Why are the Dell laptops at costco.com twice the price of the Dell laptops on dell.com, comparably equipped?

Question

I've always wondered about that...but have no idea why. Thanks.

This was the reason for my question:

If you compare this model at Costco:

Dell E1505 15.4" WTL
Core2Duo T5600 1.83GHz
2GB RAM 120GB HDD
McAfee 15 Month
Works Suite 2006
Bluetooth
2-Year Warranty

$1,199.99
Item # 144378

to this model at Dell.com for $649, you'll see what I mean: :

http://www.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/inspn_6400?c=us&cs=04&l=en&s=bsd

The models seem to be alike in specs. Thanks.

Answer 1

I think you are mistaken. Itook 3 dell laptops from costco.com and compared them to the exact model with the same specs on dell.com. Here is what I see:

Dell XPS M1210
Costco Price:$1799.99
Dell Price:$1938.00

Dell XPS M2010
Costco Price:$3999.99
Dell Price:$3844.00

Dell E1706
Costco Price:$1599.99
Dell Price:$1692.00

So only 1 of 3 was actually more expensive. You have to compare the hardware, because Dell has 3 different packages for laptops usually. They only show the low end package on the main page. Hit customize unit and compare the hardware packages and price....

Answer 2

Specs are not the same in your comparison. The Dell base price does not include the Core2Duo processor, but a cheaper model. Once you match up all the specs, prices will be within 10% of each other.

Answer 3

Costco buys it from dell. then Costco needs to make money so thay jack the price up. but they are also a retailer.

Answer 4

Costco is the middle man, they need to jack up their price to make money on the product.

Answer 5

i thought the laptops at costco were extremely cheap, most likely they are upgraded because costco sells refurbished computers, and the dell website sells them stock

Answer 6

Markup

Answer 7

Because costco is a license retail seller so they try to get $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ off of wat they sell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!