Be very, very careful if you read advertisements from Dell with these *GREAT* computer deals in them. They seem almost too good to be true; many aren't true because they have gotchas built into the system to avoid honoring what they promise you.
Example: Received an advertisment in the mail from Dell, February catalog. They listed a Dimension 1100 Desktop computer for sale WITH 15" Flat Panel display AND a $150 mail-in rebate.
I ordered a system online. It arrived a week later. You guessed it. No flat panel monitor. I called their customer support. They said that in order to get the flat panel display, I had to order by phone. NOWHERE in that printed advertisement does it say ANYTHING about having to order by phone. Gotcha!!!
I told them I was looking at the catalog they sent and read the text of what it advertised over the phone. They asked me what month catalog, what catalog code, etc. The rep looked up the catalog and said there was nothing in that ad that promised a free flat panel display. I said I am looking at it in front of me right now. Sorry, they couldn't "find" it. Too bad. (in other words, we don't believe you. Tough beans).
OK, so I didn't get the flat panel display. Then I go to turn in the rebate and the instructions say to look under the packing slip to see what rebate you are eligible for. I look under the packing slip. Nothing at all. Then in the order summary field, buried in there, it says "no rebate". Gotcha!!!
So they refuse to honor the terms of their advertising. I ordered within the eligible time period, yet they refuse to honor their advertisement. This is about a $300 ripoff!
I wonder how many others were ripped off in this manner? Nationwide, say 2-3 thousand times $300? That could be as much as $1 million ripped off just like that.
Some enterprising attorney needs to check into this. Class action...
Meanwhile, NEVER order online. Always talk to a sales rep by phone, if you can get one that doesn't have a foreign accent so thick you can't understand them. Make sure you are absolutely clear on the terms.
Better yet, maybe just buy your computer from a reputable local PC builder.
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