WARNING!!! DO NOT BUY DELL!!!!

[Buddyblazon]

My reliable Toshiba laptop finally kicked the bucket in January. Loved that computer. Total tank.

So, I go online and start researching computers. I also proceded to look for financing. I really wanted to go with a Toshiba again, but Dell had a great deal. Buy an Inspiron computer and we would receive 18 months interest free.

Well, I looked at a lot of great deals. But 18 months interest free? No other computer company could beat that deal. Didn't know much about them. But like I said...it was the best deal out there.

So I applied. A little window popped up and said someone would contact me shortly. Not a minute went by before my phone rang. Someone with a thick accent (outsourcing) took some quick information and said, "Congratulations, you qualify for a 1500$ credit limit." I proceded to ask him about the interest free offer on their website. He proceded to tell me about the program. He then told me to go online and pick my computer.

I got my computer in January. I was fine with the product. But really, I could really care less. I use it for business reasons, my girlfriend uses it at her overnight job for doing her schoolwork. It's not a "toy" to us. Just something that's essential for our lives.




Well we get our first bill this month. Note that it's March. The bill has finance charges. Not only does it have finance...the finance charges are 57.35$...the minimum payment is $41.00....WTF?!! My girlfriend says, "you need to contact them on Monday.".


I call them on the phone today. First I talk to "Mel" in the Philippines. He procedes to tell me that the computer we got was NOT interest free. I tell him that I had asked the gentlemen when we bought it to make sure it was interest free. He assured us it was.

Mel says that no...that computer was not offered interest free. We signed an agreement. That is our problem. I tell him that the website said that Inspirons were listed as interest free. Mel replies that no...that's on their XPS computers. He says that the Inspirons were interest free...get this...in NOVEMBER. So I was right...at one point they were interest free.

He tells me that that was removed from their website. "Well why did I see that on your website then Mel?"

"You didn't."

WTF?!?!?!?!



I have spent my whole morning talking to people in the Philippines and in India. They tell us there is NOTHING they can do. "Well we'd like to return the computer." They tell us we have to do it in the first 21 days. "BUT WE JUST GOT OUR FIRST BILL."

"Not our problem.", they reply.

They then tell us that Dell computers....and Dell Financial are two different companies. And they won't give us contact for Dell Computers.




We now have to spend half our savings...as we were just getting ahead...paying off this computer. They refuse to help us...and they just hung up on my girlfriend.



Does ANYBODY have any advice...we are at our wits end. My girlfriend is back in school fulltime...and working 40 hour overnights. I have two seasonal jobs. We just bought our first house and it took us 9 months to get up to the point where we had enough money for a SMALL cushion.

Now that will be cut in half.

Please help. Forward this to all the people you can.

DO NOT BUY DELL!!!

[quiet.american]

1. Never bought DELL because they're heavy Bushco supporters.

Enough said. So sorry to hear about your troubles with them.

[Buddyblazon]

2. Yea...I found that out after the fact...

I guess I deserve this putting trust in any company that would support Bush.

[papau]

19. Can you file in small claims court for a very small fee - and get a defaul

judgement in your favor?

[quiet.american]

46. Hello! :) BUT, you also deserve best business practices from Dell.

I'm wondering if it's possible to file a class action suit....

[frankly_fedup2]

219. I was wondering how old you were? I have been through this with

my son who felt he had been cheated on. It's in the small print (which is wrong) and they will take advantage of young people with no credit or very little credit in a heartbeat.

If you really sit and think about it, did you really think you were not going to have to make a payment for 18 months? Also, during those 18 months, did you really think they were going to let you just use that brand new computer for nothing? I'm sorry . . . salt in the wound.

I see that type of advertising with furniture stores, car dealerships, etc. "Two years with no payments (small print will state, "Interest rate 27% and interest will accrue monthly until account is paid in full).

It's wrong and it's unethical. It should be explained and pointed out to the customer because not all customers are aware of the little tricks they pull to get people drawn in and then screw them. It's business in a capitalistic country . . . it's America.

I live in the Virginia. The State of Virginia has no limit on interest rates on credit cards or loans. Of course, just like the Dell situation, you do not have to accept the offer. Once you sign, you are stating that you accept all aspects of the agreement . . . your screwed by then.

A young couple who are friends with my son (27 and 25)and his wife, went to a local dealership over these big money back, no interest for 12 months, payments of $99.00 a month on brand new cars, etc. Well, they didn't find any of the deals but they did find a car that they needed desperately. Since they had no credit record (it's better to have bad credit then to have no credit), the dealership said they would take a risk on them and give them a four-year contract at 37% credit (shocking, huh?) Now that is worse then supposed Loan Sharks in the Mafia.

Now I had a Compaq laptop that I absolutely loved. The Lithium battery cracked and leaked onto the motherboard. I go to cut it on one day and nothing but the dreaded black screen. I took it to a local store that did repair on Compaq computers and was given the bad news. I thought I still might be within my one-year repair agreement. I found my receipt and my repair agreement had run out just three weeks earlier. I called Compaq and talked to what sounded like a man from India. I explained everything in hopes of a little pity from a big company. No way. Would not help me at all. I asked for a supervisor and he told me I would just be told the same thing. Called again another day, got a supervisor who spoke a little better English and told me the same. Swore I would never buy from that company again then went to Dell.

I picked out what I wanted in features and got a total. I saw the ridiculous interest rate; however, I was planning to pay half upfront and the other half the next month so that didn't bother me nor did I pay attention to the no interest BS. My computer came to around 1450.00 and they gave me $1500.00 but no one called. Honestly, I have had an IBM Aptiva, Compaq, and this Dell. The service and the computer have been great and I haven't had problems. I will never buy another Compaq for principles sake though.

I thought every purchase anywhere gave you up to 90 days to return it. Are you past 90 days? If not, you should be able to return it. If it specifies just 30 days, I'd make a call to the company. You won't get an American there either. At least whenever I have called, I have never gotten an American but they have strange names like Steve, Eric, Tom, Chuck, but have very thick accents. Funny trying to hide where they are, and even if you ask, they won't answer the question.

I want another laptop and I'm thinking of an Apple. They never lock up, you don't have to worry about viruses, but when your only 4-5% of the computer market, no one bothers.

Good luck.

[Warpy]

27. I've always bought Brand X at auction

because I could never justify the expense of a corporate logo on the front. I did get a Toshiba laptop at a bricks and mortar store 3 months ago when I needed to go to Florida to care for my dad. I went with Toshiba because I know they're indestructible and it was a honey for the money.

Thanks for telling me that poverty can be a GOOD thing and how much I've been saved from offshored unhelpful help lines.

[VOX]

214. The best reason not to buy Dell, other than the crap they make. n/t

[HamdenRice]

3. Here's one thing you can do to prove they made that offer ...

The offers on their web site are usually the same as in magazines. If you have (or can get from the library) the issue of PC Magazine or PC World for the date you purchased the computer, and if that magazine has that same advertising offer, then you can show you responded to an outstanding offer that was open at the time, and they accepted that offer by sending you that computer.

Also check the invoice and any other papers that came with the computer. Both the ad and those papers constitute the contract between you and Dell.

[helderheid]

91. Does anyone here subscribe to PC World? You can look up archives

[Tesha]

99. The Wayback Machine may have something to help you.

The Wayback Machine (at http://www.archive.org/ ) *MAY* have captured
the Dell Web page as of the dates you're looking for.

I'd also suggest a lawyer, but any legal action would likely cost you
far more than the whole claim is worth. Small Claims Court might
be a better alternative; it'd probably be worth it to you just to see
Dell hassled into coming to your local court room; they might
settle with you just to avoid that hassle.

Tesha

[RB TexLa]

122. Sorry, but that isn't a contract

by law an advertisement is an "invitation to negotiate"

[jayfish]

206. So Your Saying That When I...

get a 30-Page ad in Sundays paper from store X then go to the store only to find that the prices are actually 10% more expensive than advertised, it all well and good?

Jay

[HamdenRice]

208. That's a very simplistic view

You are referring to old fashioned, first year law school cases and principles that an advertisement is not an offer, and therefore a consumer cannot accept that offer and create a binding contract.

But that's a very simplistic understanding of the modern law concerning ads. For example, there are modern statutes concerning truth in advertising that would give a person a remedy for responding to an ad that the business tried to withdraw.

Also, you forget that this customer did in fact enter into a contract! The old fashioned principle you are referring to is whether a contract can be created by responding to an ad, but here the contract was created. So whether there was a contract -- the subject of those ancient cases -- is moot.

The question the OP raises is, what are the terms of the contract that he definitely entered. My point was that the advertisement, as well as other materials he received like the invoice, could all constitute the terms of the contract. If there were advertisements current at the time that said he would get certain financing terms and the parties then entered the contract, those ads could be part of the terms.

[The Backlash Cometh]

153. If you have them in the cross hairs, turn them into the better business

bureau and the Attorney General's Office.

[Iniquitous Bunny]

4. I'm a Mac woman!

So, no chance of that happening anyway. :7

[QC]

13. Mac is now outsourcing customer support to India.

http://www.applematters.com/index.php/section/comments/887/

[Iniquitous Bunny]

24. And Dell's been doing that for years.

Too bad Apple's taking this path as well.

[spag68]

65. Dell

I read recently that thy were expanding hiring in India by 20000

[stopbush]

26. I've never had to call CS for my Macs in the 14 years I've been on Macs.

But it's good to know it's there, even if it's in India...

[Poiuyt]

172. I've never called customer service either for my Macs

Got my first one in 1988. Now I just repair permissions on a regular basis and everything is fine.

[mattclearing]

68. Do you want to do their customer support?

Yeah, me either. That's why they're outsourcing to India.

[QC]

74. Just as I figured...

it's bad when Dell does it but good when Apple does it. Interesting how that works.

[mattclearing]

199. I never bitched about Dell doing it.

I've never been one to complain about Indian customer service.

I have been one to complain about companies that donate overwhelmingly to Republicans.

Like Dell.

[DarleenMB]

200. No one said it was good when Apple "did it."

They said, and I'll join the chorus, I DON'T HAVE TO CALL CUSTOMER SUPPORT. Even though I think it stinks that Apple has joined the rest of 'em in outsourcing to India, I don't care because I've never had to call them. And I've owned Apples since 1982.

[rman]

113. Depends on how much they pay, doesn't it

Given that the poverty line in India is $1 a day, the big corporations can get away with much lower wages then in the West. More often then not workers' rights are weaker to.

[Tesha]

105. Curious; my Apple tech support calls have never gone to India.

Curious; my Apple tech support calls (which admittedly, have been
fairly few and far between, but include one last year for hardware
service) have never gone to India.

What's your source for your claim that Apple is outsourcing support
to India?

Tesha

[QC]

138. See the link in the post to which you responded. n/t

[Tesha]

146. Thanks, but...

> The future of Cupertino’s Apple employees is uncertain; outsourcing to
> India will save money, but how far Apple will cut back stateside with its
> tech-support team is a hot topic for speculation.

Thanks, but it sounds like we still need to wait and see
whether the situation approaches Dell's "I can't talk to
anyone who speaks English!" level of frustration.

Still, I'm disappointed by this news.

Tesha

[Mend]

My Apple calls are always answered by Americans. Always.

The last call I made was two weeks ago and it was answered by an American. I have never gotten a foreign response from Apple.

[sabbat hunter]

179. read the world is flat

you dont know if it really is an american on the other line. they are training those in call centers in india to speak with "american" accent and use "american" names to make it seem like they are here in the US and not in india.

[LifeDuringWartime]

117. i've always used apple

and was very disappointed to see that. we need the jobs in this country!

[The Backlash Cometh]

161. You know, the last two products that I was having trouble with that

were on the edge, (I wasn't sure whether I wanted to keep it or return it), I just made the decision when I called for help and was outsourced. It wasn't just the foreign accent, it was also that there was something shady about the conversation and I wasn't getting straight answers. I just decided it wasn't worth dicking with.

[Atman]

193. They HAVE TO...they're using INTEL chips now!

:rofl:

Intel Inside means more anticipated headaches for Customer Support! Not because of the chip itself, rather, from the influx of Windows users they expect. Have any of you ever had a PC friend who switched to a Mac? They get so completely baffled at how simple the OS is. I've turned on a few friends to Macs and they freak when they try to do basic tasks because they're trying to do them they way they did on their PC...seems like anything that takes one click on a Mac takes three under Windows. Customer support will be doing overtime answering questions like "I can't find the START button...how do I turn it OFF?"

LOL!

[spindrifter]

5. Contact your

state consumer protection office. See what they have to say about this shameful situation.

[TechBear_Seattle]

6. Why I no long buy Dell for myself

As much as is possible, I refuse to do business with companies that move their main operations overseas and leave so many American unemployed people in their greed: Dell to Double Staff in India in 3 Years

[The_Casual_Observer]

7. Not only all of what you have written, but their computers are

junk too.

[foreverdem]

36. Tell me about it

My employer has an exclusive contract with Dell for all our computers, laptops and printers and we have nothing but problems with them. They are all pieces of crap, constantly need to be replaced after only a couple of months usage (no exaggeration).

[Danieljay]

8. Welcome to the new America!! Isn't Bushlife wonderful!! n/t

[maddiejoan]

9. What do you use your Dell for?

http://youtube.com/watch?v=LqloHbHlA40

[Dr. Jones]

10. PLEASE...

go to www.ripoffreport.com and file your complaint!

[Medical Speaking]

11. I had trouble with Dell

And I told them I will never buy another from them. I could not get tech surport and when I did could not understand them.

On your problem looks like the got you. And you are right they dont care.

Good Luck

[ihaveaquestion]

12. Write a complaint to every address you can find.

Lots of times a written complaint will get more attention than a phone call.

Read the fine print and if there's no penalty, pay off the loan ASAP. Use a credit card to do so, if you have one. Deny them their finance charges altogether, if at all possible.


Good luck!

[Tesha]

115. Write to/call Michael Dell. (No, I'm not kidding!)

Write to/call Michael Dell.

No, I'm not kidding! Big corporations have whole departments
dedicated to handling complaints addressed directly to the
boss, and I'm sure Dell is no different. We had a Compaq
laptop that was nothing but trouble for its whole life and
finally, "couldn't be repaired". Well, until we called Michael
Capellas's office and had a pleasant conversation with
them about this laptop's history and how we made sure to
tell all of our friends about it every time we got a chance.

Suddenly...

Not only did they fix our out-of-warranty laptop free, they
gave us an additional 64 MB of RAM just to make sure that
Windows ran smoothly on this system. (Shortly afterwards,
the backlight inverter on this PoS laptop crapped out, but
the system still lives on, connected to a CRT display and
in daily use. And someday, a backlight inverter will
turn up on Ebay at a reasonable price.)

Tesha

[Cleita]

14. Thanks for the heads up.

That is a classic bait and switch tactic, which is illegal in most states in this country. But if the financing was offered from abroad, those laws may not apply. So that you don't have to get an expensive attorney, try running this by the Better Business Bureau in your state. If they can't help they can sometimes give you advice as to whom can help.

[democrat_patriot]

15. Never had a Dell problem.

Sorry you had a bad experience, sound slike Dell Financial needs to be boycotted.

Been buying from them for 5+ years for my company. Great support, never had a problem yet.

[FSogol]

17. Yeah, my company switched to Dell 3 years ago also

and we have never had a problem.

[OldHistoryBuff]

37. No Dell problems here but...

Something similar happened several years ago when I bought a Barbie computer for my daughter. Interest free and same thing happened. First bill had 0 due and 0 interest. Next bill showed we were over the $1500 credit limit (interest and over credit charges) and I fought with them forever.

Even tried to return the computer only to find out the company that made it went bankrupt. Also our warrenty we bought was no good since the company went bankrupt but we were still supposed to pay for a computer that wasn't working right.

It isn't Dell but the company that finianced you that is the problem. Make sure you let Dell know they are representing their company to look like part of Dell computers.

Good luck!

[AbbyR]

103. Same here -

and I signed up for no interest for six months to buy my daughter's computer for college, I got it paid off, and I really didn't pay any interest.

I've often said, however, that if I ever got on the line with tech support and couldn't understand them, I'd ask at once for someone who had English as a first language. I'm hearing impaired and I have enough trouble understanding folks on the phone.

[democrat_patriot]

218. Here's a tip:

Choose the Spanish option:

1. It's quicker (tech wait specifically for Spanish speaking)
2. Always get an American call center.
3. Calls get routed to them if heavy volume, so they won't know you hit wrong button.

[ellenfl]

16. no csa that is an outsource can remedy anything. they

do not have the authority and cannot forward you to someone who has authority. the outsourced customer service is for informational purposes only. at least that's my experience. if you need any monetary assistance, you need to talk to the company's management . . . and good luck finding THEM!

finding the ad in an old mag sounds like an excellent idea. good luck.

ellen fl

[derby378]

18. Your experience has convinced me to pay for my next laptop in cash

I feel for you, but I've heard about too many problems with these "interest-free" offers turning into bait-and-switch proposals.

[0007]

107. Rebate game sucks too.

[joeunderdog]

139. Costco: SIX months unconditional return on computers. Green co, too.

Costco has a return policy on all other merchandise that if at ANY time you want to return it for ANY reason, they will refund your money. They pay their employees well, give them benefits and have great prices.

As far as a scam purchase or any bait and switch, the company is bound by the laws of the state in which the consumer purchased the item. The state attorney general's office will be the best recourse in this situation.

[Dr. Jones]

20. Also 2 BULLCRAP FRUSTRATING things here..

1) You are forced to talk only to outsourced workers who cannot understand you worth a lick and (like Bush) cannot answer anything that doesn't appear on their script in front of them;
2) You quickly find out that even though these companies share the same name (Dell Computers vs. Dell Financial) they are in fact separate companies which they purposely do to confuse the public and to disclaim any problems. "Oh, that problem the guy had - it's not OUR fault. Dell is a good company. This must have been handled by Dell Financials, which is a totally separate company."

BULLSHIT and FRUSTRATING!! Just another example of bullshit behemoth companies messin' with the public and basically stealing money!

I have a story myself about how I bought a piece of shit Brother MFC-3220C all-in-one printer from Staples with a huge rebate. The reason why it had a huge rebate was because they purposely sold the damn thing even though they KNEW it was defective. So after calling Brother MANY times to complain, then finally yelling at the obstinate customer service lady that they sold me a defective unit I basically had to chuck in the damn dumpster, they "informed" me of a warranty replacement program that they ALWAYS HAD but just never told me about. So I was lucky enough to get another printer that sort of works, but is still very poor quality and basically a piece of SHIT.

Technology SUCKS. They purposely make stuff pieces of shit, knowingly defective in many instances, then make it hard as hell for the customer when they go to complain. Crooks all!

[Plaid Adder]

21. I too have a Dell horror story.

Different issue, but the same problem: their corporate structure is set up to make it impossible to get to anyone who will actually take responsibility for the problem. Their product quality has declined over the past 10 years and their customer service is atrocious. When I bought a new computer I went with Lenovo. We'll see how they turn out.

C ya,

The Plaid Adder

[Name removed]

22. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Buddyblazon]

35. Greg....

sometimes people don't read the fine print.

But that wouldn't be me.

After dealing with smug buttheads for hours I'd like to say I apologize....but the Irishman in me would rather say...Go Cheney yourself, Greg.

Have a day ;)

[Mr_Spock]

52. I agree

Airing personal issues on a forum isn't good for anyone. I have lots of horror stories with different companies but I'm certainly not going to share it here...

[Buddyblazon]

56. Mr. Spock....

you wouldn't have been a regular a libertynewsforum...would you?

[Mr_Spock]

58. No

[Buddyblazon]

57. P.S.

Thanks for your opinion.

Too bad you're incorrect.

[Name removed]

59. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Thtwudbeme]

81. Boy, do I disagree with you on this one. First of all, Mr_Spock,

this isn't "personal."

This poster isn't having emotional problems due to his bad experience with Dell....this is strictly a consumer problem.

How in the world did you decide this is a personal problem?

Second of all, what's so bad about taking large, impersonal corporations to task on a public forum.

Third, why is the idea of taking a large impersonal corporation to task so offensive to you?

[Mr_Spock]

129. I LOVE taking large impersonal corporations to task!!

...based on their politics or screwing of their many workers or other issues where they are clearly screwing 1000's of people deliberately.

OTOH, one man's bad experience does not qualify as a reason to go bash crazy on a POLITICAL forum. This sort of freewheeling tends to dilute the real heavy political anti-corp issues IMHO.

[rman]

82. Fortunately

most DU think otherwise about posting personal issues. Especially because more often then not they are related to political and economic every day reality as it is for many people.

[Mr_Spock]

132. You said it!!!

"Especially because more often then not they are related to political and economic every day reality as it is for many people"

Exactly - every day political and economic issues that affect a lot of people are ripe for a political forum.

Are you sure the O/P won't ultimately get satisfaction from Dell? Are you 100% sure they didn't make an error? Is this an issue for all of us or one man? I don't know the answers - at this point it's one mans word and I can disagree if I want without having the PC police and the OP go nuts and attack me for no reason at all!!

[shanti]

84. that's nice

but the only way corporations change their tune is when they are hit in the wallet with negative publicity. personally, i have no problem broadcasting that a company has done me dirty and will continue to do so.

[Mr_Spock]

136. Should we all do this?? I have dozens of posts to type up if that is so...

Do you not see the inflamatory and non-productive nature of posting one persons personal experience and then everyone else pig-piling on? What if it turns out the O/P was mistaken??

[rman]

90. Heaven forbid people start feeling as though they're not alone

in this shit.

[ContraBass Black]

101. Mine's been running under heavy use and abuse for three years.

No problems.

[Virginian]

130. Greg, we try to be supportive around here.

I think Buddy is expressing his frustration and warning you that you, too can be treated poorly if you choose to buy from Dell.

I bought from Dell in '97 and am getting ready to replace this antique. Back then, I had good tech support when I needed it. Tech Support was in the US back then, also. If I can find a brand that is manufactured and supported in the US I will probably buy that brand.
We didn't use Dell financing. It sounds like you don't use Dell financing either. Perhaps Buddy's warning should be, "Don't finance through Dell." He is only warning you, not telling you what you have to do.

I can understand his frustrations with their outsourced tech support. I had the same problem with Lexmark. I read their online help and could not resolve my printer problem so I contacted Lexmark tech support. I basically had the same stuff read to me that I could read for myself, only with accent and attitude. I personally will not buy a Lexmark again unless I accept the fact that they are cheap machines -- made cheap and priced cheap and supported cheap. You get what you pay for.

Be nice to your fellow DUers. We are all part of the same big tent.

[unblock]

23. you should be able to call dell customer support and return it.

if nothing else you can claim it's defective and want your money back, at least if it's within 90 days or whatever.

dell computer and dell financial services are indeed two separate companies.

dell ordering has always been focused on online ordering, and there, you get a very clear explanation of what you're getting yourself into before you are asked for your credit card.

sorry you had a bad experience, but my luck with dell has always been MUCH better than with any other vendor.

[Minnesota_Lib]

25. I have dealt with Dell...never again. Totally dishonest...BTW, check...

..out Mike Dell's (Chairman, Dell Corp) political contributions.

http://www.newsmeat.com/billionaire_political_donations/Michael_Dell.php

That pretty much explains their lack of ethics.

[Buddyblazon]

28. Just got "Lloyd" on the phone...

for the second time. He's connected me with Victor in Austin.

Victor has refused to help me. Tells me there is no direct line to corporate office. Will not give me an email address.

Told me he was the top of the chain. Told me he won't do anything for me other than a 30$ refund for this month.



Please email this to everybody you can. We just got bait and switched and they smug asshole on the other end of the line sounded like he got one over on us.

To Hell with Dell.

[Dr. Jones]

29. Once again PLEASE take the time to voice your complaint

on www.ripoffreport.com.

This sucks.

[crikkett]

33. Call your local TV news

We have "7 on your side".

Threatening the bad guys with TV coverage always helps. But Buddyblazon, do find your contract and read it carefully.

[shanti]

88. i was told that this is a great tactic by an attorney

when i had a beef with applebee's. the amount i wanted wasn't worth their time, but he gave me a few tips.

[rman]

86. I think refund means he acknowledges

that Dell screwed up.
If they are in within their rights (and they do have a lot of rights - wrong rights mostly, but that's another matter) then why would they pay you anything?

[madrchsod]

30. my daughters friend just bought a dell

my daughter and i took at least 45 minutes to figure out the dell website. if i can`t figure out a website i hate to think of someone who`s not as savvy as i am. her credit line confirmation took less than a minute. interest free..ya right, if you pay the full amount in 30 or 60 days..if not they back bill the interest..not "interest free" now is it? the site is intentionally designed to be confusing..she ended up buying two computers because the lag time between order-billing-confirmation process...so she called customer service somewhere overseas-no problem the delay is standard-his screen said one was ordered- no problem...3 days later 2 computers show up at door...

another fine example of dell is- our friends daughter managed an apartment complex and one day about 25 dells arrived at her office. the person who ordered them was there one month and was moving that day..he offered a computer to her (she declined) loaded the computers in a rental van was gone.... 25 computers to an apartment complex??? someone has a lot of computers on a credit card account somewhere

[arcos]

31. I'm on my fifth Dell in a row...

I've been using Dell for 13 years, and I use it at work too. Never had a major problem.

[Mad_Dem_X]

34. I've never had a problem, either

I've only had mine for a little over a year, but I haven't had any problems, with the machine itself, my bill, or with anyone I contact.

[Mabus]

108. Fifth for me too

We're running two now. The others were given to friends or relatives who are still using them. It's been a long time since I had a problem (one of my stepdaughters set a BIOS password and wouldn't tell us what it was and/or forgot it :eyes: ). I called Dell and we got my computer up and running in no time. My husband had a problem with his video card and we got a new shipped overnight. Plugged it in the motherboard and the problem went away.

We haven't had a problem for a while so I can't vouch for how they treat customers now but based on my past experience with them I would be inclined to buy from them again.

[crikkett]

32. Did you have a contract shipped with your computer?

Wondering. I did, when I set up an office for a car dealership last year.

BTW When you get on the phone with them next go straight for the supervisors. Don't take no for an answer.

I've been through Dell and back, too. My experience was in 2003. I was network admin for a janitorial co. A worker in one of the offices they cleaned left her box of Dell stuff on top of her trash can (duh,) and then insisted my client get it back for her after it was thrown away. They were in danger of losing their account - the entire building, because of this one nasty *. Long painful story short, Dell doesn't replace disks, not for free, not for money. My client ended up buying an identical laptop to get the lady her box of stuff back, and paying me for the time on the phone haggling with customer 'support'. Not kidding. This was back when Dell still had their operations in the US.

[derby378]

38. So who are the actual "blue" computer companies?

BuyBlue isn't much help - they only list a few vendors, and the only blue IBM-compatible vendor listed is Gateway.

[Minnesota_Lib]

41. I just buy components from Newegg and build my own PCs....

No idea what their political affiliation is, but they are honest and have a liberal return policy. I highly recomment them.

Newegg.com

[FatDave]

49. Absolutely. Newegg rules

They even sell assembled systems (and laptops) for those that don't like to build their own. You can also feel good about supporting a small(er) business rather than a huge corp like Dell.

[foreverdem]

195. Newegg is awesome

My husband has ordered alot for Newegg and has never been disappointed with their products or service. They are top notch.

[Tesha]

127. Apple. (NT)

[derby378]

135. Not IBM-compatible, though

Sorry, but I gots to have my Windows...

[Tesha]

144. That may well be changing...

> Not IBM-compatible, though
>
> Sorry, but I gots to have my Windows...

That may well be changing. Right now, it's unclear,
but it's quite possible that the new Intel-based Macs
will run Windows as well as MacOS/X.

And even if they won't dual-boot Windows, what
is absolutely clear is that emulation (through
"VirtualPC") will be vastly faster than it ever has
been, owing to the fact that there's no longer
any need to emulate the x86 processor's
instruction set on a PowerPC processor.

Tesha

[Justice Is Comin]

39. Dell Financial

is a bunch of mafia pricks. I have an almost 800 FICO and they charged me 23.9% interest. I spent hours on emails and the phone. They wouldn't change it. This doesn't even begin to describe the problems I had with the computer.

I'm under $100 now and I just make the minimum payment to piss them off and make them report it to the credit bureau. The interest they get now is pennies.

Dell won't see a peso from me ever again. And I would advise everybody else to tell them to shove it as well.

[Lethe]

40. dell does bait and switch tactics - and inside info on Dell tech support

Sorry to hear about your situation, but I'm not surprised this happened to you. Dell is notorious for bait and switch tactics. What they do is heavily advertise a discount or incentive on a computer, and then they deliberately make it either very hard to buy that particular one (or try to re-route you to another purchase that does not have a discount), or they end the incentive/discount period in a shady fashion.

also, here's how Dell tech support works for their Dimension line of computers (the Inspiron line has a similar process):

Dell has different levels of tech support. If you call in to Dell, they will transfer you to an L1 tech in india or the philippines. The L1 tech has virtually no training in computers, and diagnoses your problem based on a massive computer database where they input the symptoms, tell you to take certain actions, and then refer back to this database for further instructions. Most customers would just be better off using this program themselves to diagnose their own computer, because the L1 techs are complete idiots. The L1 will continue to work with a customer until the computer program tells them that the problem is likely a hardware issue, then the L1 tech will transfer you to the DMC The DMC, short for Dispatch Management center. The DMC queue is where you want to be, because they are the best tech support Dell has. If, by chance, you ever receive the extension for the DMC queue, or the extension of an individual tech at DMC, write that down and always call that number instead of the general tech support number. You might actually be able to find it on the internet? *hint hint* You go straight to a qualified, experienced, trained, american tech support rep. I repeat, the DMC can handle any issue you have, and dispatches a technician or parts to solve the problem. Never speak with one of those L1 outsourced guys again.

[Buddyblazon]

43. The bait and switch you're talking about...

sounds like what they nailed me with.

[Lethe]

47. bait and switch class action suit against Dell

http://www.internetnews.com/bus-news/article.php/3485221
http://news.com.com/Dell+sued+over+bait-and-switch+charges/2100-1047_3-5587443.html
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/02/23/dell_class_action_lawsuit/

customers in California have filed class-action lawsuits against the company for what their lawyers call bait-and-switch marketing tactics.

San Francisco residents Rosemary M. Weber and Jonathan V. Holtzman say they got a bum deal when it came to ordering through Dell's catalogue. Both complained they had been pressured by salespeople with promises of either low-cost financing to lure them into installment payment schemes or better quality equipment than had been delivered.

[Mr_Spock]

63. Tough being the big guy on the block huh?

We've been using them for years - never had a problem getting anything serviced and they have never deceived us at all.

Guess it's not an issue for EVERYONE huh?

You'd never know it by the rhetoric here...

[jbnow]

75. What's your issue with this?

Some people are talking about their problems and so what if they hate or resent them for it?

Some are saying they had good experience.

Some say Dell's are fine, the financial part is a rip off.

Rhetoric? It's opinions and feelings. Big deal.

[Mr_Spock]

77. Um, the post is titled "WARNING!!!! DON'T BUY DELL!!!!"

That's not inflammatory??

C'mon!!

[cami715]

42. You need to talk with a Dell customer service person in the US.

Call them back. (You will be talking to Customer Service in India.) Tell them you have a really bad connection and cannot understand them. Ask that you be connected to someone in the United States. Be persistent! Then you should be able to speak with someone who knows more than 6 sentences in English. If this does not resolve the problem, ask for a supervisor.
I had a problem with a billing error and was able to have it corrected by doing this. Those people in India are very limited in what they understand and in the responses they can give. It is not their fault. They are just people who will work for a very low salary.
Hope this helps.

[Initech]

44. I've had bad luck with Dell computers

I nearly destroyed the hard drive on my previous laptop because I had to format the piece of shit so many times. I finally switched over to Apple... and have not regretted it!

[Mr_Spock]

60. You got a defective hard drive. DON'T BUY DELL!!!

They don't even make the hard drives in their laptops...




:eyes:

[Name removed]

61. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Mr_Spock]

64. WARNING!!!! DO NOT BUY DELL!!!!!!!!!!

So now I'm a personal female hygiene product 'eh?

[Name removed]

69. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[SomewhereOutThere424]

73. go right ahead and try their payment plan

Said the spider to the fly.

[Mr_Spock]

76. lol - no thanks, I pay cash for everything

I don't trust ANYBODY's no interest plans!!!!

I've learned my lessons already - and no, not from Dell - but there are an awful lot of company's out there that are ready to sleaze your money from you.

[Initech]

175. Nope, I learned that lesson!

[Rosie1223]

45. Addresses

Michael Dell
Chairman of the Board
Dell Computers
One Dell Way
Round Rock, TX 78682
email: michael_dell at dell.com

Kevin B. Rollins
CEO
Dell Computers
One Dell Way
Round Rock, TX 78682
email: kevin_rollins at dell.com

512-728-7347 - Corporate Communications

[Buddyblazon]

48. Thanks!

My Pop just got me some similar numbers.

I ended up talking to the Assistant to the VP of Investor Relations...a Ms. Gilchrist. She was very friendly. Took my number and contacted EXECUTIVE customer support (my guess Dell's "Republican Guard" of customer service). Said she would have them contact me.

But I won't hold my breath. At this point, I think we are just going to have to take it out of our savings and be done with it.

The only good part about this is that I would be paying off my biggest present revolving credit line and we are looking to refinance our home (we bought a fixer upper we hope to sell in a little over a year). So, that will give my credit a slight boost.

I'm trying to look at the bright side. Though I'm pretty upset.

[Maddy McCall]

50. More phone numbers:

Dell Computer Corp - 1.9 miles SE - 2300 Greenlawn Blvd, Round Rock, 78664 - [phone]
Dell Inc - 1.5 miles S - 1 Dell Way, Round Rock, 78682 - [phone]
Dell Computer Corp - 2.3 miles W - 2401 Greenlawn Blvd, Round Rock, 78681 - [phone]

[TrogL]

51. I would never buy Dell

We bought a batch of 250 of them a few years ago.

EVERY LAST BLASTED ONE WAS EITHER DEAD OUT OF THE BOX OR FAILED WITHIN THE FIRST MONTH.

[Mr_Spock]

53. lol

posts like this give complaining a bad name...

[TrogL]

180. What, don't believe me?

Sorry, I can't reveal the name of the company or the date, but we have a LOT of computers and we buy in bulk.

I was there when the palate came in and helped with the unpacking and setup. I know how to handle and unpack computers. I know to set up computers.

At least half of them failed right out of the box. Examples:

• no power, nothing, completely dead, power supply toast
  
• video kicked in but no POST, just sat there spinning its hard drive
  
• video, POST, no hard drive - dead in the water
  
• video, POST, boots then crashes - analysis shows massive numbers of bad sectors
  

We were able to get a few working and out to users but then the remainder failed for a variety of reasons:

• power supply
  
• video
  
• hard drive
  
• CPU
  
• disk controller
  

no two boxes alike.

We shipped them all back to the supplier and they took them without a whimper and replaced them with a reliable brand.

We tried Dell a few other times in ones and twos with exactly the same results.

[BiggJawn]

54. We use Dells at work, but I won't buy one myself.

Especially when I heard about their increased "investment" in India.

[Steve A Play]

55. I always find it's best to Google "(company name) sucks"

before deciding on making a major purchase in order to see what their other customers really think of them. Here's a link to a Google search for "Dell sucks"

Steven P. :kick:

[girl gone mad]

128. Looks like Mr_Spock's got his work cut out. n/t

[BronxBoy]

165. LOL

:rofl:

[magellan]

62. I had a problem with our order from Dell

I didn't know they were Repub-friendly. Anyway, I made an order and things didn't arrive in the specified timeframe. I got VERY tired of talking to people in India, but yes, their financial departments are located overseas!!

So here's what I did: I called Dell Corporate here in the US. When I got an American voice on the line I said, "I've got a problem with my order -- do NOT patch me through to India. I paid good money and I want to talk to someone here." It took a bit of banging my fist on the table, but I finally got to talk to a US supervisor who took charge and remedied the situation.

Look on their website for a US number. Keep dialing and choosing options till you get an American voice and then demand service. Don't let them send you overseas. Threaten to tell all your friends to stay away from Dell products. Threaten to report their false advertising to the Better Business Bureau.

Persevere and good luck!

[GoneOffShore]

66. Sorry to hear about your Dell

There was an article in the NYT Circuits section a couple of weeks ago that told you how to deal with Dell Tech support
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/22/technology/circuits/23POGUE-EMAIL.html?ex=1143003600&en=73c8b9dcf3923550&ei=5070

Plus this one which is equally hilarious.
http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/16/technology/poguesposts/16pogues-posts.html

[RedOnce]

67. I bought Dell. What a mistake! Inspiron 600m reliability sux.

Inspiron 600m only 8 months old fried a mother board! They repaired it, 24 hours later lost the hard drive! After several conversations with India they sent me a new HD but refused to load the software that originally came loaded on it! Great, so I've been down for several days and now I get to spend my time loading the OS & Apps!

My wife had similar but different horror stories with her Inspiron 600m!

I've probably owned 15-18 computers, this one is the worst! I have an old Toshiba P3 laptop that is bulletproof.

They do have good service, which is great because you are going to need it!

Don't buy Dell.

[SmokingJacket]

70. I will NOT buy another Dell!

I've had nothing but Dells since I bought my first computer in 1993. They were fantastic affordable computers. But this last one has crapped out on me in many different ways, and my husband's laptop Dell died, too.

To say nothing of their Republican donations and horrible outsourcing, and now the financial scam!!!

[grateful581]

71. Dell Financial is a NIGHTMARE

my Dell financial APR is 30%. thats down right criminal.
I don't even have bad credit.
:mad:

[SomewhereOutThere424]

72. Fell into the same trap...

I bought an 1800 dollar computer and was charged 3000 dollars for it. Never gave me an official invoice. All of the parts were grossly overpriced (about 400$ on some items!!). NEVER make the mistake of ordering from them over the phone (well my computer died so that was really my only option...just avoiding dell entirely is a good idea). They threatened to tarnish our credit too and report us to a bunch of crediters if we were to cancel the payment plans and just return the computer.

The only way I avoided their finance charges (and yes, they never go down. A 3 year plan turned into an 8 year plan) was to simply pay off the rest of the computer in full that was left in my balance. Otherwise I'd have paid something like 6k for a computer I originally wanted for only 1800 and wanted to pay in payment plans for 3 years would have ended up being around ten.

I don't go with gateway either after they refused me service even with a warranty (they said it expired a year earlier than I paid for). Pretty much, if a company is big enough that the loss of your payment isn't going to make them go under, avoid them like the plague. I haven't heard good things of alienware either...

[Buddyblazon]

78. OKAY!!!! THE FINAL RESOLUTION WITH DELL!!!!

Just got off the phone with their EXECUTIVE customer service.

They still say that THAT offer was not offered on the day I applied. It's offered on some days...and not others. :eyes:

They will not change the financing....because DFS is Citibank. Not their company. Will not change it to the computer that WAS interest free on the day we purchased the one that was not...BECAUSE...TODAY it's not on special.

They will give us a 100$ discount on the overall price.

That's it....that is all.

So we can now dip into the savings that we have built up (after depleting it) over the past 9-12 months.




So....in conclusion...you can buy DELL...I would NEVER want to tell anybody what they can or can't buy (like that's what I was doing :eyes:). But just realize you've been warned.

Many posters on the board can corroborate similar stories. AND worst of all, we discovered that they donate to the Republicans.

The decision from here is yours. Choose wisely.

[rman]

98. I'm pretty sure Citibank = Citigroup

which in turn i'm sure is bad news. They're one those corporations.
So Dell finance is called "Dell" but the actual Dell has no power over it. Interesting isn't it.

[RedOnce]

157. Why don't you email them with a link to this thread! They might...

just change their tune!

[Mr_Spock]

173. Are you completely sure you didn't make a mistake?

I bought a Dell recently and they are very sleazy in how their offers are presented. Maybe you thought you were getting it based on your conversation, but then it wasn't valid when you did the transaction online? They really do change offers from day to day - it's wicked annoying - it's like a game with them.

[seaglass]

202. They have been heavily marketing their XPS, not the Inspiron.

I've gotten multiple mailings for the XPS, I wouldn't be surprised if the deal was for the XPS.

I have reasons that I wouldn't buy a Dell again and reasons why I might.

A posting like the OP's is definitely NOT going to be a deciding factor.

[Buddyblazon]

205. Well that's obviously what happened...

but as my girlfriend was by my side for the entire transaction...she heard me ask if the 18 mos interest free was offered on this computer. As I had the speaker phone on...she heard the gentlemen say "YES".

I will say it again...for about the 10th time...that's why we decided to go with Dell...and that's the reason we went with the Inspiron. If the deal had been on the XPS...I would've gone with the XPS.

I asked...they said yes...that's what I went with.

If their incompetent overseas guy told me the wrong thing...that's their fault. If I was trusting in what he said without being more diligent in my investigation...than that is indeed my fault. I believed what they told me and wasn't more observant. That is 100% my fault. And it's obviously what this company thrives on...people not paying close attention. My guess is if I caught it, they would've said, "Whoops...sorry...we'll fix that for you.", to get the sale.

We catch the CC companies constantly trying to raise our rates. We have NEVER been late on a single payment. They just want to see if we're paying attention. When we call them on it, they say, "Whoops...sorry...we'll fix that for you.". It's happened with 3 seperate CC companies. It is their MO. If you don't catch it, they won't change it. They like you to believe it's an accident. When we all know it wasn't. I may have been born at night...but it wasn't LAST night.

They got me. If that's how they work...then that's how they work.

But ya know how I work? I've got a great big fat mouth. So they got me...good on them. Now I'm doing what I can...by being the town crier.

It is the only recourse I have. To complain about them and warn other people about them.



I am not telling anybody not to buy Dells product.

I am telling people "Take note. This company performs dubious credit acts on their customers. Buy at your own risk."

[djg21]

177. Can't you send it back?

Doesn't Dell offer a 30 refund policy? Send it back and get a refund. Close the Dell Account and go elsewhere.

[MissWaverly]

183. I would find a geek person locally

and see what you can sell it for immediately while it still has value and pay a huge lump
sum to pay it off, then I would see about buying a refurbished computer, I used to buy
refurbs from Hewlett Packard, for 375 and get a nice monitor from a discount house. There
is no way, I would be throwing money away on interest charges in today's market. That's
if you can get close to what you paid for it.

[darkism]

79. I just picked up a beautiful Dell keyboard.

...from a thrift store for $1. Manufactured in 1991, it still works wonderfully and, because it's based on the mechanical buckling-spring design, the keys still make that beautiful "click" that vintage keyboards tend to make.

As for their computers, though, I have no idea. I'd much rather buy the parts and case and put the thing together myself.

[malaise]

80. I was in charge of purchasing a lap top for

a retiring staffer recently and thanks to DU, I did all my homework and eliminated Dell very early. I take shopping Blue quite seriously.

[Thtwudbeme]

83. MOST fascinating thread I have seen on DU in ages.....I have never seen

so many people come out of the woodwork to defend a large impersonal corporation...almost as if on cue.

How interesting is that.

Wonder if they get paid.

[Mr_Spock]

85. It's possible to attack all or none at the same time...

I could attack all of them in a given day - would that be productive?

Would everyone be required to agree with me - even people who were happy with the products and service they received?????

Please be realistic!

[Thtwudbeme]

89. I am being realistic dear

all you had to write was "Gee I LIKE my Dell....sorry you had such a cruddy experience."

As a matter of fact, Spock, I am typing on a Dell right now...and have a new Dell laptop in the other room. I like Dell. However, I don't feel compelled to tell the poster that he shouldn't post this.

I think that's interesting, and would love to understand your motives...as well as a couple of other posters here.

[Mr_Spock]

94. I'm responding to a post screaming at me to NOT buy a brand

based on a persons personal experience. I could do this all day on here - do you think I should start typing new posts like this now? I will if you want me to.

[rman]

92. It's no requirement, it's a warning.

You're not required to defend a large transnational corporation are you?

[Mr_Spock]

95. Show me where I'm defending a large transnational corporation

I can't remember now - please remind me.

I'm more interested in not seeing a post like this after every person on here has a bad experience with a particular company, ANY particular company.

[rman]

104. It's in the fact

that you don't want bad experiences with corporations to be discussed on this forum.
Most people seem to think it is good to share both good and bad experiences.

[Mr_Spock]

112. I am not saying bad experiences should not be discussed!!

"I had a bad experience with XXX brand - FYI"

...is the traditional method of airing grievances.

WARNING!!! DON'T BUY DELL!!!!!!!!!

would not be considered a good protocol for airing one's greivances...

[rman]

116. I've seen much worse OP titles

I don't understand why you take so much issue with it.
Most people seem to take no issue with it at all.

[Name removed]

118. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[rman]

131. The closest thing to name calling in the actual OP

is "WTF!?", after Mel told him he didn't see the Laptop advertised as interest free on the website.
You can't be serious claiming that is a "mental name calling fit".

More name calling started after you joined this thread. Which you now seem to cite as (retro-active) reason for your initial criticism.

[Mr_Spock]

133. So, the OP calling me a "dick" and a "douche" and a "tool" amongst

other names is appropriate dialog on a post just because that person disagrees with your approach to a particular post??

I say get a thicker skin or don't post!!

[rman]

143. That was long after the Opening Post

It is the Opening Post that you were initially criticizing.
You have now changed that to posts by the Opening Poster elsewhere in this thread.

This has become an illogical discussion, mr Spock.

[Name removed]

Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[rman]

155. Then why are you talking to me?

[Mr_Spock]

159. You started it

:P

[rman]

164. But if you think i need to ask you first

before i may talk to you, and i didn't ask you first, then why talk to me at all?
Not that i think i need to ask you first (or perhaps you think i should ask someone else first).

Why it that you bring up this "no-one asked you" only now that i have pointed out your deceptive debating tactics? A matter which you now seem to try to avoid discussing. This has nothing to do with refereeing, it's just an observation.

[Mr_Spock]

166. Why have like 9 of your 10 posts in this thread been to harass me??

Are you the guys girlfriend or something?

I can't figure that out??

[rman]

168. Harass you, LOL

So call a mod on me.


Documentation of how you keep changing the subject (which is within forum rules, as is calling it out):


"Airing personal issues on a forum isn't good for anyone"
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=706636&mesg_id=707682

Quite a broad statement.

--

"I'm more interested in not seeing a post like this after every person on here has a bad experience with a particular company..."
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=706636&mesg_id=708893

This is more then narrowing down, which would be granted. It's now specific to this kind of Opening Post.

--

"WARNING!!! DON'T BUY DELL!!!!!!!!!
would not be considered a good protocol for airing one's greivances.."
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=706636&mesg_id=709029

Where 'this kind' is characterized by improper protocol.

--

"It has to do with the O/P having a mental name calling fit"
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=706636&mesg_id=709080

Now it's no longer about the Opening Post but about the Opening Poster's mental state and name calling expressed elsewhere in the thread.

--

"So, the OP calling me a "dick" and a "douche" and a "tool" amongst other names"
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=706636&mesg_id=709233

Completely changed the subject, it's about name calling now, which started well after the Opening Post that your criticism was initially directed at.

--

After pointing that out it turns out you think i should have asked you before talking to you. And you started sticking your tongue out at me. And now you complain i'm harassing you.

Typical, and it confirms my suspicions. I can now put you on ignore knowing that i won't miss anything worthwhile.

[Mr_Spock]

170. Did it ever occur to you he might be wrong??

People often think they had a certain agreement, and are so adamant that they will not even hear arguments that they were wrong.

How do you know the O/P was even right about the agreement?

Maybe if we could see a receipt showing thus we could form an opinion.

I sure hope you put me on your ignore list - you've been extremely childish and you haven't been able to form a coherent argument in 10 posts. See ya!

[Buddyblazon]

156. Ah...but it's a public message board.

It be one thing if he PM'ed you. But you posted on a public board that anybody that wants, can read.

I know when I post on here, I'm talking to everybody. Thats why I don't say to anybody, "I was never talkin to you in the first place.".

Had you not wanted anybody but me to reply, you should've pm'ed me.

[Mr_Spock]

160. lol

I'm just funnin' him :D

[Buddyblazon]

87. Yea...it certainly is telling isn't it....

unfortunately we are not allowed to call people out on the boards.

[Mr_Spock]

102. You've called me a "douche", "dick" and a "tool"

You've called me out plenty - waah!!

[darkism]

111. And it's amazingly low on Apple fanboys too.

[QC]

197. Yeah, the Macintologists usually pour out of the woodwork

for a thread like this.

[ScreamingMeemie]

120. Crazy even, eh? I am wondering where they were with my Maytag

troubles...? I am sure they would have had something to say in defense of the poor Maytag Man. :rofl: I'm sure they get paid.

[Thtwudbeme]

124. Awwwww were you a big meanie to the Maytag corporation???

Just like this big bully on DU that has the gall to complain IN PUBLIC about a neato little company that sells computers-

;)

Ridiculous.

[ScreamingMeemie]

134. How dare he even...!

Certain folks here have made me seen the error of my ways. For shame, using a public message board for the airing of my opinion. I am suitably chastised.
In fact I may just write a letter of apology to Maytag and any Duers I may have offended.
:P

[sarcasmo]

211. I thought the same thing. My experience with Dell when your warranty runs

out so does Dell. One month after the warranty expires hard drive crashes. Never again Dell. Best Buy has a great on site maintenance facility with English speaking customer service. Never again Dell.

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

93. Sorry Bout Your Experience. I Love My Dell And Recommend Them To Everybody

I'm sorry there was a problem with your terms and that you are in that position and hopefully there's some way it can be rectified. Outside of that though, I love my dell and whenever I hear someone looking for a personal PC I always pass on how satisfied I've been with mine.

[Buddyblazon]

97. Thank you....

My Father personally loves his.

The computer itself has been fine. My anger is with their finance department. I feel hornswoggled.

[KyuzoGator]

96. I tell whoever is willing to listen...on laptops, buy TOSHIBA.

They are unstoppable.

[Buddyblazon]

106. Man I loved my Toshiba....

it was a total tank.

The ONLY reason I went with the Dell is because of the 18 mos interest free. Which was not true.

So now I'm stuck with a computer that is fine so far. But I know another Toshiba would've taken a licking like my last one.

MAN did that thing work great.

[BlackVelvet04]

100. does one of your local network news have a help

line? Locally we have something called 10 On Your Side and they help settle disputes such as this. Amazing how beingon the nightly news tends to wake a company up.

[redherring]

109. Well, I love my Dell

The company I work for seems to think the same. My computer has been with me for 6 years. Haven't had any problems.

[Hokie]

110. If you used a credit card dispute the charge

When you dispute the charge it puts the ball back in Dell's court to prove that the interest charge is legitimate. I have found that in some cases they will not go through the trouble to answer you dispute. It sounds like this may be directly with Dell so you may not have that option. I would also contact the consumer protection division of your state attorney general's office. This definite sounds like deceptive business practices to me.

I have spent over $10,000 with Dell on 4 computers for me and my children. Their outsourcing of customer support is really turning me off to buying Dell again.

[Lisa0825]

114. There was a lady on the radio on Tom Martino's show

recently complaining about Dell. Maybe you should contact them too.

http://www.troubleshooter.com/data/helpcenter.htm

[Buddyblazon]

121. And I live in Denver...

unfortunately not much of a Matino fan. Had to deal with him a bit when I was much younger and waiting tables. Not the nicest of guys. But I wouldn't mind having him on my side.

Thanks.

[Lisa0825]

123. Exactly! He can be a major asshole!

But he and his crew do get things done, so I wouldn't write him off if I could use the help.

[Justice Is Comin]

119. One of the best websites

I love to check now before I buy something is www.resellerratings.com.

You can check products or companies. If you don't know about this, bookmark it. It's great.


PS. Check Dell here and see what people think.

[LiberalEsto]

125. Dell printers are awful

So complicated to use, so unreliable. It used to be that you could ONLY get ink by ordering it from Dell.

Except that now you can also get ink from Databazaar.com at a far lower price.

[Mr_Spock]

137. COSTCO is selling Dell printers now too

I love COSTCO

[Buddyblazon]

140. Hey...we agree on something.

Costco rocks. Their average hourly rate is really high...like 17$.

Whenever the Union approaches them the employees tell 'em, "go away. We don't want you screwing up a good thing.".

Plus they're a Blue company.

Perhaps I should tell them not to buy Dell :P

[Mr_Spock]

149. I bought COSTCO stock because they are a good Blue conpany

I wish all my purchases could be from Blue or American companies - but it's not to be :(

[Pale Blue Dot]

171. Dell printers are actually made by Lexmark (that's why they suck)

Also, you can now get some Dell compatible inks at your local Staples. They have them for models A940, A960, 720, A920.

[LiberalEsto]

203. Thanks for the info

I looked in Staples and other stores last year, and was told you could only order the ink from Dell online. Maybe enough people complained.

[Pale Blue Dot]

204. It has nothing to do with complaints.

If Staples and other retailers could have sold Dell cartridges right away, they would have. As it is, the only way to sell them is remanufacture old Dell cartridges. It takes awhile for enough inventory to build up.

[foreverdem]

196. You got that right

My Dell printer broke after two months. The repairman came out to the office to fix it, took the entire thing apart and then could not figure out how to put it back together or what was wrong with it. Dell "agreed" to send me a new one free of charge, since it was still under warranty. The replacement is not much better. The printer I had before that, an HP, I had for 5 years with not one problem.

[MissWaverly]

126. Look, there may be an easy solution

First, of all, I have a Dell, which I like, but the service people in India drive me crazy,
I have just now made my last payment. If they offered you a deal like that, it may
be in the bill that you received with the machine, check and see, it should say on the
original invoice, it lists everything on that, go to the invoice and check it out, then
I would call their sales line and ask where to go to resolve a misunderstanding about
a purchase, do not let them suck you into an India rep., if they say that, ask them
where you can write to.

[Fla Dem]

141. Bait & switch. Go right to the top..... here's the address and executive

line-up:

Dell Computer Corporation
2300 Greenlawn Boulevard, Round Rock, TX 78664
[phone]

Insist on talking to someone on this list. Follow-up with a letter.

[New Government]

142. Took me TWO HOURS to finally get help from Oklahoma City

I do think it's weird to be discussing this at DU, but....My Dell Horror Story was just over TWO HOURS on the phone. I got India, India, India, crappy and clueless "support." Finally, I was told by someone via IM while I was on the phone to ask that the call be escalated and demand it. I tried that and they first tried to act like they didn't know what I meant. Finally, after TWO HOURS of telling clueless people the same thing over and over, a perfectly clear ENGLISH tech came on the phone. I asked where they were and they told me they were in Oklahoma City. I was shocked! I went into my problem, they told me step-by-step in simple language what to do and --- I was fixed! It was a fairly detailed problem, but it should not take TWO HOURS talking to INDIA before finally talking to a "true" tech in Oklahoma City. I actually talked to two people in Oklahoma and they were very competent and helpful. BUT, I will never buy a Dell again. It shouldn't take what I went through to get decent technical support.

[ScreamingMeemie]

150. I don't think it's weird at all. I have often used DU as a platform to

vent anger at the way corporations treat their consumers. Once the money is handed over...you get screwed in service.

Here's an example, and I'd do it again:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=3222401
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=3224464
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=3473426
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=3527625
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=4774993

[preciousdove]

145. A friend's Dell Experience

Friend helps people pick out and set up computers for homes and businesses. He had had OK luck with Dell until last fall. He researched and ordered a high speed high end computer for a multimillion dollar business and checked to be sure it would work with the equipment that the business ran with, servers etc.

When he got it it ran slower than their 7 year old middle end computer. After many phone calls he managed to find someone who told him that the computer WAS that speed but that the Dell software was slowing it down. They would not tell him why or what to do about it. He was able to return it but it was an unnessecary disruption and he was out the setup time for the Dell.

Over the course of the conversation He was told that he could not talk to the same person he had dealt with before, or send email to tech support nor could not write them a letter. That he could not speak to a manager. He told them what he did for a living and they did not care. He is never angry, and always polite and business like even with unreasonable people.

[progressoid]

147. FUCK DELL!!

They just sent us a $99.00 bill because we wanted to exchange a new inkjet cartridge that was defective. Took two hours to explain to the outsourced rep that it wasn't the printer but the NEW cartridge they had just sent us that was defective.

FINALLY found someone that understood and they sent us a new cartridge (that worked).

Then three weeks later sent us a bill for their technical assistance!!!! $99.00!!!

I'll say it again. FUCK DELL.

[babsbunny]

148. Thanks For The Heads up!

[The Backlash Cometh]

151. We took in a Dell to try to upgrade it with some specialized graphic card

and it was impossible to do. The service guys said there was a reason why Dell isn't so expensive. It really isn't as upgradeable as more expensive computers. It's just a cheap box.

[Ksec]

152. Make you a deal

I wont buy Dell if you dont buy foreign cars?

Deal or no deal?

[Buddyblazon]

162. I just bought a '01 Dodge Grand Caravan....

it's a deal ;)

[Ksec]

167. Good on you

Too many times it seems like a one way street with the technology sector. They bitch about things like Dell moving factories to India while driving a Mitsubishi they just bought. I watched as the steel industry in this country went belly up while most of the country away from this, didnt give a rats ass. It works both ways.

[WI_DEM]

154. I can't believe some of the nasty replies you've gotten

Obviously you're pissed by the experience and you want to share with others so we don't fall into this trap. Yes, some people have had good experiences with Dell, but you are giving your experience. So buyer beware. I see nothing wrong with this thread.

[alfredo]

158. Buy blue. Michael Dell is a big time Republican.

I bought blue, I bought a Mac.

[rateyes]

163. Don't know if this will help...but,

here is a cached copy of an Inspiron with the same offer shown in small print, available right now on Inspirons.

http://72.14.203.104/search?q=cache:6QqDvbOtBt8J:www1.us.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/entnb_6000%3Fc%3Dus%26cs%3D19%26l%3Den%26s%3Ddhs+No+Interest+on+Inspiron%2B2005&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=2

[WilliamPitt]

169. One of the strangest threads I've ever seen...

[ContraBass Black]

174. I've seen stranger.

[Buddyblazon]

176. Well...I've been here for years....

I just don't post that much. I'm here everyday reading. But I feel a little intimidated by some of the threads and don't post often for fear of my lack of political knowledge (or at least compared to other posters).

But I was terribly upset and figured that this would be a place to share. At first I felt like I shouldn't have posted my account. But was surprised to see how many responses I got.

I am actually amazed how many people have had bad experiences with their finance department.

It's just nice to know that I'm not alone.

KnowwhatImean?

[Sgent]

178. As someone who has bought

over $150K of computer equipment in the last 5 years, with about 20K from Dell, I will never purchase from them again.

This has to do with the fact that their support sucks. Even with the "gold" technical support, 13X5 (4 hr to door) tech support.

Why these feelings? Significantly because of a $10 keyboard. It wasn't that they refused to replace their under warrenty, warped, keyboard, it was the process that it took to get that answer.

I spent 4 hours on the phone, another 2 days in email tag, and finally get no answer -- this on a computer with a business class "gold" support contract. Screw 'em.

With HP, I call, tell them the problem, and have a replacement part or support guy onsite in 4 hours -- and this call was at midnight.

[Danascot]

181. You shouldn't finance your Dell laptop

for 18 months because it might not last that long. I had an Inspiron 5160 and the lcd screen gave out without warning two months after the 12 month warranty expired... hundreds to repair, not worth it. I don't think a $1250 laptop should be a disposable. I won't buy Dell again.

[Buddyblazon]

182. Well it came with a 2 year warranty.

But my Toshiba lasted 4 years. It had become old and obsolete...but I would've kept it had the motherboard not fried.

[Ksec]

184. You should never finance anything

I buy with cash if at all possible. The only thing I finance is my home . I use the money I make from selling illegal drugs and pimpin whores.
edited to add a :) just in case anyone thinks Im serious.

[linazelle]

185. Everybody can't afford to forego financing. n/t

[Iowa]

188. LOL...

You've gotta finance the home? Not much of a pimp, if you ask me... :rofl:

[zulchzulu]

186. Call local TV station that has consumer watchdog segment

Also call Dell in Texas if possible and tell them about the problem...

I never liked Dells...they suck for multimedia compared to Macs or even other PCs. HPs are pretty good... I always equate Dells with Repugs due to people I know who treated them as "anti-Apples"...yunno, all us hippy dippy Grateful Dead-lovin' Mac heads.

This message was typed on a Gateway...

[Iowa]

187. Just a few suggestions from an old guy who has made mistakes...

Not directed to Buddyblazon, but to anyone considering buying a computer.

1. Never buy a computer over the phone. Buy it online and capture all the screen-shots - document everything. I just did that for my sister last week.
2. Before buying, do a search for "Dell coupons", or similar. You'll usually find a much better deal than those being advertised.
3. Avoid laptops if you can. They're more expensive and prone to trouble. I realize that sometimes you just have to have the portability, but if you can avoid it, go with a desktop.
4. Consider buying used, especially if borrowed money is involved. I just bought a used Dell desktop (I already had a monitor) for $50 ($25 for the computer and $25 for shipping) at ebay. Works great!

Buddyblazon, good luck. Lots of good suggestions up-thread so I have nothing to add. I'd be pissed as hell too.

[upi402]

189. craigslist.org

I got a high end, very fast laptop -loaded (Linux stuff too)- for $500 with printer, etc etc etc
It wasn't for me in the end, but it works great, I'm told.

[Buddyblazon]

190. Great suggestions!

You are correct about the portability thing. Me and my Girlfriend are mobile people. We have one desktop. But I don't have an office (other than in the house) and I am all around the town. I have city wide mobile online service (Ricochet) just for the fact that we use the laptop all around the city. It was like that with the Toshiba. And its like that with the new 'puter.

We are usually just so cautious about things like this...and the one time we let our guard down...they pulled a fast one.

Hope it serves as a lesson to everybody.

[The Straight Story]

191. If you still have issues with it please PM me and let me know some details

And perhaps call me.

I run several large data centers and dell is now one of our suppliers of servers (way behind Sun and Compaq and IBM). I can get the name of our Dell rep and see if he can open some channels of communication (they do so like to keep me happy).

As I am out of the office tomorrow it will take me a bit to get you some info (though I will have my engineers check for me tonight for our standard contact info - the business card I need is in my locked desk drawer).

Dell does make some nice servers btw and we get excellent service from them (and we better for what we pay in service contracts).

[Buddyblazon]

192. As I said...the product has been good so far...

it's just their financial services. I got a call from a woman who offered to give me 100 dollars off. First it was 30...not its a hundred. But to me, it's more about the fact that I feel duped.

BTW...I sent a link to this thread to [email protected]. So smile everybody, you're being watched ;) .

HI THERE DELL BOARD OF DIRECTORS! :hi: Just like I said in my email. Just thought you'd like to know what experiences the average Joe's and Jane's have had with your company.

[RhodaGrits]

194. DELL: WORST. COMPUTER SERVICE. EVER.

I HATE this company. Hours of my life have been wasted talking to Indians. When I finally get one of the techs from the deep south, I'm ready to kiss their exhausted feet (last one I talked to was working a 10 hr shift for Dell and it was his 3rd of 3 jobs.)

I have told them I will NEVER buy another (and we have 11 boxes and a laptop). Their service SUCKS.

[graywarrior]

198. Allow me to add by opinion on DELL

They SUCK!. I've had my own issues with them. Never ever ever buy a DELL.

[malmapus]

201. Yeah Dell Financial Services sucks!! Had my own troubles with them

Bought a laptop two years ago, and got their credit. Turns out when I was paying that $45.00 a month for my laptop $37 was going to finance charges and well the remaining $9 was going to paying off the debt. So f'ing crazy and yeah the people that take their calls are about as ignorant. Had so much frustrations dealing with them, finally just paid off the bloody thing too.

[fujiyama]

207. This is amusing

Everyone is screaming about Dell, but the simple fact is MOST companies have shifted tech support and ther operations to India. Apple announced they will too.

I personally have never dealt with Dell CS and I'm sure it's lousy, but I haven't had particularly good luck with some of the tech support I got from companies here in the US. I've encountered some difficult accents as well (sometimes thick southern accents are as difficult to understand as foreign accents). I've also encountered rude, arrogant, and incompetant TS agents here as well as abroad.

All that said, they are fairly reliable, but nothing spectacular.

But they offer little in the way of expandability and upgradability down the road. Often the cases are tightly confined, so it makes those upgrades a real pain as well. I'll build my own using parts from Newegg or other online stores. Or I'm sure there are other places to get decent pre built computers. THough, I'd probably avoid Gateway as well. I've heard in some ways they are even more unreliable than Dell. Plus, Michael Dell is a huge Bush supporter. I believe he was a pioneer or whatever. Fuck that.

[HamdenRice]

209. Support AOL! They outsource customer service to South Africa!

Just kidding, but really, last time I had a technical problem with AOL, I spoke to an outsourced agent, and I immediately recogized her accent as South African -- and specifically an Indian from Johannesburg.

Yes, South African accents are that specific as to race and class and geography.

[bliss_eternal]

213. MSN was the Phillippines

if I'm remembering correctly.

I think it's cool AOL's csr's are in South Africa, but their company still sucks!

[file83]

210. Dell Fucked You, so I say, "Fuck You Dell."

There is nothing worse than some arrogant prick telling you over the phone "Not our problem." What an idiot. Where did that guy learn his customer service skills, India? Oh, wait....

[0007]

212. Thanks for the heads up!

Screw Dell!

[sakabatou]

215. Unfortunately, already have

>_<

[lakeguy]

216. i would recommend staying away from dell unless

you think you will never, ever need customer service. they are cheap for a reason. cheap parts and even worse service. it took me two weeks to return a hard drive that i never ordered from them. i must have spent 8-10 hours on the phone during many sessions without so much as an apology from them except for the script they have the service center people read to EVERYONE.

i was looking for a laptop a year ago and ended up going IBM even though i have purchased many parts at dell. now IBM/Lenova has pretty much outsourced everything to china so i may switch to a mac instead for my next computer. never a dell though, never. too many horror stories.

edit:i also stopped buying ANYTHING form dell once i found out who their donations went to!

[mvd]

217. I left Dell to buy a Sony

It was Dell's Repuke contributions that did it for me. Sony had that copy protection scandal, but it was in the music department where I can avoid buying Sony CDs if I want. Technical service for Dell is bad. Once, I called about a simple problem about getting a new drive set up, and I ended up reformatting all drives when I didn't have to. It was someone in an outsourced position I contacted.

Also, Dell used to put Pentium in their entry level computers. Now, they don't!

[frankly_fedup2]

220. A HEAD's UP about IBM. A company in China owns IBM now.

Guess what computer company has a contract with all aspects of our federal government? Scary, scary, scary. Even the Pentagon.

Ya know, they were able to stop the port purchase by an Arab Country. They even prevented China from purchasing UNOCAL (yep, the pipeline, another piece of the puzzle to this illegal war).

Isn't these kind of sells regulated or something?

Heard this on Lou Dobbs tonight.