Open retail Dell stores where customer can order “Custom Configuration” in the store and pick the assembled computer (That will be assembled by technician in the store) in the same day or pick up same computer in parts and assemble it at home. The price should be cheaper then online as well as warranty on labors should not be provided as customer should be notified that he /she will be responsible for his / her own testing of the PC.

Isn't it about time that Dell bring the products to the people?

Speaking from the UK, I for one would love to be able to touch, feel and compare all the Dell products on offer before purchase.

Take the XPS range for an example. It has a high ticket price, and for most people it takes a certain leap of faith to part with the cash to purchase a high value product sight unseen.

Personally speaking, my own decision to purchase an XPS model only came after a friend of mine, who is a serial early adopter, bought one thus enabling me to touch, feel and gain confidence in the product.

I know several other people who have the same view, so come on Dell how about it?

Recently I came across an article, I don't remember where exactly, but it stated Dell was considering a retail move. This is good. This is VERY good. But should Dell go it alone and open specialty "Dell Only" stores? Umm no. Cost/Reward is not great enough. Bestbuy maybe? Nah, for one, its full of computers from other manufacturers all ready, they all look the same, are priced the same, and most of them even have the same parts from the same suppliers... I'm going to go slap myself for saying this, Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart currently has a very limited selection of PC's in its electronics centers. But there is one, or two(maybe more) in almost every town in the US, not to mention its growing over seas operations. If Dell, could ink a deal with Wal-Mart, it could achieve a greater retail status than any other company to come before it.

Wal-mart Dell Center: Displays, PC's and Dell "approved" components.

This may have been thought of already.
Could dell have a stall or just computers in stores, whereby customers can try it out etc, and then if they like it, buy it by ordering it online from the store on the dell pc/laptop they are using. This way the customer has a feel for the computer and can physically assess it. The shop would then earn an affiliate fee for that sale. It would still be direct selling but dell would also be in the stores.

A lot of people still want to see the product before buying it. Dell in that matter, offers only online shopping for getting a Dell Laptop/desktop. I think Dell could make more money just by placing their products in the stores, just like big concurrent HP does. And it will be a winner !

I don't remember much about the Dell stores & whether they're still open or not, but this can be a great way to maintain a presence in the industry if it's done right.

There should be more Dell retail stores, and they should actually stock the products they're showcasing. You're more likely to win a customer if the customer can physically handle the computer they're considering buying, and then take one home right then and there.

I wouldn't suggest going with established retail chains like Best Buy or Circuit City, as they tend to put one or two models on display that aren't representative of anything, and are usually damaged from abuse.

Dell should open more special stores, where people can come and try out your wares and gawk at new technology. This will help people try out the new Linux systems too - try before you buy. Otherwise it might be hard to convince newbies to make the switch.

The stores should have (from reg)

Mechanical Bull
Beer
Pretty Women (and men too I suppose)
Pool Tables
More Beer
Darts
Cowboys (and Cowgirls)
Oh, and some computers too... (Dell computers, not like that other guy who wanted Dell to sell Apple computers)

Oh and a coffee shop too, because the Apple Store doesn't.

Dell needs to create consumer stores in major market areas that are similar to Apple. I would envision a store that is trendy looking, offers a wide array of Dell products to view (and a small amount that you could purchase onsite), and that offers trained techs onsite who could fix computer issues.

First, I work for Dell. I am submitting this idea to this new forum. I encourage everyone to expand and critique it and improve upon this idea. It's something that has been sitting in my head for quite a while.

When / If Dell goes retail I think we should heed the following.

Cool Atmosphere. It can't be a BestBuy or Circuit City. It has to be smaller, more personal. It can't be a kiosk in the middle of a busy mall. It has to be an oasis from the busyness of life.

Start off with free WiFi in the stores. This will attract would be customers. Have a lounge, perhaps even a snack and drink (coffee/tea) station. Don't play garish, loud music. Keep the mood cool, quiet, clean, and refreshing.

Focus on the consumer, devote the stores to consumer items and impulse buy items (printer ink, memory cards, and a software burning / download station)

So, here is the big idea. I have a vested interest in seeing this take off.

Extend the factory and the direct model to the stores, but with a little panache.

A) Have a good, better, and best config for PC, HTPC, Notebook (in stock and ready to go)

B) "Build-A-Dell"** workshops. This works in one two ways.

-- 1. Customer logs on to Dell.com and can see real-time component inventory of the store. Customer can reserve components and schedule a time to come into the store and pick up a PC built on site (burned in and tested). This could work to a limited extent with HTPC or Notebooks. Customer can design skins, and faceplates, and other modifications online using photos, artwork, etc of their choosing. Customer and family come to the site and sign off on the build and take it home that day, or schedule home installation services.

--2. All in store. Customer can pick and choose components in the store, design artwork and other modifiable aspects of the system at special skinning / modding stations.

In both cases Dell works a deal with suppliers that only pays for parts consumed in this process, thus retaining the integrity of the Direct Model at the store level. Again, leverage the power of Dell.com and Dell factories to have systems custom built and shipped, especially during high volume and high traffic seasons.

C) Repair, Service, and Training. Offer in-store services for existing and future Dell customers. Provide training classes and tutorial sessions. Offer repair on site and free/fee based tech support (or a hotline to advanced support agents if questions can't be answered in the store).

D) Don't be an Apple store. Cope an anti-apple feel. If we mimic them, people will end up at the Apple store because Apple controls their image and will be Apple better than Dell can be Apple. Instead, focus on being different.

** This will require a very simple and modular approach to building / customizing PCs so that it is easily exported outside of the factory. It should be virtually toolless and if a process is designed to make in store fabrication simple, then the Dell factories will also benefit, service techs benefit, and the customers benefit. New standards would have to be established, but I think it is quite possible given a real effort towards innovation of standard PC and Notebook architecture.