"I am surprised that Dell has such a poor rating here. For me, it has been a great experience to deal with Dell. Shipping is always on time and products are always in top-notch conditions. I have returned a flat panel monitor and requested a price adjustment on my system, two supposedly very difficult tasks to deal with. The Dell customer service people were very professional and helpful. All things went smoothly. I would definitely buy from them again.

All in all, outstanding customer service and exceptional prices.

"

"I ordered a 4 port Belkin KVM switch, the website clearly stated that the switch included cables.
When I got the package it had no cables, the Peripherals CSR was very rude and his only suggestion to resolve the problem was to RMA the product for a refund.
I then contacted another CSR and the webmaster in an attempt to have them correct this error on the website (which they did NOT do).
I didn’t get my money back until 11/02 the RMA took place in 07/02; not sure if I’ll ever do business with them again.

Summary: Misrepresented product description, Rude CSR, flawed RMA process.

Order number: 884849126
"

"As a long time customer with Dell I'm very disappointed with their service. They keep slipping my order but worst they aren't telling me why. It's a nightmare trying to get even the most basic information from them. I sure hope the quality hasn't gone the way of the service."

"New computer shipping date was supposed to be 12/9 or earlier. It has now been changed to 12/17 because of "unexpected delays". The reasons change by the hour and it is obvious Dell is not being honest with the public about its' ability to deliver what it advertises. Not a new problem at Dell and I'm wondering why I do business with them.
This morning 12/9 Dell informed me that new shipping date is 2/3/2003. Needless to say, the order has been cancelled and a Gateway I just ordered will be received within a week."

"After several em's from Dell that there would be a new shipping date I cancelled the order and received confirmation of my cancellation on 11/15. On 11/26 Dell sent me an me telling my camera will be shipped on 12/13. I wrote another em telling them I had cancelled this order and demanded it be cancelled. They confirmed cancellation once again on 11/27. Guess what? I received the camera on 12/05. I had already purchased this camera elsewhere. Now I have to ship it back and they are telling me I won't get credit for about 6 weeks even though it's their mistake and they have no answer as to why they shipped it. A scam company, beware......"

"Ordered on line on Oct 2, 2002 for a Sony DRU 500A. Item showed to be in stock and to ship in 3-4 days. Since then, I have received 6 shipping delay notices.

While not being unreasonable, it was disappointing and frustrating to learn through different forums how some buyers who bought later than myself already received their unit while those who ordered on Oct 1 and 2nd were still waiting for them.

Dell had no answer to why this was happening. In the end, after two months of frustations, I cancelled the order and ordered elsewhere.

"

"I was invited as a "valued customer" to order the AXIM for a limited-time offer of extra discount. I ordered on 11/19 assuming that it was immediately available. I paid 16 bucks more to get overnight deliver. I got immediate email confirmation that it had been SHIPPED within like an hour--amazing but wait!! BTW, they also ground mailed me confirmation that a shipment occurred.

I hoped to have it before my vacation on 11/22 but it didn't come so I made arrangements for my son to drive across town daily to check for delivery. When I returned from vacation Thanksgiving, it still wasn't here.

I called today, 11/29, and they tell me it won't ship until mid December. The email and the letter were "computer errors" according to Beth. I told her to cancel the order and I was transferred four times and it took 20 minutes to cancel. I can only hope that Tom got it right.

Everyone apologized but they all argued that Dell has the right to take 30 days to complete the order. That would be okay except nowhere on the original site does it suggest that these are not in stock. Why offer "Buy Now" if they take nearly a month to build?

In previous orders from other vendors I always received an immediate computer-generated response to confirm receipt. I don't know why, but Dell never sent any messages to me at all. Furthermore, there's no way to check on the progress of the delivery--maybe that was due to the "computer error" Beth talked about, I don't know.

I've had it with Dell now. You always hear horror stories about internet vendors but why pay top dollar if someone like Dell is so cavalier about screwing you over?"

"I recently Purchased a P4 2.4 GHz Dimension 8200. VERY pleasant and helpful service in sales . Their Credit verification services suck however and I wasted hours of my time verifying my home address, Eventually that got cleared up and the PC system arrived over a week earlier than expected

One other Gripe I have is that Dell immediately dropped the 8200, seems like I've purchased an already obsolete PC, maybe that's how it is but I feel I could have been informed they were moving on.


"

"I have spent nearly 2 months researching computer companies and components debating whether to buy or just build my own. The comments and ratings for Dell were a real concern and had originally removed them from my list. However, I had the chance to save $510.00 dollars so we jumped on it. Configured a P4, 2.4ghz w 512 RDRAM. Ordered on 26 November just before Thanksgiving. The CS rep, Craig, was very helpful and saved me an additional few bucks on several items. I was able to track my order and it left the factory ahead of schedule and is now enroute. My experience, so far has been very good. I will update this post after the computer arrives and I have had a chance to burn it in but so far I have received excellent service.
12/06/02 - UPDATE-
I received my system in 6 days which included Thanksgiving and a weekend. Everything arrived well packed and in 30 minutes I had transferred the data from my old computer (AMD K7-500 Win98se) to the new one. Was actually impressed with XP too. I have been burning it in for the last couple of days and it is working flawlessly. My experience was great and the pricing could not be touched. I would advise that if you're looking at Dell that you keep looking at the specials and match up coupons. The savings is what finally moved me over to the Dell column and I got great service over the phone...they gave me the same deal that I would have gotten online. I am very pleased."

"SONY DRU500A :( It'll be a new year before any of us even get a RESPONSE or UPDATE. THREE MONTHS SO FAR
12/20/02: I guess I have to add further comments to this existing one. Another delay. Every email I get from Dell is like asking me to squeeze some more lubrication on the problem so my backside won't hurt for another two weeks. WTF you have my money - this is theft.

****************
We have reviewed your order. Although we had anticipated being able to ship
your order sooner, we are experiencing an unexpected delay and we will not
be able to ship your order until, on or before 12/13/2002. We need your
consent to continue your order and build your system. Please be aware that
unless we receive your consent by (11/29/02), 9PM central time, we are
required by law to cancel your order and provide you with a prompt refund.

We are making an effort to contact you for your consent to continue your
order. If we are unable to reach you, you can reach us at 1-***-***-**** or
****@****. Once we have received your consent, we will move
forward your order. However, if your order has been shipped or if you have
already received your system and this order number pretains to a promotional
item, you may choose to have your system returned at our expense.

You are a valuable customer, and we are aware of the inconvenience and
apologize for the delay.

Dell Computer Corporation
****************'
Apology not accepted. Treat me like a human being.

I ordered on 10-01-02. October 1st then November 1st and now December 1st with two more weeks til I get a shipping email or probably another delay notice.

I feel that they are trying to force me to cancel the order so they won't have to honor the price. Other persons have received theirs who ordered later at the higher prices and then I see the units show up on store shelves.

I don't care if you have to go buy it off the shelf at Best Buy and then ship it to me. You need to fulfill the contract. (HINT HINT) "

"I ordered the Sony DVD DRU 500a on October 4th and still no sign of the drive. People who ordered AFTER me already got their drive. Good luck because you will need it. "

"Ordered the Sony DRU500A on 10/2/2002 and as of 11/27/2002 I have not received the product. A friend ordered the DRU500A on 10/29/2002 but paid more for it. He received it on 11/25/2002. Contacted Customer service and told them about the issue. They indicated they would expedite my order. I've just received another email indicating the product is backordered and I would not receive it until 12/13/2002. I've ordered all my computers and parts from Dell in the past. Never again.
"

"Purchase SONY DVDR-500U"

"I ordered my Dell 4550 on 10/23/02.
I received it on 10/30/02 as promised.
So far so good, I am pleased with the PC.
I've not had the need for their tech support to this point. So no comment on that.
The P4 2.4 with 512 mb ddr really flies.
I'll post any changes if need be.
12/12/02*************
I've had trouble with my M992 monitor.
Dell couldn't have been more helpful.
They sent a replacement. Problem solved in two days time.
I am pleased with Dell's Customer Service."

"They did a good job"