Recent years have seen a huge increase in the both the volume of corporate data and the demand for end-user upgrades to store and manage all of this new data. Hewlett Packard is one company that is benefiting greatly from this increase due to their popular products and offerings. The downside for businesses is that the pricing on many of HP's products, including laptops, desktops, servers and storage, has become inconsistent and often inflated.
If you are considering HP for any of your upcoming hardware needs, make sure to ask these five questions to avoid over paying:
1. Is consolidation an option?
Making separate purchases every time you need something is a sure way to overpay for hardware. Avoid buying "on-demand" at all costs and combine all of your needs into one large purchase. This way you will receive the most discounts available and have better leverage for negotiating.
2. Is this a good time to make a purchase?
You should always time your purchases for either the end of a quarter or end of the year because HP offers prices discounts during these times. If possible, hold off until then to save the most money.
3. Should I sign a maintenance agreement with HP?
Third-party support providers are a great option and can cut costs if you are not required to purchase a maintenance agreement from HP. These agreements and their pricing tend to be costly and more trouble than they are worth. You will likely find that another company can provide the same service at a much lower cost.
4. Where will these products be used?
If your next HP purchase is slated for use outside of the US, be prepared for prices that can be up to 25 percent more than domestic prices. Negotiation is key to helping lower these up-charges, so be ready.
5. Am I paying fair market value?
Because hardware prices are not standardized, especially for servers and storage, it is common to see price variances and discrepancies in the market. Research the items you wish to purchase and fair prices for each before sitting down to negotiate with HP. You will save a lot of money if you take the time to educate yourself ahead of time.
If you are considering HP for any of your upcoming hardware needs, make sure to ask these five questions to avoid over paying:
1. Is consolidation an option?
Making separate purchases every time you need something is a sure way to overpay for hardware. Avoid buying "on-demand" at all costs and combine all of your needs into one large purchase. This way you will receive the most discounts available and have better leverage for negotiating.
2. Is this a good time to make a purchase?
You should always time your purchases for either the end of a quarter or end of the year because HP offers prices discounts during these times. If possible, hold off until then to save the most money.
3. Should I sign a maintenance agreement with HP?
Third-party support providers are a great option and can cut costs if you are not required to purchase a maintenance agreement from HP. These agreements and their pricing tend to be costly and more trouble than they are worth. You will likely find that another company can provide the same service at a much lower cost.
4. Where will these products be used?
If your next HP purchase is slated for use outside of the US, be prepared for prices that can be up to 25 percent more than domestic prices. Negotiation is key to helping lower these up-charges, so be ready.
5. Am I paying fair market value?
Because hardware prices are not standardized, especially for servers and storage, it is common to see price variances and discrepancies in the market. Research the items you wish to purchase and fair prices for each before sitting down to negotiate with HP. You will save a lot of money if you take the time to educate yourself ahead of time.
About the Author:
Joseph B. Kappernick specializes in assting enterpres save money. He suggests that you visit http://www.npifinancial.com to learn more about it cost management
