Vostro ordering problem. Help plz!

Hi all,

first post, hope I don't mess up.

My gf is buying me a new laptop as a gift (lucky me!). After looking around I decided on a Vostro (it seems everyone is getting one at the moment). I spec'd the system and she went to buy it online. (US DELL site)

Once she had gotten to the "checkout" section there were a couple of questions/fields (like "business name" and the tax exempt stuff) that she wasn't sure about so she called DELL support. They basically told her that because she is not a business she can't order a "small and medium business" system.

Whats the deal here? How do you order one without being a business? If a "non-business" person owns one, are there warranty issues?

Thanks so much in advance

 

I called the Dell sales rep and placed my order over the phone. You should get a much better deal than online ordering, atleast in UK, since the Dell coupons are not available here. It should be possible to buy a Vostro for home use. I bought a Vostro for home use with 3 year next day onsite warranty support. I guess, it should be possible in US as well...

 

I don't tend to associate with Dell, so I could be completely wrong here, but I don't think you HAVE to be a business user to order from Dell's business line. Did she call Dell's SUPPORT or SALES number? I'd have her call sales if she called support, because the two departments are generally about as far removed as possible.

If SALES tells her that she has to be part of a business, tell her to ask her employer if she can use their name and information in that section when ordering.

 

You dont need to be a business user. I have one.

 

how did you order yours? online? phone?

If it was online, what did you enter for "business name", export status, etc.

Thanks!

 

Dell small business people told me they don't "usually" do it, but were willing to work with me.

Dell home people told me there was no way they would ever ever ever sell me a vostro.

I ended up speccing the Inspiron for about the same price, with color, so, I went with that.

Just cajole with the small business support people, they'll sell it to you.

 

Yeah, I've wondered about this issue for a while.
Is there anything illegal in ordering the vostro for home use?

Any problems with the warranty becoming invalid?
The reason why people feel there's something wrong is that in the UK the price difference between the vostro and inspiron is huge, when we all know they are exactly the same.

 

I just used my name as a business name. I could be selfemployed. Your name should work fine. I have one. Had no problems.

 

Hi all

We rang DELL small business and got through to someone who was very helpful. There were a couple of "why do you want a business system for home use" questions but in the we were able to purchase it.

Thanks for all your help

 

i ordered mine online

when it asked for my business name - i used: "my name & co."

you dont need to enter the tax exempt id (not all businesses have these)

i just play it like i actually have a business - i run it from home - they dont need to know the details - but if they ask, run with it - have some fun!

 

you only use the tax exempt if you are going to resell it in your business. If your using it, you have to pay it. and just use your name as the company name. I have ordered 3 business laptops from dell, all fine