop assistants ! ) and we'll see what comes out of it. If you don't try , you don't get ! I'll keep you posted , it's always good to know which shops will make an effort to please their customers. Cheers !