Deals
Several computer manufacturers have agreed to offer discounts on computers and peripheral equipment to 3M Employees via special 3M dedicated web sites. Most plans are NOT connected to 3M Corporate, 3M IT, and are NOT supported by the IT Helpline. 3M Club and the 3M Personal Computing Club have agreed to publicize and promote these deals, but your business is with the vendors directly.
You should do comparison shopping before you buy as deals can change from day to day. A great place to start is with site http://camelcamelcamel.com/ which shows you the highs and lows for just about every product Amazon sells. Another price tracker for other stores is the browser plug-in Honey, which works with Amazon, Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and others. The more you know about a product's price history, the better prepared you'll be. Keep in mind that histories don't include refurbished items, which frequently prove to be even better deals.
Twin Cities Apple Store (1/1/2023 From Mike Griffin who leads the MacSIG)
Requires 3M ID or Retiree ID. Depends on which products - newer products are often not discounted). If you are at the Rosedale Apple Store, ask for Johnny. He says he is the only Johnny as an employee at that store. He has a ponytail. I assume there should be a similar process at the Mall of America Store.
Device Donations to Charity or Recycle
Do not get rid of you old devices until you have copied data and configured everything on your new device and tested it out for at least a month. Some of your options for the old devices include:
Give to kids, parents, or a friend.
Sell. Depending on the components, you can get $50-$500. Facebook, CraigsList, Garage Sale, eBay, etc.
Donate to Charity. Example: National Cristina Foundation https://www.cristina.org/ will connect you with a charity in your area that needs your equipment to help people with disabilities, students at risk and those who are economically disadvantaged.
Give it away for free. Facebook Marketplace “Buy Nothing ???Your Area”, CraigsList, Nextdoor, PCC eBytes, or put out on curb or garage sale with a FREE sign.
Several Businesses recycle. Best Buy https://www.bestbuy.com under Services/Haul Away & Recycle. Most devices can be recycled for free. A maximum of three items per household per day is accepted. Staples https://www.staples.com accepts many types of electronics. In 2023 St Paul has a free recycling center.
Most Thrift Store or Goodwill will not take PCs. In most cites it is illegal to dispose of electronic equipment in the garbage.
Clean your data files.
If the device does not work - Donate to a business or service that ensures the date will be destroyed like Best Buy. You can destroy the data yourself using a drill, fire, or hammer. Google search for how to do.
If the device does work – Permanently delete your data then reset the device. Normally when you a delete a file it goes to the trash where it can be easily recovered. If you delete from the trash the data on the hard drive can still be recovered if it has not been written over. Even data written over or a drive that has been reformatted can be recovered with very specialized software and electronic equipment. File Shredder https://www.fileshredder.org for a PC wipes/destroys documents beyond recovery. What to Delete - web browsing history, cookies, email address book, old messages, application directories (My Documents), temp folder, pictures, mp3s, video, and software (use uninstall). Depending on the device and Operating system you then should do a factory reset to remove account or personal settings. Google search how to for your device and Operating system. Example: Windows 10 Settings\Update & Security\Recovery\Reset this PC.
Remove any SIM or SD cards before selling or donating.
Dell - 5 to 50% Discount from retail.
Visit: http://www.dell.com/eppbuy Member No. required: gs13399660
Questions: 1-800-695-8133
HP
Visit: http://www.hpdirect.com/employee/3M
You also need to log in with a username and password of your choice. DO NOT FORGET your password, or you will not be able to re-enter.
Questions: 1-866-433-2018
You can also check to 3M Corporate Perks at: http://3m.corporateperks.com/
Links to Internet price search engines and discount codes to use
Internet Price Search Engines:
www.Bizrate.com Also has reviews and ratings.
Codes to get discounts at almost any site:
Tips on Rebates
Warning: Rebates can be a bother. You have to save paperwork and receipts, make copies, mail them in before a deadline, and then cross your fingers and hope that the check arrives within a couple of months. If the check doesn't show up, pursuing the matter with the vendor is usually fraught with difficulty. Unfortunately, you'll probably have to deal with a few rebates, since they're a popular marketing ploy in this PC price range. When taking stock of a rebate deal, consider the company offering it. For example, Dell has a reputation to maintain, so the company is likely to handle rebates relatively responsibly.
Do the math - make sure it is worth you time and effort
Read requirements carefully and the expiration date
Follow directions exactly " Use scanner to copy forms and proof of purchases
Monitor progress (on-line, phone, etc.)
Don't throw out the box till you get the rebate
Don't procrastinate
Use certified mail
Make sure your name & address are clearly written on the rebate
Tips on Auctions
Know condition of item (new, used, refurbished, knock off, repro, old version, etc.)
Look at an pictures if available (check for missing parts)
Know what a fair price is and what your max bid will be. Check prior actions (Search/Completed items) or sites like pricewatch.com
What is the cost to ship (wide range)? Insurance? Package tracing cost? Tax?
If you have any questions on the item, e-mail the seller before you place a bid
Add the item to your "Watch" list in eBay
If page has a counter see how times people have looked at it
Buy from sellers with good ratings
For large or heavy items you can shop in the "Local" Minneapolis & St Paul eBay