Complain about a product or service

Dell Finance

David of Shawnee KS (06/20/08)
My 19 year old daughter bought a Dell laptop on a special XPS no interest plan. The first bill called for a minimum payment of $30.00. I set up an automatic payment of $50.00 without reading the fine print on her behalf. Turns out this revolving credit offer was accumulating interest all along and had a payoff date which must be met to avoid paying the accrued interest. However the minimum payment would not payoff the loaned amount in time to avoid the payoff. Mea culpa.

I did not beware the seller because after buying four computers and two axiums and a music player from Dell, I had put them on the friend of the family list. The special offer date expired and my kid was hit with a $500 in interest. I could have avoided this if I was aware of the consequences, but since my payments were being made automatically by my bank, I had no reason to study the monthly paper statements in a timely manner. After all, this was Dell Computers, a trusted member of the family.

Needless to say I must strongly urge everyone tempted to use Dell Financial Services to make sure they understand the terms. DSF will do everything they can to muddy the waters and steer you into a paying their astronomical interest rates.

Memo to Michael Dell: You spent most of your life revolutionizing retailing and creating a first tier brand. Why squander you life's work with gotcha financing? The $500 I will have to pay is a pittance compared to what I have spent with Dell, and thought I might in the future. My computer needs extend way beyond personal use. This is a classic battle of winning the battle and losing the war. Adios Dell. You're now on my life is too short list.

Susan of Macomb MI (06/12/08)
I can top the man who bought the Dell printer and has gone broke buying cartridges...I also bought a printer from Dell along with a desktop computer, a laptop, a video cam, digital cameras, digital-camera-printer, ipods, software, etc. This particular experience is exclusive to the printer and cartridges but it is necessary to understand how much money my small business has spent with Dell.

I ordered two, double cartridges for my J740 desktop printer. That is two sets each of one, color cartridge and one, black and white cartridge; that way I would be getting a deal on the purchase! I spent $138 total for the two sets. I ordered the cartridges on my business account line of credit (which at that time had an available credit line of over $3,000) and asked that they simply include the invoice with the shipment as I did NOT want to pay interest on the cartridges and would pay the balance in full upon receipt. I received the order within the designated time frame but with no invoice. Assuming the invoice would then be mailed separately, I went on about my business and dismissed the whole thing.

Four months later I received a call from Dell's Collection Department claiming that I owed them the $138 plus four months of past-due-fees. I asked why I had never been invoiced for the charge within the normal 10-30 days of shipment and was told they had sent invoices but that I neglected to pay them. Then I asked what address they had sent the invoices to. They had sent the invoices to my business address from four years ago; yes, I hadn't been at that address for over four years. Now they didn't have any trouble knowing which address to ship the cartridges to, just the invoices. This was due, I was told, to the fact that the billing department was in a different area than the shipping department and thus resulted in the error (their error). I asked them to email me a current invoice for the cost of the cartridges only and told them I was refusing to pay any late charges because it was their error and not mine and that therefore the charges were not valid.

They sent the email. I paid the invoice immediately and in full. Then they kept sending me monthly invoices for the late fees they claimed I still owed and of course adding an additional late fee to the initial late fees each month; still I refused to pay the late fee bill. This went on for four months and then, I learned today (06/11/2008), that they closed my account and decreased my credit line to $0.00 because my account was deliquent for $39.60. They reported the incident to my small business tax ID as a charge-off and ruined my credit for a mere $39 that was their mistake in the first place.

My business tax ID and credit rating have been permanently damaged and now I will have to pay a higher interest rate if and when I do get other business lines of credit. Also, I needed to buy some additional product for my business when I found I had no line of credit available thus putting me in the compromising situation of now having to search for another company to work with, other products to research, etc. All of which are wasting my time and resources.

Donna of Lehman PA (06/04/08)
I purchased a computer for my son. The date I don't recall but it has been years and they keep adding finance charges on it. I pay the minimum. When I called them I get such a run a round or I talk to an unbroken english speaking person whom i cant understand. All i want to know is why the financial charges are being added on. At this rate I will never pay this off.

I just want to pay them off already and get this over with. I am afraid if i dont keep paying it they will put me in collections.

W. of Oldsmar FL (06/02/08)
After buying 7 computers from DELL I was told I would get 6 months same as cash with my latest desktop computer. When the bill arrived, it was due and payable or minimum payments could be made. Several phone calls and emails to DELL resulted in no settlement. I had to either pay in full to avoid finance charges or could make payments. I paid off the computer with a vocal complaint to DELL about the way I, a long time customer, was being treated. No help. I made them close my DELL account and told them I would never buy another DELL computer. The reaction was OK, we've closed your account. DELL had rather lose a customer than lose the opportunity to charge astronomical interest.

Etha of College Station TX (05/29/08)
In 2002, I purchased a home computer from Dellfor the amount of $1,200. I specifically explained that I was on a fixed income and my payments must come due on the 3rd of the month. The first month's payment came due on the 25th. I called them to remind them of our agreement. I was assured that the next month I would be billed for the 3rd of month payment.

Each month I was charged interest and late fees. This went on until the balance was up to $1,800. Each time I tried to complain, I was put on hold. When someone did come to the phone, their English was so poor, I could not understand what they were saying. Frustrated, I sent letters to every complaint avenue I could think of. Some may still be posted on the internet.

Finally, I told them I would not pay them until they corrected my bill. They, in turn turned it over to collections. The first collection agency was so rude that I just stopped trying to explain anything to them and stopped accepting their calls. They turned the account over to another company. After much frustration, I finally agreed to a balance of $800. He insisted that this would only be valid if I paid it right away. I went to my bank in Harker Heights and borrowed the money to pay the agreed upon amount, just glad to have it over with.

This agreement provided that I would no longer owe Dell anything. The next month, they again billed me, however the the bank loan department dealt with them and they never billed me again.

It left a mark on my credit which I was so desperately trying to repair.

Larry of Chandler AZ (05/27/08)
My problem is not so much equipment as Dells arrogant Financial group. Even though the two computers I bought were pictured with a flat screen and an old fashioned screen shows up when delivered. The salesman says did you not pay any attention the the tiny numbers of the parts.

I financed the computers with Dell Financial or citibank. The interest rate is about 29%.I was given the wrong closing date and my payments were late for a while. I sttarted out owing them $800.00 paid 40 to 50 dollars a month and after two years owed them 883 dollars. In this they increased my credit limit. I decided to buy my step son a lap top and was turned down even though I had sufficient credit line the KGB of Dell the verification department was out to protect me. I tried to call them and each time after spending hours They would listen and put me on hold and never return to the phone.

Finally I decided to pay them off. I have spent one month trying to close my account and the KGB verification department says they are following banking guidelines and trying to protect me so they cannot authorize the closing of the account even though the balance is 000. What a crock. I hope someday to be able to close my account and I hope the worst for Michael Dell and his motely crew. One day they will run out of people to dupe.

Kimberly of Rosamond CA (05/10/08)
I received a Dell Dollars coupon from Dell computers for $75. The coupon stated that I had to spend more than the value of the coupon. I spent $75.98 plus shipping and tax for a grand total of $86 and change. When checking out on the Dell website, the coupon amount was subtracted, however when I received my credit card was charged for the full amount.

When I called Dell to ask why, I was told that I could not use my Dell Financial credit card to pay the difference. Nowhere on that coupon was this stated. I have made numerous phone calls to no avail. If I was not able to use this credit card, why was it not stated on the coupon or the website.I asked Dell to credit my account and I would give them another credit card to pay the difference and they still wouldn't allow it. I have no idea what the reason is for this, but I want this taken care of.

I am basically being charged for software that I would not have purchased, had I not received this coupon. Right now I'm out hours of phone calls, and $75 I had no intention of spending.

Penny of Collierville TN (05/10/08)
My son bought a dell computer with 18 months no interest. In Nov. of 2007 he moved out and called Dell and gave them his new address. To this date May of 2008 they still have not sent him a bill to his new address. They continue to send his bills to my house and everytime he calls to pay by phone since he does not receive any bills they charge him an extra $10.00.

In Dec. of 2007 he owed around 1,200.00 since then they canceled his interest free loan and said it was our responsiblity to get his bills to him and now he owes around $1,700.00. He has called them several times and they said that they changed his address in Nov. but for some reason they have not sent him one bill and continue to call and harrass us. I finally told them I was going to file suit against them if they called my house anymore since we have given them his address several times. I believe this is there way of making money.

My son put himself through Air Craft Mechanic school and moved out and asked Dell to send his bills to his new address and they can't do their job so they want to punish him and make him pay 29.99% interest. This has ruined his credit.

Norma of Duquesne PA (05/07/08)
I brought a dell computer and sent in 1, 400 and had a balance of 345.18 so in sent in 336 and have a balance of 9.18 I was told by Dell Financial that they would wave the 9.18 when I called back, to see if they received the cashier check in the amount of 336.00 they did. I ask at that time would they wave the 9.18 and they told me no. The reason why Dell Financial do not want to do it, is because they want to have me get stuck with pay them the 9.18 pluse the service charge.

I am going through a divorce and can not afford it any more.

Richard of Klamath Falls, OR (05/06/08)
We purchased a computer from Dell in 2005. We sent a Cashiers check for the full amount. After which we even received a rebate. 2 years go by, then we start receiving phone calls from India demanding we pay them something like 87 dollars on our account. I told them, I don't have an account. This goes on for months then I start trying to find somebody who can speak english to talk to. What a rude company. I don't owe them any money, but I have been unable to resolve this. They are now claiming that I had a 60 day same as cash with a balance owed on an item that I neither ordered, nor received. After 60 days it automatically turns into a loan account. I didn't hear anything from these people for well over a year. They have turned me over to a collection company. I am turning them over to the Attorney Generals Office.

They claimed I had an unpaid account of $77, that now totals over $700, according to their collection agency. Just this morning after months of trying to deal with this I was able to get out of the person on the other end of the line that I was being charged for a Photo printer. I never ordered this printer and I did not receive a Photo printer. Resolution yet to be seen. They promise to call you back and you never hear from them.

Amanda of West Newfield ME (05/04/08)
My husband made a large payment by phone and asked that it be spaced out monthly through the month of May. They have been calling for 2 months now stating that we never even made that payment. Tonight (May 4th and we are supposd to be paid through May) a gentelman called and stated that he was not getting off the phone with m until I paid this bill. I explained to him that my husband will be home in a half hour. after 20 minutes I let him know that I was hanging up on him. My phone has rung every 30 seconds since then.

No financial yet. Harrassment is ILLEGAL though. I will NEVER purchase with Dell again. This is a horrible experience and I have no other credit issues.

Deborah of West Columbia TX (04/27/08)
I purchased a computer through the preferred credit card. I have been paying on this computer forever and my balance is still 1,019.00. Interest rate is 30%. They are robbing consumers and it has to stop. I have more than paid for this computer. There should be laws against this kind of practice.

Edward of Palm Desert CA (04/27/08)
i was sold a laptop computer for $28.00 a month, after several months i noticed my principal was getting higher, i asked dell about this and they said 28 bucks doesn't even cover the interest. i later went into loan consolidation and dell finance is the only loaner to refuse my consolidation proposal...

my credit is taking a hit as a result of this..

Kathy of Greenville SC (04/26/08)
On May 17, 2008, Dell Financial made a collection call and we set up a payment for May 2, 2008 for $174.00. The phone call was recorded. The gentleman taking the call was a Lamar Jackson. He stated he was taking the funds out on April 18 and I said no that was incorrect that it was May 2. He stated that he had changed the date. On April 18, I searched my bank account and the funds were taken out incorrectly. I called back and sent a bank statement and was told by a Danielle at the office that she had received the fax and that the funds would be placed in my account on April 21.

In the meantime on my husband became ill requiring hospitalization. He was discharged on April 24. I went to get medications for him on April 25 and there was not money in the bank because Dell had not recredited the funds and this had resulted in $175 in overdraft fees on several small checks. Phoned again and sent another bank statement on April 25 and was told it would be taken care of shortly. Called back 4 times on Friday and explained that I could not pick up my husband's medication without funds. Am told by a manager, A O'bana (sp?) that he didn't care about the situation and he would call back Monday.

Unauthorized funds taken from my account resulting in overdraft fees and inability to obtain medication for husband just coming out of hospital.

Shelia of Bloomingdale GA (04/25/08)
In April - 2006 I called Dell to purchase a notebook through the company I am employed with. The Order was placed in the company name but I was responsible for the payment. When I ordered the notebook the sales person asked me if I wanted a Lease to Own program. I said no just a monthly payment type account. When the first invoice arrived i noticed it has lease on the invoice. I immediately call Dell and spoke with the same person. He said he had made a mistake and would correct it. I asked him what the cost to go ahead an pay that account in full was. He gave me the total and I sent a check to pay the account in full (I have contacted my bank and they will send me a copy in 5-10 business days.

The next month I received an invoice for $1.33. I called Dell and spoke with a lady who said it was for management fees. I asked why? She stated that when the payment arrived it was 2 days into the next month and fees were applied. I said you mean I have to send a $1.33 check? She said no I will adjust it and I told her I appreciated that. A year or more passed and I received another statement for a little more than that and again I called they said they said to disregard it. Then to make a longer story short, I kept receiving statements and the total kept going up. Now the statement I received on 5/01/08 is in the amount of $237.49. I called every time I received a statement, I sent short notes on the back of the statements because I knew someone would open the statement expecting a check and would read the note w/phone #. No one never called me back.

Then I called to speak to someone and got someone in India. She said she couldn't help me so I asked for a Supervisor in the USA. I was connected to Angela Moothery. She informed me I have 2 choices 1-Pay $807.69 and keep the computer or 2- pay $266.49 + S&H and return the computer. I tried to explain it was paid for. She said it was a lease and I was in default. I told her what had happened almost 2 years ago and she said I would still pay it. I said I went a year and some months without a statement. She replied that was because I ran out of money. I asked what she meant by that and she said the check I sent was used or drawn on every month to make lease payments until it was gone. I said thats crazy. Who do you know Angela that would send anyone a check that large to be held in some account to have payments drawn on. I would not have done that. I sent in the amount to pay the note book off not extend payment until it was gone. I said your asking me to send money to purchase something I have already purchased. The notebook that in the end will cost me over $2,000.00.

Then I started explaining again and was told I had two choices only. She was starting to yell I asked her to volumn down as I wasnt getting loud. She asked me if I had anything from Dell with anything to back up what I said. I replied not I only kept receiving statements. She said then you will pay. I told her I already paid for the notebook and she said again I will tell you you have two choices. Then I received a call from Dell Warranty Dept. I told the lady that I was having problems with Dell at the moment and would not consider extended warranty until it was resolved. She said what problem. I explained it to her and she asked for my account # and came back on line to inform me that I owed nothing. My balance was zero. I then started getting calls from Dell Collections. I told them what was going on and he said to call Angela back and get her to send a fax or e-mail stating she was working with me. I did and Angela said you only have 2 choices and I can't send anything as you are deliquent in your account. I said how can I be Iif I paid it in full in the amount I was given. I told he I feel that somewhere down the road someone picked up the $1.33 or the computer regenerated it and it was placed back into the lease. She said mam you have 2 choices and if it is not resolved by May 1st you will have another $29.00 late fee and $68.92 payment. I have done all I can with them.

They will not listen. I never thought this would happen. We have purchased 4 notebooks and 3 desk tops here at Berry and Berry Inc. Can you help me? Please I have fought this battle long enough. I just received another call from Dell Collections yesterday (they call every day and are usually rude)except yesterday when a gentleman said I owed the bill and again I explained my problem as I do each and every time someone calls. He said hold on then came back and said you need to call Customer Service as they can fix it for you. I see on your paper work where the account was indeed change. We don't get all your paper work here in India but I can say you should call Customer Service. I told him I had and he said I need to ask for another Supervisor that is higher up. I said how would I know? And he replied you wouldn't but I can see you owe nothing. The secretary and the owners have witnessed all that has happened with Dell. I need it resolved. Thanking you in advance.

I can't afford to pay either amount they are requesting. I purchased the notebook I wanted 2 years ago because I wanted it to last 5-6 years. I can't sleep at night. I have headaches over it. I get a sick feeling every time the secretary says, Shelia, Dell on line 1 or 2. Then I can't eat. I can't pay it I don't have it and it is unfair. I would like to check the attorney box but I can't afford one.

Kalpesh of Bensalem PA (04/24/08)
We have purschased Dell Computer three years ago and open a business credit account. The account was assigned as sixth month no interest no pay. We have taken advantage of having sixth month offer from company, After that Dell sent us ainvoice and customer paid 4 or 5 invoices. Then customer did not aware that dell company is charging a hidden charges which did not told to customer when they open a account on the phone. However customer did contact the dell representative 11/14/2005 9:40 AM and asked for to payoff whole balance and closed the account effective 11/24/2005 Since that time customer did not receive any statement regarding to pay the amount and customer is not aware that this is account still in open and not closed. Dell Company did not closed account and left open purposely. After three yaers they have sent the international collection agency to cover the cost of $5800.00

After, That international collection center is keep calling to customer and talking abusive langauge and asking some unrelated question like job title, name, address and personel information which has nothing to do with account. The customer paid this amount via Personal check in full and sent payment with memo regarding whole paid off amount $2776.93 principal amount and $23.73 interest total to paid $2800.66. After several call received the customer foreced to harrased from comapany and customer statrt to document this case and reported to BBB in Texas. Then customer set a dell case number from resoultion department and told will be resolved within 24 hours and someone will contact and none of person contaced within that timeframe.

The call was received from dell and asked us to pay ammount for computer we have bought for approx $3373.97 and paid total amount $4074.37 since they are asking another $5800.00. This is a rip off the invisual customer right and company is violation the customer civil right. We have asked the representative to why u have not contaced since three years, they told to us

JOAN REP ID 452083 2:10PM 4/18/2008 said that we have a received large ammount so we have deposted a accured intrest for three years in advance? Who is going to pay three advance intrest and not pay a principal. And we have not closed account and will did not rfelected to whole payoff that is not custoomer fault that is DELL REPRESENTAIVE AND MISS MANAGEMENT FAULT CAN BE A LAWSUIT TO COMPANY LIKE ME.

The resoultion they come as of today 4/24/2008 to give half off and half to pay. Why still customer has to pay half off? Even customer has document the whole balance paid and closed account. This continuation is make us annoying and harrasing from dell collection center(international) and repoted to BBB and other legal agency for further action if needed. DELL COMAPNY MUST SENT A SORRY LETTER ANYTHING CUASE TO CUSTOMER OR FACE A LEGAL LAWSUIT FOR THREE YEARS OF PERIOD FROM THE ACCOUNT AND FACING SOME FEES AND CHARGES.

Kathy of Spring Lake MI (04/23/08)
I see that in San Francisco a class action was brought against Dell Computer Inc for their practice of of overcharging fees to their customers.I was wondering if something like that could happen for all customers throughout the U S.Im in michigan and i bought a Dell computer which was suppose to be promotional deal My Bill totaled 1250.00 well this is two years and a half later and I owe Dell 1750.00 amazing isnt it.

The payments are 53.00 a month.But about 5.00 goes actually on the bill.The rest is interest.Now if you are late by even a day whopping hit.Will they reverse that no.I see that in California a class action suit was brought against Dell and they won for bad business practices against the consumer.I sure would like to see if that could happen for all the people.Or even in the state of Michigan How can you pay over 1000.00 on a bill and owe 1750.00 unbelievable.I am also writing my senator thank you

Money lost and for what.

D. of Brussels AL (04/15/08)
They promote a 0% financing which in fact turns out to cost you a 17% interest + 2% end cost after the first year. This isn't mentioned anywhere in their proposal.

You end up with a financing at the usurpational rate of 19%...

John of Yukon OK (04/12/08)
I placed my online order with Dell on 3/29/2008. My credit was approved...Two days later Dell Financing cancelled my order without notifying me or giving me a reason. It took me at least 5 hours to get in the circle trying to figure out why my order was cancelled after spending so many hours picking out what I need. They will not give you a reason and gave me a lot of fake phone numbers telling me to get lost.

John of Parlin NJ (04/02/08)
We applied for a credit line for our business. We were approved immediately. Have the approval in writing with the amount of the line of credit of 4,000 dollars. So we sat down and decided on two computers and a gps unit. We placed the order to only receive an email 24-36 hours later requesting we call for verification reasons before they would ship. We called, spoke to a lady who verified all that she needed and said everything was good.

About 24hrs later we go online to see what the ship dates were on the units to find out it was canceled. We were never notified by Dell about the cancellation. So we placed yet another call to speak to another lady who said, sorry but you weren't declined due to financial but due to verification process but couldn't tell us why because it was confidential. I cannot imagine why it couldn't be discussed being it was our business information. Being a small woman owned corporation, I feel we are being discriminated due to the fact it is woman owned business. They say they are not required by law to tell us why they reversed the approval if it isn't financial reasons. How does a company fix something when they don't know what is wrong? We have other lines of credit and had verification issues before which pertained to the business address and was able to fax our business certificate and incorporation paperwork to validate our address. Why would this be info that couldn't be discussed? We are registered with the DNB and state, so we are very upset with the fact that Dell would be so uncustomer focused and not be willing to share our info with us.

They cost us time and money. We were approved, so we ordered, had ship dates and were anticipating the product to arrive and had installation set up to set everything up for our business and have now been charged a $100.00 cancellation fee with the installers. Not to mention we are now a week behind and will be two weeks behind because we had to take our business elsewhere and wait for the shipment and another installation date.

Nellie of Lithia Springs GA (04/02/08)
Back in 2001, I purchased one computer from Dell over the phone for $900. I was not told that this purchase was being put on a line of credit until I received a bill that stated that I had a line of credit. I paid this loan for six and a half years faithfully on the 15th of each month (automatic transfer) at $45 for a $900 computer. My balance never went down, it only grew from late fees and other charges. I tried to talk to Dell Financial services and I got people who did not speak English and were from another country, that refused to help me solve this problem. In mid 2007 I stopped paying Dell Financial because My balance was not ever going down. I was throwing away my hard earned money. Now my balance is $2654.75 with a rate of 29.99%. What can I do? They have turned me over to a collection agency called Primary Financial Services, LLC.

I have bad marks on my credit reports and I can't afford to pay Dell any more money during this time. And they are trying to sue me for their mess.

Susie of Surrey OTHER (03/16/08)
I have been fighting with Dell Canada to get a correct invoice and receipt from them to show that I paid for and bought a laptop from them. They issued the invoice in my Mum's name (who lives at the same address). I have been emailing, sitting on hold, and finally they tell me they have to charge my credit card again to be able to issue the correct invoice/receipt, then they would credit my account immediately. I saw on my credit car that they have charged me but not done the credit. I am incensed. Boilng mad. I will NEVER, EVER buy from Dell again and will tell everyone my story.

Emmy of Oceano CA (03/15/08)
I purchased a Dell desk top computer with deferred interest until 3-01-2008. My account number is 6879-4501-2904-8420-726. I was not able to pay off the balance by the above date. I received my March bill, and the deferred interest has now become principal. I do not see a disclosure to that effect. I called the company, and a person located in India told me that this is the case. How can a company charge interest on interest? To my knowledge, that is not allowed.

Dell Finance is charging an interest currently of 24.74%, and if this is truly the case, the company gets 49.48% on the deferred interest balance, or more. As the Fed has lowered interest in the last few months, how can a company like Dell rip off the consumer? They take this on their balance sheet as earnings, and I as the consumer cannot take it as interest paid. Where is the accounting offset? I will need your help to get an explanation on this practice from Dell Corp. This account is in good standing, and I had never been late prior. But refuse to pay interest on interest Your help is appreciated.

David of Cornelius NC (03/12/08)
I purchased a Dell Inspiron 6000 through my business. I ordered the computer over the phone. I was told that I could purchase the computer through their lease to purchase program and that the service and lease would be for two years and that at the end of the lease I would be able to purchase the product for $1.00. I recently called to inquire about why I am still being billed. I have no documentation regarding the lease as all they have sent me is the bill which we have paid, no questions asked. I left a message with the sales agent with no return phone call. And have spoken with several people. I think I was transfer 6 to 7 times during the course of trying to get the issue resolved. The computer retail for $1400.00 and now our total expenses are $2400.00, that is Highway robbery. Needless to say we will never purchase another Dell product if this issue is not resolved to our satisfaction.



Brad of Odessa TX (03/11/08)
I purchased a DELL desk top computer on line about 2 years ago. At the time I made the order, I entered a shipping address and a billing address. All was well for the very first month; I received my bill at the correct billing address, sent DELL my payment, and life was good. From then on each month I would wait for my invoice which would not show, so I would call DELL to be placed on hold for an average of 30 minutes just so I could get the problem rectified. The person would tell me they would take care of it. The same thing the next month, and after 3 to 4 months I would request a supervisor. One I remember said her name was Susan Hernandez, yet she spoke with a very thick East Indian accent. I explained the problem I have had over the past several months; she too assured me she personally would take care of it...she did not! Nor did Mark Smith or Kevin Jones. I would pay going off an old invoice I had already paid, but that proved to be a mistake because I would not get credit for my payment with out the proper invoice number.

I have attempted to call DELL many, many more times to try and get the problems solved yet again with either the same results or being left on hold for greater than 30 minutes. Because of DELL'S ignorance and incompetence, I have been turned over to a collection company.

Jennie of Madison AL (03/08/08)
Our company recently received notice that we owe $1,017.77 on a Dell Finance account. This notice took me completely by surprise. I pay all the bills and keep all the records for the company, and I paid the Dell bill for the equipment ordered (a computer and Quickbooks POS system) in full on September of 2005. After calling the Dell Customer Service number and spending nearly 2 hours on the phone with a couple different representatives, one being a Resolutions Team representative, I was able to better understand what had happened with the payment I sent Dell in Sept. of '05. The full payment of $1982.67 was received by Dell 14 days after the 60 day same-as-cash date. Evidently, once the 60 days passed without payment, the account transformed into a term loan. Over the past 2.5 years, the monthly minimum payments were made by drawing on the payment we made, and interest was charged on the unpaid balance (with no provision made for the $1,982.67 payment we had made). As a result, it appears we now owe $1,017.77 for a charge that was paid 14 days after the due date!

Dell never informed us that this conversion to a term loan had taken place. The $1,982.67 should have immediately been applied to the total cost, and we should have been sent a statement for any interest accrued for the 14 days late. I do remember receiving a statement with a $0 balance due from Dell Financial Services sometime in '06. I phoned Dell at that time to inquire about the statement. I was misled. I was told that is was customary for Dell to set up a business Loan account for regular business customers for ease of payment. I said I was not interested in a business Loan account and never agreed to have one set up because we pay our bills in full. I was told that there was a $0 balance on the account, and I could just ignore the statement. What I have been trying to obtain from Dell is some explanation of why they didn't apply the late payment immediately to our account instead of evidently putting it in some non-interest bearing account and drawing the minimum payments from it in order to maximize the interest charges on our account. This does not seem legal.

I was able to get Dell to reduce the balance due to $887.77 and assure me that after this payment was received, the business Loan account would be closed.

Luz of Sneads Ferry NC (03/03/08)
I purchased a home computer over 5 years ago and the price has actually tripled since then because I can only make the minimum payment. Well, this weekend on saturday, which the payment was due, I couldn't get through my acct access to make the payment, which infuriated me. So I had to wait until monday to talk to a representative but it turned out to be in India and couldn't understand very well. To make things short, I'm late again with a fee of 39.00 dollars simply because I couldn't get to a person or through the automatic system. It is very frustrating. I'm paying more than I should. By the way, this acct has been closed for many years now on my part.

Carlene of Kelso WA (03/02/08)
I bought Dell Computer in Dec. 2002, with the first payment to made on Jan. 2, 2003. I get paid on 1st of every month, so they set payment up so I could not make it on time. I was called by Dell and yelled at for no payment in Dec. 2002 when I just received my computer. I told her that ,and then after being treated so badly she connected me over to someone else who told me my payment was made, and I was not late. I told Dell that I was concerned about my payment, and could I make direct payment from bank or use credit card. I was told no, but he could change my date; so I said the 8th, as it would have time to get there. Dell told me only on the 1st or 15th do they accept payment; he set it up for the 15th. I asked if I would be charged, and he said no, but since I was a new customer I may get a extra invoice for Feb. and to just ignore it. Send my payment, and there'd be no charge for changing the date.

From that moment I had a Nightmare from Dell calling me all hours everyday and night, telling me I paid nothing on it. I said I had receipts in hand. They sent it over to collections, and I was harassed even more. They told me I would never have credit. I would never be able to buy anything again until I paid them off. They tried to trick me with giving my bank account number and settling for $379.8,7 but when in fact they were just going to take two payments out which would only settle the Collection agency. I asked for a letter first to be sent to me with the amounts and then a pay off at the end of 2 payments.

Now after all these years I just received a summons to sue me for full amount plus court costs. I have been harassed from the moment I bought the Dell Computer. They have mentally abused me for over 2 years until I filed with Consumers and Attorney General's Offices, plus disputed Dell with my credit companies. Dell should know that they sold me a computer knowing I only made like $579 at the time, then fixed me so my payments would be late every month--knowingly putting my payment the following day I got paid. Even with post marks they still put late fees on me. Calling me everyday harassing me--very nasty people to do any business with. I tried to fix the problem, but there is no fixing the problems; they are just out to get anyone they can--telling me I never made any payments. I have all my receipts.

Katherine of Orlando FL (03/01/08)
I purchased a Dell Inspiron E1405 in May of 2007. Now, my complaint is not with the computer itself (for I'm using it right now), but rather the manner to which this corporation chooses to run its business. Now, granted I am a college student, but I always make my payments on-time no problem. Now, one month they missed my payment to no fault of my own. I have printed receipts, and statements on my bank account of the payment. One morning I wake up with a phone call from a collections agency wanting $56 dollars from my Ramen Noodle fund. Knowing that I paid this, yet concerned about my credit, I called Dell Financial Services in order to resolve the problem. No resolution was found.

I went through two supervisors, two managers, only to get to another supervisor who told me there's nothing he can do. Now, perhaps I'm young and naive to the world of business. However, as far as I was aware- customer service is intended to help the customer. Twenty minutes later, I'm angry, sitting on ConsumerAffairs.com, still with a late fee that was completely unnecessary and a I guarantee you- a day from not, I'm going to be getting another call from Dell Financial Service's collections department wanting more of my money. Don't even get my starting on their out-sourcing. Dealing with Pakistanis, with thick incomprehensible accents made this 90 minute phone call unbearable. All in all, I'll be choosing another company for my future PC purchases and I would suggest you do that same. They simply are not worth the trouble.

Phyllis of Raleigh NC (02/28/08)
Ordered a Dell Laptop through my Business Account. Approved for $7,500 Credit Limit. I set up my payments through their (Dell's) automated payments system. I learned the hard way that the automated payment system does not work! Was charged a late fee and the account was CLOSED after their 90-day review. Even after I began mailing my payments directly to them! With all of the complaints that I have read, We need to do something about Dell. What can we as consumers do?

Darron of Schlater MS (02/13/08)
I think Dell financial is a rip off. My mother was approved for $3000 credit line in sept. 2005. Purchased a computer for 12 months no interest for $600. I had automatic draft for $22 until Nov.06. She had the lost wages insurance on the account. She missed a payment in Jan 06 and that became null and void. I payed $135 in auto payments and the balance was not going down any. I called to asked why and they said that my payment was due on the 29th not the 30th of the month so she was getting charged a $29 late fee every month. I asked them about it and now they have closed the account and I cannot pay on it without me refinancing the total so that they can talk to me about the account. She owes $4000 with no end in sight without me paying me this ridiculous amount. $135 a month on $22 a month for 11 months should've been payed off. No one at Dell will even have a conversation about this.

Sandy of Monument CO (02/08/08)
They took a double payment after I'd called and changed payment information online. Then they charged me with a $25.00 late fee! I have called multiple times for two months now without results. Today when I demanded my money back and bank fees they told me I would have to MAIL them a letter first. This is the first I have heard of a letter after around 6 calls and speaking to several people about my account. I WILL NEVER PURCHASE FROM DELL AGAIN!

Edgardo of Green Brook NJ (02/08/08)
I live in Italy, I am in the US shortly for a vacation. I just got a $1000 laptop at dell.com and also a cordless mouse and a laptop bag. I was suppose to pay $60.49 for the mouse and the bag, but at the end I was suprised to pay $76 ($15.50 more). This is what I think: US is the land of freedom and right, I will get my money back for sure. But I was wrong. After many phone calls, there is no way to get my money back. They made a mistake and I'm paying for. I'm really mad at DELL and I WILL NEVER BUY AGAIN FROM DELL. Dell is a big company also in Italy, but their way to deal with customers is really TERRIBLE. I suggest to everybody never to deal with Dell, instead HP is a very good company, they have a great and very supporting customer service also in Italy. Next time I will shop from HP. I was really stupid to choose DELL, I paid too much for what I got, and I think I will return everything.

I did lose only $15$but I was so mad for days and really upset to be treated so nasty from a big company such as Dell. At the very end this it ruin all my vacation. Very bad experience, in twelve years it never happen before in the US.

Gary of Knightdale NC (02/01/08)
I had to go through a series of connections through the Dell Financial Services area of the website to actually get to these people. In September of 2001 I had returned a lemon of a workstation to Dell that was under warranty. I had made my $40 a month payments on time, through October of 2001. I shipped it back to them with the original packing as specified by the customer service representative, at my own expense. At that point my account was stated as being closed, and I received a nice letter saying as much. FAST FORWARD 6 YEARS: I get a call from a collection agency stating that I owed them $2600. When I finally got a human at Dell Financial Services, they refused to discuss the account other than I had one at one time. Their official statement was that they don't have to discuss it with me because they don't own it anymore.

I have two recourses. Settle the account by paying $2400 of an amount I do not owe and never did, or get a lawyer and fight it. All the while this will stay on my report until resolved. By the way, when you dispute something like this with a credit reporting agency, they just ask if the dispute is true or false. If Dell or the collection agency says that I owe the money, they do not have to show any other documentation to prove it. Just your word against theirs. Save those letters at least as long if not longer then your tax returns. Get every one's first and last names, and record the times of the calls. Keep all this in a fireproof and watertight container, because 6 years from now it is going to be your word against theirs.

Beth of Carmel IN (01/16/08)
We bought a Dell desktop about 20 months ago. After about 6 months, our drive quit recording and the only way they would help to find out why was if we paid some outrageous fee. I finally gave up on them helping.

I did get 18 months same as cash financing with the final payment having a due date of November 13th. I paid the balance of $700.00 on November 8th. I ended up having to get a cash advance on another credit card and putting it in my checking account because they have restricted payments and do not allow payments via credit card even though CheckFree does allow payments with credit cards. I paid every single payment online but for some reason they don't have online invoices. I usually didn't even open the statements sent by mail because I paid online. After paying off the account I received another statement which I did open because the account was paid off. It was a bill for the 18 months of finance charges at a rate of 29.99%. They are billing me because the promotional end date was not the same as the actual payment due date and I paid a week past the promotional end date. I have had several other same as cash promotions for things that I have purchased and never ever had one where the promotion end date was different than the payment due date. I think that they do this to catch people offguard and bill for finance charges when they shouldn't. I also had no idea that their interest rate was so high. I believe that it is actually above the legal rate for the state of Indiana.

They are now billing me for an extra $400+ in finance .

Kevin of Boonville NC (01/14/08)
I'm not going to drag this out. After I was told I'd get 12 month free financing they refused to do what they agreed and said the only answer was to return it which I did. They are still charging me for it, and after many hours on the phone and many apparent "we have taken care of it" laters, it is still not resolved. I can't recall a company that has lied more times to me than this. I should have simply checked online customer reviews, and I could have avoided Dell Hell as it is commonly called.

They accused me of not returning their system until I sent them tracking numbers. Then they mysteriously found it but continued billing me and reporting it on my credit. At one point it was finance charges, another time I was told it was a restocking fee. A $700 restocking fee for their lying to me? Then it was something else...hours on the phone to India. I have managed to keep two hotels and several friends from buying Dell so far.

Sharmarke of Renton WA (01/08/08)
I applied online for a Dell Preferred Account (DPA), and I got approved for $5000. I ordered a new system using my new Dell Preferred Account and played the waiting game for my system to arrive. After 7 days my order was canceled. I first called Dell sales folks (people in India who I could barely understand), and after being on the phone for 20 minutes I was told that I would have to get in contact with Dell Financial Services (DFS). I called DFS (another call center in India) to find out what the problem was, and after another 20 minutes I was told that I would have to call the Verifications department. At this point I was fatigued, but I marched on and called the Dell Verifications department (yet another call center in India), and after another 20 agonizing minutes I was told that I no longer have the Dell Preferred Account which I was approved for, and that they couldn't finance my purchase.

I still don't really understand what happened. Why isn't Dell honest and upfront with consumers about their process and give us the opportunity to make a more informed decision as to whether or not to open a DPA account? I have immaculate credit score. Dell gave me a DPA account number with $5000 limit, so what happened? Unfortunately I could not get the buffoons at Dell I talked with, to answer this simple question. This whole process was a complete turnoff. The consequence of my experience with Dell is that I will never, ever, buy anything from them, nor will recommend anyone I know to purchase anything from them.

Wasting my time. Delay in getting a new computer that I need to do my job.

Ken of Lacey WA (01/07/08)
I bought a computer from Dell and had it financed through them. Big mistake: after 1 year of payments, I still owe as much as I did in the beginning. And get this--on a $4000.00 loan I still owe $3700.00. I paid a total of $1600.00 in payments to these people in 1 year .

I will never buy Dell again. P.S.: They still have charges and credits pending. Who does Dell's books? How do they get away with this?

Robert of Shelton CT (01/06/08)
They repeatedly call my house with a computer program to probe the occupancy. If someone answers, they hang up - then call back. But the problem is, I don't own a Dell and never would due to their unethical procedures in collections, the use of offshore employees, and the housing of personal information in foreign countries, such as in India.

I am repeatedly harassed by Dell Financial for something I have no knowledge of. They are the worst type of collection agency I've ever heard of.

Robert of Hudsonville, MI (12/18/07)
I am currently battling with DFS over a "no interest for 12 month plan" that they are now trying to collect over $1100 in interest.  I made on-time monthly payments until the expiration date of 12-1-07 at which time I paid off the entire balance on line by check.  When I checked my account on 12-4-07 it showed paid in full with a zero balance.

Now DFS is trying to say that somehow the payment got reversed and that caused it to be late and thus the interest penalties apply. I even received an e-mail from DFS confirming my payment on 12-1-07. All I am getting is the run around from DFS reps.  I have advised DFS to either take the interest charges away or send me authorization to send the system back for full credit and I would go elsewhere. This has all just started in the last 24 hours so I am not sure what is going to happen.

Jay of Panama City FL (12/14/07)
My husband and I purchased a Dell product for $5500 in Aug 2004. After making 14 months of $200 payments, we called to close our account. We told the person on the phone that we wanted to close the account, and they gave us a figure of $4800. Without thinking twice since interest was over 25%, we processed a check for the amount over the phone. That was December 2005. We recently received a bill for $440.06. When we called to inquire what this was for, we were informed that the $4800 was cut into monthly payments, and the interest was still accumulating.

I searched the internet and found where the payments were made. No where in the limited statements online did I see the Payoff amount being paid. We have fought with the customer service people for a week now. It's getting to the point where I am going to contact an attorney. If they had posted the payoff amount like we had asked, the account would be closed. But they took it upon themselves to split the money into 2 years of payments just to receive the interest. After all the run around we received, it seems they were charging about 85% INTEREST. I advise all who read this to think twice--and go somewhere else to get a computer.

We are still receiving statements that show us owing DELL. We have closed the account, and now the business, and cannot afford to pay for the computer again. Phone calls, bills, what next...knock at our door? We were led to believe that the bill was paid in full after the $4800 check was cashed.

Yolanda of Stockbridge GA (12/12/07)
I called them to get a pay off amount and ask them to send me paper work to confirm our conversation. They refused to send me anything, saying I need to pay over the phone with a check or credit card. I send the amount agreed upon through electronic payment and it was credited to my dell account but the department that called me, who was foreign and I did not trust them without paper work, said because I sent it electronically I'm still out 600 dollars and it will be more. They refuse to close out the account over the phone. I get fraudalent offers all the time from foreign people and I did not trust who they were. I never received any paper work from them. This young man said he emailed me and I never received any email from him. I have trying to pay off my debts and dell is trying to keep me in debt. We had a verbal agreement and it should stand is they are the same company. I wanted to make sure of the company receiving my payment if they represent the company then I should be able to get the same treatment of the account being neg a payoff to close out the account. They are refusing to accept the agreement because I sent the payment in electronically.

This has caused me high stress. I have been talking to them to get me paper work for 3 mos. Then I was transfer to a mgr and he screamed at me and treated me as if I was not a customer or cared what I wanted to pay off the account. He gave me the payoff amount with no option of giving me paper work and justifed why he did not have to but he wanted me to give all my personal information to him, a credit or card or checking rte and account number. I was treated as if I was wrong with what I was asking for. I do not appreciate being treated this way and I am owed an apology as well as closing my account out.

Dawyn of Charlotte NC (12/10/07)
I have non-reimbursed, invalid late charges. I set up my Dell Finance account due date, which basically occurs on the same day every month. I have it set up through my banking institution to automatically pay my bill by its due date. If Dell receives my payment early I still get a late charge. This is crazy. I have not made any charges to my account, yet my payment rose (unbeknown to me). When I made my purchases it told me what my payments would be, yet my payment increased. My balance is more than I started with.

I contacted Dell via email and telephone, and was told that they would not reverse the late charges except one as a courtesy. Apparently the lawsuit wasn't enough for them to have learned their lesson. I spoke with 2 representatives today. One could not help me because of the type of account I have, which made no sense; and the other spoke so quietly and had a strong accent that I understood nothing except that she would not reimburse me for the incurred fees. So here I am.

My balance exceeds my purchase history. According to my statements if I pay my payment too early I incur a late fee or if I pay it on its due date I incur. I don't know when they post the payment, but I am being charged extreme finance charges and invalid late fees, so basically I am not making any payments because these fees exceed any principal payments. I want my account closed and all late fees reversed. They are obviously creating fee income at my expense--and others like me.

Cynthia of Spicewood TX (12/03/07)
BEWARE! I bought a Dell laptop for my niece on a 12-month interest-free account. I paid the account electronically through my credit union. On my fifth payment I noticed a late fee of $29.00 showing up from the previous month, which was April. I questioned this late charge in a letter, and Pamela from Financial Services responded that they did not receive a payment for April. I could never get ANYONE FROM DELL to ever talk to me personally so letters were my only avenue. I then contacted my credit union who put me in contact with the electronic payment service. They checked their account and it showed that it had been transferred and received by Dell on April 3rd. After that the electronic company contacted Dell Financial Services, and they said I was never late.

Several months later Dell refused to acknowledge that I had ever been charged for the late fee. We sent copies, and all they would say is I was never late. I was never late, but they kept the late fee. What upset me the most was the way they just refused to talk to me about it. My account was paid off, so they kept the $29.00. Now when I talk about buying a computer, Dell is never on my list. I'm Dell Free!

Tricia of Johnston IA (12/01/07)
Dell sold me a system that did not meet the needs I had described. They promised over and over again to correct the situation. When that didn't happen I was promised a refund, however, they have never issues the refund. I made numerous attempts to contact Dell to resolve the situation but never could get an answer. Meanwhile, Dell Financial continues to tack on late fees and has reported me to credit agencies.

I have spent hours dealing with this issue, lost work time to try to get it resolved, and have been unable to apply for credit in several situations where I wanted to because of all of this.

Willie of Danville IN (12/01/07)
Dell has harassed me for 11 months for payment on a purchase that I returned. The item was picked up on 01-26-2007 by UPS. The item was delivered on 01-30-2007 in Austin,Texas, signed for at 10:08 AM, by MIRANDA. Dell has harassed me for 11 months now. Yesterday I receive a letter from a collection agency, to make payment. I have always had perfect credit. I do not owe Dell anything. Dell has caused a very bad situation and emotional problem in my home. I have tried many times by phone and also letters to explain this to Dell without any success. I do not know now what is left to do other than take Dell to court for the serious problem they have caused. My credit is being downgraded, my family is in a state of such frustration that we don't have any enjoyment any longer. What else is there to do?

Joan of Sebastopol CA (11/28/07)
Our company recently received notice that we owe $1,533.95 on a Dell Finance account. This notice took us completely by surprise as we were under the impression that we had paid this account in full. After calling the Dell Customer Service number at 877-663-3355 and spending nearly 2 hours on the phone with 3 different representatives, we were able to ascertain the following: We made a purchase of 2 desktop computers and a UPS backup on a 60 days as good as cash? contract on 12/3/04. Payment in full in the amount of $3,737.89 was made on 4/3/05 which was accepted by Dell. Evidently, once the 60 days passed without payment, the account transformed into a term loan. Over the past 3 years, the monthly minimum payments were made by drawing on the payment we made and interest was charged on the unpaid balance (with no provision made for the $3,737.89 payment we had made).

As a result, it appears we now owe $1,533.95 for a charge that was paid 2 months after the due date! Dell never informed us that this conversion to a term loan had taken place and regardless, the $3,737.89 should have immediately been applied to it when received by Dell.

What I have been trying to obtain from Dell is some explanation of why they didn't apply the late payment immediately to our account instead of evidently putting it in some non interest bearing account and drawing the minimum payments from it in order to maximize the interest charges on our account. This does not seem legal I have written them a letter and gotten a form letter in return that addressed none of my questions. I have sent them several emails. No response.

Jade of Salt Lake City UT (11/28/07)
When I bought my Dell computer (which I thought was 6 months, no financing but was wrong) I set up automatic payments to be taken out of my checking account for $300.00 a month to have the computer paid within the 6 months. The first month the payment was taken out of my account, and the second payment fell around the Thanksgiving holiday. I kept looking at my checking account, but no payment was taken out. I called Dell, and they said my account is in collections. I explained that I set up automatic payments. They have no explanation other than they want their payment.

The collections dept. tells me I will need to speak to customer service about the automatic payments. I go back to work on Tuesday the 27th, and my boss pulls me aside and says that Dell Financial has been calling her all weekend on her cell phone asking for me! She is very upset and I could potentially get fired over this.

I have been back and forth, being told by customer service to call collections, and collections saying I need to call customer service.  I have been disconnected as many as 20 times and put on hold many times.  Am still trying to resolve this with Dell Financial.

Ophelia of Raleigh NC (11/26/07)
I have been paying $35.42 to Dell Financial Services in finance charges each month, and my monthly payment should only be $42. I've been paying this for nearly three years and have only paid the balance down $77. The original purchase price of the computer was $1500 and I still owe $1423. This is absolutely abserd!

Jamey of Missouri City TX (11/05/07)
Dell financed a Server and a printer; they would not send my computer due to the fact my phone numbers did not match. I gave my personal data plus four different phone numbers with my office to verify who I was. They told me that they cannot release the computer without having the correct phone number for security purposes. They put a freeze on my account thinking I was trying to steel the computer. My wife opened a Dell credit card; they financed her $5,000 toward the same system I ordered. Dell confirmed and sent a email stating our computer will be shipped Oct 28, '07.

When we called to find out where our computer was, Dell wanted to know what the phone numbers were to verify the account. They told my wife the number she gave was not correct. They put a freeze on her account. My wife is a housewife and has two numbers: home and cell. When we call Dell and ask for a Manager for help, the people on the line make excuses why they can't get a manager. I don't appreciate being treated like a thief. I would never treat my customers like this. I chose to buy an Apple Mac instead.

Danna of Dallas TX (10/24/07)
On July 28, 2007, in response to a promotional ad I had seen for a 6-month interest-free account to order a Dell computer, I called and spent some time on the phone with your sales associate, Dones Tan. As I explained to Mr. Tan, I was only interested in making the purchase at that time because of the 6-month interest-free promotion, since I would then be able to pay it off with my year-end bonus in December without incurring finance charges. I then placed my order for an Inspiron 1721 and received it in mid-August. I was puzzled when I received my first statement showing a payment due of $29.00, but since it did not indicate any finance charges had been assessed, I assumed I just needed to make minimum principal payments until I paid it off in December. So I made the payment. However, I have now received my second statement indicating that a finance charge of $17.47 has been assessed. Apparently there was a miscommunication between me and Mr. Tan; although I did mention several times that I did not expect to pay finance charges and would pay it off in December. If I had known that there would be finance charges assessed, instead of the 6-month interest-free promotion I thought I was getting, I would have waited until December to make the purchase.

I recd this letter:
Re:Credit Application-DPA

Dear Danna:
Dell Financial Services, as agent of CIT Bank, assists with the financing of computer equipment manufactured by Dell Inc. In the normal course of business, a customer may submit his or her credit application to determine creditworthiness, and our system then apprises the applicant whether they are approved or declined. Our process does not allow an applicant to apply solely for the promotional features such as No Payments For 90 Days or 0% Interest For Six Months. Instead, these are features of the financing program, and an applicant applies for a loan, not a specific promotional feature. When you submitted your credit application through our lender's automatic adjudication process, it was determined that you did not qualify for the promotional feature, but you were approved for a Dell Preferred Account. Since you were approved, we are not required and it is not our practice to send adverse action letters. However, when applicants are declined for a loan, we do send an adverse action notice. While you may possess good credit, our lender's adjudication process utilizes a complex and proprietary scoring model based on many factors such as past payment history, amount of credit extended, length of time of established credit, application and acquisition of new credit, and types of credit established. We understand that because our lender's scoring model was developed internally, you may be approved for promotional rates offered by other creditors. Likewise, some applicants who are not approved by other creditors may be accepted for our promotional offers. We work to ensure that the necessary information is provided to consumers regarding qualification and, although the detail of our methods is proprietary, we can say that a significant portion of applicants do qualify for our promotional features. Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter. We hope this explains and resolves your complaint.

Casey James
Consumer Credit Analyst

Andrew of Smithfield, RI (10/17/07)
We ordered a Dell computer over the phone.  We offered our credit card, but were told we had an open account status, terms of net 90-days were as good as cash.

We paid the invoice in full after 70 days.  Dell posted our check 95 days after the due date, then applied our payment towards monthly lease payments over several years leaving a balance of over $700 that will become due in 2009.  We only realized that the problem existed because they kept sending statements with no money due, but a balance not yet paid.

Karen of Gonzales, LA (10/08/07)
In Sept. 2004, I purchased a laptop through Dell Financial, $1,700.00 interest free for 6-months.  I didn't pay it off in six months, so I started paying it electronically through my checking account.  Over 3 years have passed and I STILL owe $1,479.00!  I'm paying almost 30% interest.

The laptop, which had an extended warranty and insurance (a major ripoff) is completely ruined because the mother board crashed.  I'm very seriously considering sending it back-in its current condition and stopping all future electronic payments. 

Kelly of Mechanicsburg PA (10/05/07)
I bought a computer with the zero percent interest incentive from Dell. The computer was not what I ordered and Vista had no product key. I sent the computer back...that was a nightmare, by the way. I closed my account immediately...only they didn't close my account. Tonight I spent two hours on the phone trying to close my account. The hung up on me, transferred me, asked the same questions repeatedly. I think they do this on purpose.

David of Newburgh NY (10/04/07)
I tried to buy a computer for my company. Iwanted to pay in full at the time of my purchase. I was told that was not an option. Iwas told i had to enter into there finance agreement, and could pay in full within 90 days. I agreed, Irecieved the computer with no problems. Dell Financial sent the bill to the old owner of my company. When I realized there error I contacted them and told them to send a bill in my name and I would pay.At this point it was past the grace period and they wanted interest. I refused and after many phone calls and hours I agreed to pay 50 over invoice. After recieving a bill I paid the full amount. Next month I recieved a bill for a small amount of money now 3yrs later its 1200 dollars.

David of Mccaysville GA (10/03/07)
I have been charged interest on a no interest purchase and I have been charged late payments every month. My payment goes electronically and Dell ALWAYS CREDIT IT THE DAY AFTER IT IS DUE!! One month I made two payments to get a month ahead and they STILL charged me a late payment.I contacted Dell and was placed on hold for ten minutes after asking to speak to a supervisor and I finally hung up since I was on my cell. I then received an email saying my payment was after the due date and that was why I was charged. No mention of the two payments I made and the subsequent late fee.

I have spent over $150 in late fees and I don't know how much at 22% +/- interest.

Kev of Concord CA (09/26/07)
Dell's Finance division, DFS, moves payment due dates around as much as 4 days. This is an issue because people like myself and my wife use auto payments. Twice Dell auto payments failed to work for me and after complaining, they removed any late fees. For my wife, she just noticed that 4 out of the last 8 months she was listed as being late. When we looked at the statements, they had moved her payment due date up.

Kia of Brooklyn NY (09/24/07)
I purchased a Dell computer in 2005 for the advertised price of around $800. I signed up for the Dell Preferred Account and began to make monthly payments. After two years, the balance has NOT GONE DOWN. It also seems that the finance charges increase with a larger payment! We have also had problems making payments to Dell by either having to hold for more than 30 minutes or being locked out of the website.

When the computer first arrived, I recieved an error message regarding some software on the computer. Dell refused to help me with tech support that I didn't have to pay for. Their reasoning for this was that they didn't manufacture software so it's not covered. Only hardware was covered in my EXTENDED WARRANTY.

So basically unless my cpu spontaneously imploded there was nothing they would do without me having to pay by the minute. To this day, my Dell balance will not go below the $1400 mark and I usually make more than the minimum payment. Dell has made it increasingly difficult to pay on time through website issues and very long hold times.

Carmela of Elmhurst NY (09/23/07)
I have applied for a dell acct and subsequently purchased a desktop and laptop based on their website promotion whic is zero % finance charge for 1 yr.Under the assumption that i would be waived for 1 yr, i applied for credit.There was no notification of a credit denial that I DID NOT QUALIFY FOR THE NO INTEREST PROMOTION.

I looked at me dell statements closely when I saw on tv where a cust was suing Dell for false ads and applying a bait and switch tactics.Customers would apply for zero interest,would get approved,make their purchases and then Dell would apply the charges without the customers knowledge. I am a victim of this underhand tactic. Dell has been compounding my balances with ineterest charges since the first year.

I have contacted Dell about this.they responded in email that the promotional plan offered was strictly based on credit report and this decision was processed by a computer generated scoring model and not negotiable.Again, this was not communicated to me nor there was a credit denial. Federal law states that i have the right to be notified if credit was denied. Dell shoul also notify me about any interest or finance charges that would be added on. The only notification i received from Dell was an approval of the credit.

The 21.74% annual percentage added during the first year is exorbitant! I communicated with Dell customer service online for 3 months now and ive been given the run around..I still havent received any answers regarding my complaints.

Howard of Hannacroix NY (09/23/07)
I have been out of work since 3/18/2007 on medical disability and am losing 800.00 a week take home pay. I made a 50.00 payment after being told that if I made a 49.00 payment that the previous month that I was unable to pay would be added to the end of my contract. The calls have not stopped,I received 9 calls in one day,7 calls in an other ,25 calls in 14 days plus they are calling my job[which I thought they couldn't do]. I am doing the best I can under the cicumstances and they are stressing me out so bad that I am going to end up back in the cardiac ward if they don't stop!

Paul of Buffalo Grove IL (08/08/07)
After lengthy hold times and constant entering in data, I am asked by someone who speaks garbage English, to reverify the info and because I refused to provide them with my unlisted phone number they refused to provide me with the requested information. After being connected to an American in the USA (another 10 mins. on hold) I went thought the verification ritual again and was told the same thing. No number...no information.

It is an insult to every American to be forced to deal with companies who outsource business to India, while increasing costs, to save money. Is it not enough that the product is made over seas? What about supporting America and Americans?

We deserve to be treated better. Especially after requesting to have the phone number to reach the US office directly, without being forced to go through the degrading, insulting and time consuming India connection.

I am ashamed to own a Dell computer and will not buy one again. And will check out both the location of the support and other departments, prior to buying something like a computer again.

Keith of Liberty TX (06/25/07)
When I purchased my Dell computer over the phone the salesman got me in to this dell preferred account. I asked him if I could pay it off with my discover card when it came in he said "yes, no problem."

Then that bill comes in for $864.91. I go to pay it online with my credit card and it says we only accept account transfer ballance check or money order. I dont have the full amount to pay this. I told them that over the phone. I asked them to let me pay the minimum of $26.00 and waive the fees and I would send them a check for the remaining ballance by Aug 2. I explained to them that i was lied to all they could say is sorry and that there was a miss communication.

Keith of Branson West MO (05/10/07)

Last December I bought a dell computer .The guy first insisted that I pay by enrolling in Dell financial services but I told him I did not want to get involved in his credit system. I called again and got a woman. I said I wanted to pay by Visa. This lady took my information and said the first guy had made a mistake and enlisted me in the Dell system to get credit.

I told her that the man must have wanted a Christmas bonus, but I did not authorize him to take my order. She said no problem it was taken care. I did receive the computer in time for Christmas. I got a bill from Visa for 600+ dollars and paid the bill. Then I started to get calls from Dell Finance saying I owed for the computer.

I get about one call a day and have to go thru a bunch of hoops like give you area code, telephone, punch one, and give the 14 digit code, what was your mother’s maiden name. I have had to go to the doctor to get some anxiety medication because I have never had a bad reputation like I’m sure I have now because I refuse to pay twice for my Christmas present to my wife.

Annabelle of Wingo KY (05/08/07)
I paid off my Dell computer in Feb 2007. Now suddenly on May 4 2007 I found a $50.00 autopay debit from my checking account! I had autopay set up, for $50.00, on the 4th of each month. But then I had to file bankruptcy, Dell wanted their money or the computer, (why I don't know, it is over 3 years old!), so I paid it off with my tax refund.

I went on the Dell Financial website and cancelled the autopay in November.(I thought I did anyway!) Now Dell Financial is saying I don't have an autopay set up, they haven't received a payment, etc. I have talked to my bank and they say I need to file a fraudulant/disputed report. Hopefully that will do something. And I am fearfully waiting for June 4. I don't want to do this every month!

Jmdizon of Cypress CA (05/07/07)
When I bought a Dell E1405, I was offered a credit card, and took the offer of paying the whole amount in 6 months. (July)I might have misunderstood that I have to pay a minimum payment each month. I got a call from India regarding this miss payment, so I decided to pay it all on May 4, 2007. The supervisor took my bank routing number and account no. ao it can be taken out of my checking account.

Well, that was not the end of it. That afternoon, I got a call again. The ff. day Saturday, I was awaken at 7am to tell me my payment is overdue and they are collecting, again from India. The same thing happened that afternoon. The next day Sunday, I got another call Guess, from India taht my payment is overdue. Today, I got a call again at 4pm of the same thing. So, what is with this, Dell. Is this the result of your outsourcing?

Ron of Porterville CA (04/21/07)

We purchased a dell computer last year via our Dell business credit line. We paid it off in Dec of 06 using an electronic check. In Feb, Dell contacted us and informed us the numbers had been transposed incorrectly from the check, even though we got a confirmation during the transaction. They informed us the account had incurred a late fee because the Jan payment was not made. We went ahead and gave them another electronic payment to pay the balance in full.

On April 20 we received a phone call from a receivable specialist contracted by Dell to collect the late fee, along with other penalties that had incurred since the Feb payment. Needless to say, I was livid! After pleading my case to the specialist in vain I went ahead and paid the late fees to avoid any negative effect on my credit. I feel helpless and wonder how much money Dell collects from people under these pretenses.

Brian of Torrington CT (03/21/07)
I purchased a Dell 1501 Inspiron for my wife on 12/11/06 using thier Dell Preferred Credit Account. The terms that were reported to me were 12 months 0% then 29.99% thereafter. My bill today (3/21/07) is showing finance charges @ 29.99%. I asked Dell to research my bill and they said that the computer I bought did not qualify under that program. I was told that unless I could find paperwork stating 0% for 12 months I had no other options other than to pay the 29.99%. I will never again purchase any dell equipment or services.

Linda of Marengo IL (03/20/07)
I purchased a notebook on January 07, 2007. I was told that I should take advantage of the 6 month no interest offer rather than putting it on my Visa and divide my total amount into 6 payments. It would help her out. I explained that if it would delay shipment that I would rather put it on the Visa and of course would pay it in full when the bill came. Gina took great pains to develop a relationship with me so I agreed to finance with Dell. Since the initial order I have spoken with Gina 3-4 times on the phone.

I made my first payment of one sixth of my total bill. When I received my statement for the second payment I had finance charges for the balance. After calling Gina her voice mail said she was off for two days, I called the financial services department. They told me that my purchase did not qualify for the 6 month no interest offer.

I called Gina again and left the message requesting she call me. 4 days passed (I allowed for a busy weekend) and no phone call. I called again. I received a phone call from Jason telling me to call financial services. I called financial services and spoke to Nathan #930-803. He also told me that my purchase did not qualify for the offer. I asked him if I paid the balance in full if they would remove the finance charge. He replied that I should send in the total balance and that they would send me a refund of the finance charges. DUH! I asked why I couldn't send the balance LESS the finance charge. He said I could, but to make sure to send a note and that SHOULD BE OKAY.

I once again called Gina and got her voice mail. I expressed my disappointment at her lack of professionalism and courtesy. Ironically my mother-in-law is getting ready to purchase a new computer and I was going to refer her to Gina. I told her this and also said she would also NOT be purchasing a Dell.

This is really poor business. Unnecessary frustration and a waste of time. If companies and the people that worked for them practiced professional ethics this world would be a better place. I was in business for 20 years and my husband is still in business after 32 years. With all of the competition out there, if it weren't for repeat and referral we would have never survived let alone have a business to sell after retirement.

Javier of Groton MA (03/19/07)
I purchased a new DELL computer through their preferred customer program. I was told over the phone that I did not have to pay ANY interest or make ANY payments for 6 months. I was told: August 2007. I afterwards received yet another phone call from DELL financial services and the customer service person informed me that they needed to regather my financial information. Apparently someone at DELL had made a mistake when processing my preferred customer account? They were never clear about this.

Again, I was told about 6 months no payment etc....Then I received my DELL preferred customer card in the mail with a Pricing Addendum to your ...credit agreement outlining standard APR rates 17.24% And I was told that I would receive a statement within 45 days. I remember thinking that it was odd but never called them for clarification. They then sent bills saying that I needed to pay a minimum payment of $36.00. If I missed 2 of these payments they would slam me with the APR% and other accrued charges! When I called DELL I of course spoke with reps that acted confused. They only wanted to talk about my payment and they told me that they could not receive a credit card payment. They would only accept my checking account number so they could withdraw the money directly!

I sensed some real irregularities so I hung up. I googled Dell Financial Services and found your articles. Irrespective of the computer's quality, I will Never again purchase a Dell computer.

Rick of Marion OH (03/16/07)

I bought a Dell Inspiron on line on November 5, 2006. I was approved for free financing for a year. I received my bill in December and realized I was charged finance charges. I e-mailed Dell and no response. I paid the monthly payment. Still in January no response from Dell. I emailed Dell in February, made my monthly payment and sent in a letter still but no response.

On March 14, 2007 I called the Customer Care number and talked to a man named Robbie, he researched the problem and said I was indeed right, yet they refuse to take action. I was very disheartened, and I will never buy another thing from them.

Nathan of Ewa Beach, HI (03/05/07)
I ordered and recieved a computer from Dell in Oct 06. It is now March and I still haven't received a bill.

I called in December and found they had me down for a billing address that I never gave them and where I never lived. The rep updated my address and I paid the current balance. It was only 60 days late and they took off the late charges, after I told them to.  But now it's been 90 days since I paid last and still no bill.  Since I never recieved a bill, I don't know my account number.

What I don't understand is how they could send me the computer and not the bill.

John of Pearl River NY (02/27/07)

I purchased a laptop computer for my girlfriend in December 2006. The Dell website was promoting a 12 month interest free credit card and I decided to take advantage of it. They were able to tell me right away that I was approved and I was under the impression I qualified for 12 month no interest fee. My first bill came in January and there was no finance charge. The second bill came in February and I was charged with 2 finance charges for both months. This was due to the fact that they decided to give me a 21% interest rate instead of the interest free card I thought I was getting. Keep in mind that there were no late payments on my behalf on this card or anything for that matter since sometime in 2001. I immediately called up Dell to discuss the matter. They said my best options were to either pay the amount in full or to return the computer. Option 2 was even worse, am I really going to tell my girlfriend I have to take her Christmas gift away? I finally got a manager on the phone and he gave me the whole run around and finally decided to tell me that my credit wasn’t good enough and I did not qualify for this promotion. I told him my credit rating was 715 and that I would like to know what the criterion is for the promotion. He was unable to answer this question and told me there was no way to find out the answer. I eventually called up and transferred the balance on to my Visa card.

Dan of Union City, CA (12/11/06)
During on line purchase of computer, I was approved for 18 month no interst loan account. After purchase, I was arbitrarily assigned to a very high 21.24% interest account.

Carlos of Norton VA (11/18/06)
I bought a Dell computer and financed it through Dell Financial Services. This year in March I called for a payoff and sent them a check. The next month I got a bill for $1.78 plus a $10.00 late fee which didn't like but paid anyway. The next month I get another bill for $0.40 and another $10.00 late fee which I refused to pay. They keep on sending me bills that I do not owe and I have talked to customer service to no avail and to every Indian that calls from collections but none of them seem to want to fix the problem.

Merline of Houston TX (11/04/06)
Purchased a Dell XPS computer with all upgrades was offered free interest for 18 months. The sales rep forgot to tell me the printer is not included and interest will be charged to the account! Also I was charged for each item, I have asked 4 times for an itemized bill since some of the items were suppose to be given free. I am still waiting on an itemized bill statement. You cannot escalate the issues or problems up to higher management - the website is a joke and customer service and tech support is worst.

The computer crashed the first week I had to reset to default. The printer is so cheap - looks like I could have bought a better one at Wal-Mart. Runs out of ink fast and the cartriges are expensive and hard to but else where. I am still waiting on a response from Dell. This computer is worst than the 10 year old HP I replaced it for!

Richard of New York NY (11/01/06)
I puchard a top end Dell PC in June 2005. At the prompting of the Dell Salesperson I used Dell Financial Services to obtain several months interest free. At the end of the period I used a debit card and paid the purchase price in its entirety. The PC began to fail after approximately 6 months. Dell replaced it with a substandard model. They admitted their mistake and replaced with a second p.c. The second failed completely with 10 days (both hard drives died). They agreed to a complete refund BUT credited the Dell Financial Account rather than issuing a check. I have spent the last THREE months attempting to get my refund. Representatives of DFS say they have no idea when a check will be issued. James Reyna, Manager of DFS, will not return phone calls. Countless email and phone calls have gone unreturned.

I have gone without a home p.c. for several months. AND Dell Financial Services has had $2,300.31 that I could have spent elsewhere (particularly now that the stock market is doing well, I could have invested and made a little money).

Donald of Terre Haute, IN (10/07/06)
My daughter purchased a computer from Dell and apparently financed the charges. At the time she was in college and gave them my phone number. Dell says that she owes them money.

My problem is that Dell's collection tactics are relentless. After repeatedly explaining to dozens that she no longer lives here, the calls continue to flood in. Sometimes up to 6 calls a day for over 1 month now. They all say they are sorry and they will not call again, however sometimes as little as 5 minutes elapses before the next call comes in.

I have tried on countless ocassions to talk with Dell in regards to this problem only to be led on a wild goose chase.

Kevin of Boonville NC (08/17/06)
I ordered a $3,300 system from Dell. I was operating an internet sales business and had intended to purchase several systems from them. I was told 12 month free financing. When the computer arrived it had damage that I repaired and didn't bother Dell with. When the first bill arrive they were charging me a high interest rate instead of what they told me. Dell told me they couldn't change it and the only solution was to return the system.

I returned the system at a cost to me of around $120. They continued to bill me for the system. I spent literally hours on the phone being passed around, disconnected and being told the problem was solved several times. I was given different excuses as to why they continued billing me including: They didn't receive all the system, Restocking fees and that it was just a billing error... I finally gave up on getting the problem fixed. Why spend an hour on the phone to be told it was taken care of just to get another bill?

One lady, after claiming she's finally taken care of it, even asked me to send Dell a letter praising her actions. What a sick joke that was. I called the BBB and was told that many consumers had the same problem. They would offer a sucker free financing and then charge the sucker a high interest rate. I've bought several computers elsewhere since then and I have warned many people against buying from Dell.

I now have Dell as a bad mark on my credit report (over $600) and I paid over $100 to return the computer.

Frank of Huntsville TX (08/06/06)
Ordered Dell notebook, printer, cable, etc. online at more than $1,500. Got Dell financing arrangement. Received confirmation number with wrong billing address (different from delivery address). I had given them the proper address. Service rep at first asked me to send him the correct address on my stationary, which I refused and cancelled the order. Then, he recommended that he could transfer me to their financial department, which I refused. I then asked him about the various service contracts that I was charged for, and he offered to transfer me to yet another department. I cancelled the order.

I called the financial people at Dell to make certain the order had been cancelled and my account credited, and they said it had been. I specifically told them that I had been issued two order numbers for some reason that was not explained. The next day, I checked my account online and it showed a $24.95 balance. I again called the finance people and they said it was for the printer and should have been removed, and now, it has been. Dell does not have one-stop customer shopping, so they are inefficient. The right hand does not know what the left hand is doing, and they expect the customer to do all the work to resolve issues. I wouldn't buy anything from them -- PERIOD. It was one of the most frustrating experiences that I have had in years.

Sheila of Warren MI (08/04/06)
I bought an Inspiron B130 Intel Celeron Laptop Computor on-line from Dell. Their offer was if you applied for a Perferred Credit card, and you purchased your PC you would get 18 months interest free. Which I did. 3 months later I get a bill that included all the deferred Interest and the monthly interest totally about $42.00 I wrote the company sent all my stuff that states the interest free and they now try to tell me that I was only entitled to the 3 months of interest free.

I blew a gasket, who in their right mind would pay 17% or higher for credit. I intended to have it paid for long before the 18 months were up. In fact I sent them a check for the Laptop minus the interest and let them turn me into collection, my credit is so good, it will be a speck on window in comparison.

Leigh of Paintsville KY (08/03/06)
I have several items financed on my Dell Preferred Account at an annual interest rate of 23.99% which corresponds to a daily periodic rate of .06572%. I have a credit limit of $3,000.00 that I have never exceeded. Just recently I made Dell authorize the return of a piece of junk laptop at a depreciated amount. Since it was an authorized return, Dell Financial Services also issued me a refund of interest charges on the depreciated amount. In the process of returning the junk laptop, I ordered another laptop and charged that to my charge account (still within my credit limit).

When I received my statement this month, all of the transactions appear on the bill correctly until you get to the Finance Charge Summary where my balance shows as $2,235.54 and yet the Balance Subject to Finance Charge indicates an amount of $5,982.09. For the 30 day billing period covered by my most recent statement, I was charged $116.76 in finance charges when in previous months my finance charges at the same APR were only approximately $30.00. After doing some calculations using the Daily Periodic Rate, I discovered that I should have only been charged approximately $40.00 based on my balance.

I of course called DFS and first spoke with a Veronica who assured me there was nothing wrong with my finance charges and proceeded to tell me that the finance charges are computed using complex mathematical computations and that everything is fine and I have nothing to worry about. She also tells me that I was not charged finance charges on the $5,982.09 amount but on the $2,235.54 amount instead and not to worry about the large number under the Balance Subject to Finance Charge column. Now, any person with a calculator can see that I was overcharged on my interest just by doing the math. There is no way that a daily periodic rate of .06572% on $2,235.54 in a 30 day billing period equals $116.76.

Due to my aggravation, I ended the call unsatisfied and calmed down before calling again. This time I spoke with a gentleman (I think his name was Peter) and I explained my problem. Again I got the same statement that I need not worry about that part of my bill and that everything was fine. When I persisted explaining to him that I had done the math and there was a problem and they needed to fix it, he decided to change his story...he attempted to convince me that the refund of finance charges on my returned laptop made up for the error and that in reality I was only charged $29.00 in finance charges. I then verified with him that the amount credited was due to my return and he confirmed this. So I asked him how a return of finance charges issued for the returned laptop even applies to the problem and he decided to get rude with me and tell me that I could think I was charged finance charges on the $5,982.09 amount if I wanted to but that wasn't the case and would not speak with me any further simply asking if there was anything else he could help me with and when I said no, he thanked me, and hung up. I am preparing to write a letter to their billing inquiries department and demand the issue be resolved.

Stacy of Austin TX (07/31/06)
Dell Computer simply cannot figure out how to bill and collect money like any other normal company in America. I have never seen so many people that cannot speak english contact our company about past due invoices. Dell's accounts receivable start calling the day the invoice is due. If they cannot reach the person who handles the bills at our company, they will call anywhere from 5 to 10 times a day. They cannot speak or understand english, so it is near impossible to really talk to anyone. They understand the words check by phone and that is pretty much it.

What a horrible experience they continue to give to the companies that have purchased from them. Dell needs to quickly get people that can communicate to people in America.

Gaylord of Boca Raton FL (07/25/06)
I puchased a desktop XP computer in June of this year and was told that I was on a preferrd customer list and could have 18 months to pay intrest free Then I started getting my bills and they showed I was being charged 23% intrest.I called customer service and after many long pauses I was told that I did not qualify for the no intrest plan.Needless to say I will never buy anything from Dell again. I paid off my bill in full.

Germaine of Melbourne FL (07/13/06)
At the beginning of April 2006, I lived in Florida and completed a credit application online at the Dell website. I decided not to order a computer. Two months later, I was notified by Dell that I had late payments for a computer that was ordered 4/17/06 and shipped to North Carolina! I informed them that I had not ordered anything from them since 2001. They then stated that someone else had ordered it in my name and had charged it to my Dell Preferred Account! I inquired about the address it was shipped to and the name. Dell informed me that they could not give me that information! This appears to be the work of an employee!

I was never sent receipt of purchase or shipping information, but was sent late payment information! I am now in the middle of trying to clean up this mess with my credit! Not to mention that this person has all my identifying personal and financial information for the rest of my life!! I was a dedicated Dell consumer, but I will never give them my business again and am spreading the word!

Kerry of Haverhill MA (3/29/05):
My husband purchased a Dell computer last Christmas for me. That was during the period of time when they were advertising 0% interest. First complaint, they are charging us 22% interest despite a great credit rating.

Second. My husband is 5 days late in sending our payment (it was sent but late since we were on vaction and bills went out after we returned). They started calling, and calling, and calling. When I picked up the phone, it disconnected. After 11 calls (caller ID), I called the number to see who was calling. It was Dell Financial looking for a payment. I said I would ensure the check had been sent (it had) and asked them to please stop calling me. I received 3 more calls that day after that. Each time I told them not to call again. This morning at 10:30 am EST I was called once agaiin. I spoke with a supervisor who said they wouldn't call again but I have no confidence in them.

It is illegal iin MA to call once you have been told not to. It has also made me so angry with them that I am advising that you don't use their loan department if you purchase a computer (and I'm paying off the damned computer today so I won't get another call from them). BTW, DELL has outsourced that service.

Tabitha of Howard Beach, NY (08/05/04):
I was approved by Dell for $5000 credit for the 90 day program whereby as long as you pay in 90 days, you do not pay interest. (I have a credit rating in the 90%+.) The individual who verifies you are who you say you are was not satisfied with one of my answers. Instead of telling me what the problem was to clear up the problem, I was told to wait for a letter. I refused to accept that given my known credit history and after being transferred to supervisors and employees. Finally, I was routed back to the verification department where I was asked a series of questions. Apparently, they were looking up the wrong name as evidenced by the reading off of several addresses that were grossly incorrect.

Within 15 minutes of having the computer, the hard drive failed. After 2 hours, I was told I needed a new hard drive and was given a dispatch number. When I called the next day to find out about the service, I was told the technician did not get manager approval, so it wasn't placed. This would result in a 1.5 day delay. Six days after receipt of the computer, the technician came and fixed the problem. I returned calls to James trying to resolve the $40 issue and the Norton issue, but he NEVER returned any calls regardless of whether I left voicemail or left a message with a person. His supervisor was supposed to call me and never did. I called to speak to another supervisor and they were unavailable. I was given a number and an extension that led to other people who also did not help. All they did was transfer. I was told things like call Norton even though Dell made the order: what would Norton do? I was also told well it is your option to return the computer after I complained about my experience. My Dell Preferred Account has my last name spelled wrong, so after several redirects, I was allegedly allowed to make the correction.

One week later, I decided to pull back the troops and quit the war. After all, I had nothing in writing but James Louden's promises. My sanity was worth more, so for $30.00 I purchased Norton Internet Security from Staples. The only reason why I toughed this out was because comparison shopping. I could not beat Dell's price or technology. I sent materials for my rebates certified receipt requested just to be on the safe side.

Praveen of Piscataway, NJ (08/13/04):
I was billed for an extra $13.04 on my Dell Preferred Account. Dell Financial Services has charged me a 19.99% deferred financial charge without informing me in writing of this financial charge. There was no indication or instruction anywhere on the bill or the original credit application of how much or when this finance charge would be applied.

Evaristus of Bronx NY (11/20/03):
I recently purchased a computer from Dell Computers based on a promotion they were having wherein there was to be no payment for 3 months. The first payment made was for $2,000.00, the second was $1,500.00 and the final payment was in the amount of $51.16 which I also paid in full.

I received another bill on 11/20/03 for a balance of $54.26. I called Customer Service and the representative that I spoke with told me that the additional money was because the balance of $51.16 was not paid before the expired promotional date, which I was not aware of. Once I received the supposed final statement of $51.16 I immediately sent out the full payment.

This was told to the representative that I spoke with, he in turn told me that there was nothing he nor Dell could do about that, and that I must pay the amount of $54.26. I then asked to speak with a supervisor in order to lodge a former complaint. The supervisor spoken to, stated that he would have a dispute form sent out to me of which I would receive in about 7 days and that interest will continue to accure on said bill even though it was being disputed.

I am being charged an additional penalty for something that had been already for in full and on top of that interest is being accrued to this.

If Evaristus has all of her original documents -- order, invoice, financing agreement, etc. -- we would like to examine them. She should also send copies to the Federal Trade Commission. There is something called the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), which requires that all terms of a financing agreement be clearly spelled out in the financing document.

"S" Of Golden CO (12/20/03):
We purchased a computer from Dell with 6 months of no finance charges! We paid this off in full last month. We received a late payment notice and continue to receive bills with finance charges! We have time after time tried to contact Dell and have spent many hours on the phone going from depatment to department with no resutls.

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