Record traffic for OzBargain over the last few days. It all started when dansor posted the mistake by Dell on their Vostro 220ST desktop system. A lot of people clicked through and “purchased” the desktop before the deal was taken down (although according to Dell, they have never received payment). Well. The pricing was a mistake — and they were not going to sell those systems at that price. For the next few days they then called around and tried to refund the payments.

I would be fine if that’s all that was. Everyone makes mistakes, and I am glad that most people I’ve dealt with were very forgiving. However, before asking whether the order should be cancelled, Dell tried to sell the same system at $799 (+%5-%10 discount) — a clear bait and switch tactic. They should have apologised and then cancel the order, and at least for me I’ll be fine with their honest mistake. But don’t try to take the opportunity to sell me the same box at a much higher price.

Well. I am lazy. Meh. Most time I can’t be bothered. But from the discussion comments, people won’t let Dell get away easily. Worse, not that they had made a pricing mistake once, they did it again 4 days later, selling the same system at an even lower price. Same things happened — offer pulled and phone calls started. That’s one sure way to get all the OzBargainer fired up!

It’s also actively discussed on other forums. Then it got submitted to Slashdot on Monday, featured in Sydney Morning Herald on Tuesday, and other online media.

It will be interesting to see how everything developed. You can get more info on this fiasco on the OzBargain Wiki.