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Why do people think a spreadsheet is less likely to rip them off than a person? I mean, sure, if you want to, feel free to walk into a car dealership and pay s

by pmcginn 15y ago

Why do people think a spreadsheet is less likely to rip them off than a person? I mean, sure, if you want to, feel free to walk into a car dealership and pay sticker price. Go to the mall and buy that hardcover book at MSRP.

Goladus 15y ago
You can always try to negotiate the sticker price if you want. Even if there's no sales staff there's someone who should have the authority to offer you a discount, though in a market like shared hosting that's probably not going to happen much.
- zer0point 15y ago
  I agree, this depends so much on what type of hosting you are looking for. When it comes to shared and VPSes, HTML table is way to go. But when it comes to moving servers worth of $500000 to your datacenter, then I really expect that the company has some employees who I can talk to and negotiate the price.
drivingmenuts 15y ago
Because a spreadsheet won't waste 10 minutes of my life talking about football, etc. before showing me a price. I'll buy a car from one of those no-haggle car dealerships. Yes, they're probably padding it out, but it's worth it not to have to chit-chat.
- praptak 15y ago
  "I'll buy a car from one of those no-haggle car dealerships. Yes, they're probably padding it out, but it's worth it not to have to chit-chat." This, or take a page from an economy handbook and set up the game so that it works to your advantage (hint: if you're physically at a dealer before the negotiation starts, then you've already lost.) Decide the exact model you need an email a dozen dealers for a quote.
ethank 15y ago
A spreadsheet doesn't waste time in the negotiation dance. I'll gladly pay for convenience and directness, which I do frequently. Think of it this way, given the choice between paying X for a service, or having to "Call for pricing..." which will you do? Personally I'd take the X option even if it cost more.
- wisty 15y ago
  And that doesn't mean you can't still call for a better deal. The sticker price should at least help you scope out whether your project is feasible on their system.
simonw 15y ago
A spreadsheet doesn't earn a bonus.

by pmcginn 15y ago

Goladus 15y ago

You can always try to negotiate the sticker price if you want. Even if there's no sales staff there's someone who should have the authority to offer you a discount, though in a market like shared hosting that's probably not going to happen much.

zer0point 15y ago
I agree, this depends so much on what type of hosting you are looking for. When it comes to shared and VPSes, HTML table is way to go. But when it comes to moving servers worth of $500000 to your datacenter, then I really expect that the company has some employees who I can talk to and negotiate the price.

drivingmenuts 15y ago

Because a spreadsheet won't waste 10 minutes of my life talking about football, etc. before showing me a price. I'll buy a car from one of those no-haggle car dealerships. Yes, they're probably padding it out, but it's worth it not to have to chit-chat.

praptak 15y ago
"I'll buy a car from one of those no-haggle car dealerships. Yes, they're probably padding it out, but it's worth it not to have to chit-chat." This, or take a page from an economy handbook and set up the game so that it works to your advantage (hint: if you're physically at a dealer before the negotiation starts, then you've already lost.) Decide the exact model you need an email a dozen dealers for a quote.

ethank 15y ago

A spreadsheet doesn't waste time in the negotiation dance. I'll gladly pay for convenience and directness, which I do frequently. Think of it this way, given the choice between paying X for a service, or having to "Call for pricing..." which will you do? Personally I'd take the X option even if it cost more.

wisty 15y ago
And that doesn't mean you can't still call for a better deal. The sticker price should at least help you scope out whether your project is feasible on their system.

simonw 15y ago

A spreadsheet doesn't earn a bonus.