Start Discussion re: Part Credit#12,

I ever returned a 128MB RAM and CDRW of a Dimension 2400. 128MB RAM got $60 back. CDRW got $129 back. LOL. I used that money to purchase a 512MB RAM and a 4X TDK DVD burner (OEM) and still kept more than $40 in pocket But talking with the representative was really painful And actually the first rep. refused my return requirement. But the second rep. had no any problem. He gave me a return # (9 digits) and the return address. I sent back the RAM and CDRW with my own package and costs (only $9 though in UPS though). The credit came back after a month.

No sure about 400SC. I am assuming that at least you can return the RAM. CDROM and HD? not sure. I know the CDROM of 400SC is high quality.

Is the "returning of parts" process documented anywhere? I just ordered one of these in the 2.4 configuration, but if I could get back their pricing on the RAM and HD I should change it to the 2.8 configuration.

How do I go about doing this?
What do I need to say to a CSR to return some components of a system.
Which parts are returnable?
TIA.

Wait, you can return components for credit? How much credit...the stated price on the site for each component? That makes these deals incredibly hot, combined with a OMax hard drive deal or similar.

Can anyone confirm this?

Can anyone also say whether this is valid for multiple purchases, or would i need to set up different business accounts and addresses for each one?

I'm trying to pitch this to my boss, since my non-profit is desperately in need of computers like this for a lab we're building this summer...

Thanks!

Dave.

No, the 400SC has been $174 w/ 2.0G Celery and $224 w/ 2.4G P4 many times over the last 6-7 months. First time I noticed it at that price was around August.

I don't think Dell is intentionally making price mistakes. I'm sure this is all just a plan to churn business on the website.

FWIW, the "mistake" was correctable by calling the CSRs. The guy in the office next to me got a CSR to "fix it" by giving him the P4 system for $398 with a $200 MIR (which is different from the MIR amount that was offered on the website at the time!). Hence, his deal was $198 for the P4.

forgot to mention a very important return rule: you can return some parts ONLY when you are the end user (the system is not for resale); and your warranty can't be transferred in this case.

Thank for the info.
How do I go about doing this?
What do I need to say to a CSR to return some components of a system.
Which parts are returnable?
TIA.

If you return the parts, will it invalidate the rebate?

I know that you can return parts for Dell Home computers and get refund. I did that for my 2400 with free printer and camera in the Nov 2003 deal (thanksgiving?). But I am not sure about Small Business though. I think they refused to take back components as this facility was exploited. Can someone who already bought 400SC through Small business please confirm the retun of components for refund ? Has Dell SB stated accepting part returns ?

Maybe someone (who is not working) can call Dell and ask directly.

I tried this a couple months ago with my 400SC from SB, and it was a no go with 2 different CSR's. I was trying to return the CD-R drive.

I've seen P4 2.26 systems down below $220 only twice this year, and both times were price mistakes, as Dell pulled the deals shortly after they became public. I've never seen the P4 2.4 HT processor lower than $270, other than the price mistake deal from earlier this month.

Can you provide a link to one of these older deals? I tried searching but couldn't find one.

I doubt that. Especially in cases when they start cancelling orders.

Dell also knows that the majority of these "price mistake" systems end up being sold on ebay, and they don't like it. They view it as money they have lost. Dell would rather discount the systems a little less and sell to those potential customers themselves.

That was very YMMV. Others tried calling and got nowhere.

Gotta love being unemployed, and having time to chase CSR's

Talked to two CSRs...both specifically said to not even think about it with hard drives or memory, or any other "major" component. Said there's a 30 day returns policy, for the entire system, and warranty service after that, but that unless something was defective, they weren't going to take any major part back for credit.

Their argument was that a major component is essential for the functioning of the system, and swapping it with a non-Dell component would invalidate the warranty (?). Got that from BOTH CSR's...the second one said specifically that if i popped a non-"Dell" hard drive in there, it would invalidate the system warranty?

I think that's nuts, but it seems like a definite no-go on the returning parts idea.

Take that AGP card out before you send this thing back for warranty service, apparently...

-Dave.

Thanks for doing this!

Why are you copying my post? -mad-

Maybe you could say that you are going to swap the HD with another HD you bought from dell a while back.
Could this work?

Only if you can provide them with an order number where you DID purchase a hard drive from Dell.com.

I had the same problem recently.

What if we buy it directly from Manufacturer at lower price ?

It has become very difficult, if not impossible, to do a parts return for $$$ because of the abuse over the past several months. Dell has cracked down big time. I don't blame them. I did the parts return on my first two 400SCs but not on the last one ($179 deal). I don't want to kill the goose. There is one way you can request the parts return that still has a decent success rate but I will let you figure it out.

You wanna thank me? Get me a job...then i could afford more deals from here, and eventually afford a nice new drool bucket for under my keyboard...

To reply to what someone else said about buying direct from the manufacturer for less...why would Dell care? I mean, if they accepted that, then there's no reason to not accept say, a WD 160 G drive from an OMax deal, since those are also under warranty, new, unused and unopened, etc... right?

I just think it's nuts that they would invalidate your warranty for putting in aftermarket parts...i mean, what's that AGP slot for? Can anyone else confirm or refute this, about using other parts and invalidating the system warranty?

Good enough deal without returning parts, though, if you ask me.

Dave.