Belkin Digital Camera Link for $30 Thanks CompUSA

I recently purchased a Belkin Digital Camera Link for the iPod. This nifty device is used to directly connect one's iPod to a camera via USB and transfer pictures. This was the most cost effective method I have seen yet for a portable storage device, since I already have an iPod (err, my brother's iPod, ehehehe).

While normally retailing anywhere from $80-$100, I was able to snag it for the low low price of $30 by taking advantage of CompUSA's handy "price match" program, where they will match the price of any competing retailer.

The only place that offers the Belkin DCL for $30 is Apple's online store. However, the local Apple store located in Ala Moana did not have said product in stock. Furthermore, CompUSA does not price match products that are not available in a local store (i.e. online promotions are not recognized).

Luckily my smooth talking enabled me to persuade the cashier to give me the Belkin DCL for $30 anyway. First of all, I looked for the most newbie-ish cashier around. That way he would accept what I was saying without asking too many nosy questions. If there's one thing you can count on from n00bs, its that they won't ask too many questions if it will compromise their position of responsibility and make them look stupid. (note: It's one thing to be a n00b on the internet. It's another thing to be a n00b face-to-face with another human. Keep that in mind.)

Secondly, I opened up by inquiring about the price match, carefully noting that the Apple Store in Ala Moana has this product for $30 instead of $80, which was CompUSA's price. He responded that I needed some kind of proof, at which point I produced a print out of this page.

It was important that I started the conversation by suggesting that the product was in a local store, otherwise the cashier would have probably been more suspicious. It also helped that the online Apple Store and the retail Apple Store are so closely connected. Finally, it also helped that I conveniently neglected to mention that a $30 Belkin DCL was nowhere to be found on this island. Don't talk any more than you have to. You don't want to blow the whole operation just because you can't keep your big mouth shut.

Anyway, I haven't tested it out yet, but I will soon and then I will post the results. I also took some pictures of the DCL "interacting" with the iPod. You'll see what I mean later.