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    Returning my Vostro

    Discussion in 'Dell' started by Arebus, Sep 9, 2007.

  1. Arebus

    Arebus Notebook Guru

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    After using the Vostro for quite some time I have reached the sad conclusion that this laptop (to me) is unacceptable.

    I have the AUO screen, it is more bulky then I had thought it would be, the hard drive clicks frequently, the touchpad is having problems..etc...

    My question to you is, how do I go about returning my Dell? If I call them will I have to pay the ridiculous 15% restocking fee...is there any technique to get out of this.

    Also, everyone keeps saying you have 21 days to return the Dell. However on their website under the terms and agreement/total satisfaction guarantee they say that you have up to 30 days. Am I missing something as I have had mine for less then 30 but more then 21.

    Thanks for the help.
     
  2. coriolis

    coriolis Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    The Vostro has no restocking fee for returns, I believe it was a selling point they advertised.

    Just call in and ask.
     
  3. Arebus

    Arebus Notebook Guru

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    Thanks, I did not know that. Is it 21 days or 30 days for the return policy though, I am getting conflicting information. I live in Canada if that makes a difference.
     
  4. cvx5832

    cvx5832 Notebook Evangelist

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    30 days, according to the flyers and mailers I get at my home and office.

    Good luck. We wish you well on the replacement shopping.

    Paolo
     
  5. HI DesertNM

    HI DesertNM Notebook Deity

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    I think there is also a total satisfaction garantee that you can also invoke. Try contacting chat and asking about that. I read something about that on these threads so you can search for it.
     
  6. Vingard

    Vingard Notebook Consultant

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    Arebus - I was in pretty much the same situation as you. I purchased a Vostro 1500 but found that it was too bulky and heavy for my liking. The return procedure was pretty straightforward. Called Dell and initiated a return within the 30-day 'total satisfaction' period. UPS collected the machine from my place and that was that. I suggest that you call Dell asap.

    As a footnote, let me just say that I now have an Inspiron 1420 which I find much more to my liking than the 1500.
     
  7. coolguy

    coolguy Notebook Prophet

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    I returned my vostro too. There is no restocking fee. They will promptly send a ups guy to pick ur laptop and will refund your credit within 2 days.
     
  8. wtiger91

    wtiger91 Notebook Consultant

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    I am also trying to return my Vostro1400 and currently, I have my original and a replacement system. I need to return both of em and Im not quite sure about the procedure.
    I couldn't call Dell because its weekend, but I send a return request email.
    My 21days passed but Im still in the 30days, so hopefully I can make return.
    Also, i ordered a 2nd system exchange which I should cancel ASAP because I decided to return and get me money back.
     
  9. Arebus

    Arebus Notebook Guru

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    THIS FORUM RULES!!!

    lol Thanks so much guys, no restocking fee greatly helps my situation and knowing that I have the full 30 days helps too.

    I'm also glad to know I am not alone in thinking the Vostro is too bulky. I will be very very careful and precautious with my laptop purchase from here on out.

    I will be calling Dell tomorrow morning to send this machine back. It cost 1580 dollars CAD. I most likely will extend my budget to 2000 to ensure I get the most out of my purchase.

    Thanks for the help, without this forum I would have been at a dead-end in buying a laptop as well as returning it.

    I will post a follow-up tomorrow in regards to the return process and how it went :)
     
  10. Elmo18

    Elmo18 Notebook Consultant

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    I say swap it for a D630 :)

    Best,
    Ilham
     
  11. Arebus

    Arebus Notebook Guru

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    Haha yea I looked at the D630 just now. Looks like a great laptop and seems to be of higher quality. Haven't heard of the gfx card though. It is 128 mb.
     
  12. jbannick18

    jbannick18 Notebook Consultant

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    I have a 1520 and its not to bulky or maybe its just me. I dont think 6 lbs is alot of carry around. For the price dell has the best prices to me
     
  13. databird

    databird Notebook Consultant

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    It definitely is the superior laptop, but the price is too much for my tastes. You migh as well throw another 100 bucks or so on top of it and get yourself a Lenovo.
     
  14. Arebus

    Arebus Notebook Guru

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    Yea. It is all a matter of personal preference. Don't get me wrong, the Vostro/Inspiron line is a great laptop for the price. It is just I was plagued with issues with mine and while I could just exchange it, I don't have the time nor patience to deal with the risk another botched Dell product.

    The laptop performs greatly, runs new games smoothly and fast. I just personally need something smaller and of better build quality to meet my needs as a full time student.

    As of right now I am looking at the Macbook, Macbook Pro, D630m and a few of the Asus models.
     
  15. GMANt

    GMANt Notebook Enthusiast

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    Macbooks dont come with vid cards.
     
  16. jcuro

    jcuro Notebook Enthusiast

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    Just be aware that it may take dell quite awhile to return your money. I was told anywhere from 2 weeks to one month. I just made it clear it was inacceptable though, so if that is a problem for you i'd suggest the same.
     
  17. databird

    databird Notebook Consultant

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    Definitely agree.

    I'm also a full time student. I've had my Vostro 1400 for only a day and the poor quality screen and headphone jack issues alone are enough to have me debating an exchange/return already. I'm also looking at the D630, despite what I said earlier.
     
  18. Arebus

    Arebus Notebook Guru

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    2 weeks to one month?! That is completely ridiculous! As much as that sucks I feel I must return this laptop.

    Also, the Lenovo is a nice laptop but in Canada it is over priced imo. I am considering a MBP since I can use the student discount. However it will still be about 2100 which is pricey.

    It is a shame really. Under the hood the Vostro is amazing...but the AUO screen , the bulky design, and the hard drive problems really drive me nuts.

    It really is true with Dell, when you order it, you enter a game of luck.
     
  19. databird

    databird Notebook Consultant

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    Seems like it...

    I was "lucky" enough to get the SEC screen. Hope I won't get the AUO on the replacement (I'm gonna try an exchange first).

    Anyone know if getting a replacement will "reset" the timer on the 30 day return policy?
     
  20. biohzrd

    biohzrd Notebook Enthusiast

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    anyone know if the 30 day return applies to vostro outlet purchases? How about screen replacement from there as well?
     
  21. n19htmare

    n19htmare Notebook Evangelist

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    Macbook pro has 8600M GT DDR3, but at starting price of 1999.....i think not.
     
  22. jcuro

    jcuro Notebook Enthusiast

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    Arebus, when you call just explain that the laptop sucks etc and see what they can do for you. Most likely they will want to send a replacement vostro, but it's worth a shot. The vostro I have is the wxga+ truelife 1440x900 SEC and I think it's an amazing screen, but I just can't take the glossy.

    A refund of time of 1 month after receiving the laptop back seemed ridiculous to me so I made it clear that was unacceptable. Just assert yourself if it is a problem for you. Good luck
     
  23. Jarrod

    Jarrod Notebook Evangelist

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    Just say something's broken.
     
  24. dton13

    dton13 Notebook Enthusiast

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    ugh u guys are making me reconsider my vostro purchase. but i guess i can always return it if i'm unhappy. i chose it over a MB too, cuz the new mb's are coming out soon.
     
  25. zfactor

    zfactor Mastershake

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    the difference is small business... the small business was 30 day where as theinspiron line was 21 day ... and yes it takes up to 30 days to get a refund from THE DAY DELL CHECKS IT IN RECIEVED NOT THE DAY IT GETS PICKED UP
     
  26. jb1007

    jb1007 Full Customization

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    The Vostro is an awesome laptop. For the price, there's bound to be some issues. If the money you save isn't worth the potential of having to exchange it for another system, then don't buy it.

    I ordered my system in July and I still paid a lot less then comparable systems being sold today. It's not as slim as some nice looking notebooks but it's packing a lot of power and runs cool. Can't ask for anything more!
     
  27. bigbadyoda

    bigbadyoda Notebook Enthusiast

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    well I got a 1520 very similar to a vostro, Almost identical besides color I beleive if you get the same stuff on each laptop.. Anyway thought I'd reply to your thread cause I also returned my laptop becuase of it's very slow startup and I bleieve something else's wrong with it.. They said my replacement laptop will get here in 8 buisness days, it will be identical, they won't let you change anything on the replacement one..

    THis is what I got.. Paid 1208 w/ tax w/ shipping off the dell website for it.. you'll pay 1840 for my laptop now off the website.. I got it about a month ago
    2.2 duo core
    2gb
    160gb 5400 rpm
    1440x900 screen
    256 nivida
    cd/dvd writer
    1390 wireless card
    intergrated blue tooth
    integrated web cam

    ANyways I'm waiting for my replacement, I ordered it thursday I beleive +.. I also got them to throw me in a 40 wireless mouse and 2gb scan disk titanium flash drive 40 bucks too. with some special software on it. Cause I lost my other flash drive.. I thin they tend to run away from me or something..

    They are not againts giving you stuff for free.. try it.. I just told them how displeased I was in dell and was thinking about just getting my money back and crap.. And they asked if I wanted any accessories.. Hell ya lol
     
  28. Vingard

    Vingard Notebook Consultant

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    UPS collected my Vostro 1500 on Friday, and today (Monday morning) I see that Dell has deposited the refund into my bank account.
     
  29. jcuro

    jcuro Notebook Enthusiast

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    That's great. Hopefully it will work out like that for Arebus, but it MAY take up to 1 month. No company is any hurry of refunding money.
     
  30. Arebus

    Arebus Notebook Guru

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    I am on the phone with Dell on hold. Got a great rep who is now transferring me to someone else but he is staying on the line to explain the situation and says it will be no problem.

    They offered some free accessories and said I would get a LG screen but I am very adament about the refund. They were being kinda sketchy until I told them I am considering purchasing an XPS.

    It seems once they think you are interested in another one of their products they turn super nice :p

    I'll keep you posted if anything changes just in case anyone is considering a return.

    Also I will stress again that the Vostro is not a bad laptop...so don't be worried about your purchase. Mine just had a few problems and the laptop itself didn't meet my personal preferences.
     
  31. Arebus

    Arebus Notebook Guru

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    UPDATE

    Well, after 40 minutes I have mixed feelings. THEY CHARGE A RESTOCKING FEE even though I told them the hardware was damaged and not functional.

    This is what they gave me.

    300 dollars credit to my Visa
    Free 3 year warranty

    A replacement Vostro is on the way and should be here in around 3 days.

    I am unhappy about the restocking fee (it would have been 280 dollars (15%))

    But all the reps were USA based reps and were very helpful.

    So, in conclusion, I got 300 bucks back, will be receiving a new and hopefully good Vostro laptop, a free warranty in case something goes wrong.

    Good luck to you guys, and watch out for the restocking fee because it does exist on Vostros.
     
  32. jcuro

    jcuro Notebook Enthusiast

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    They didnt charge me a restocking fee. I would get that clarified man. That doesnt sound right at all. I'm sending back 2 vostros and no fee for either.
     
  33. zfactor

    zfactor Mastershake

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    so what did you end up paying?? just curious...and are you keeping it...
     
  34. Jarrod

    Jarrod Notebook Evangelist

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    Wait $300-$280... That's like 20 bucks...
     
  35. zfactor

    zfactor Mastershake

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    there is NO RESTOCKING FEE ON VOSTRO'S BTW.. IVE SENT BACK THREE OF THEM .... 0 restocking fees they are feeding you bs... another reason im looking elsewhere at this very moment.. just in case the new system i get has a issue im done with them after that