one question about HP charging a credit card!

I used to buy dell laptops for a while now and what Dell does is charge a credit card instantly after ordering it, then it puts the money back on the account and doesn't charge me the total for my laptop until the machine is shipped. Couple of days ago I ordered an HP Dv6000z computer for my friend (he gave me cash so that he could use my credit card) and what happened is HP charged my credit card instantly ($710) and never gave it back - I mean the amount was not in "pending" transactions as it usually is with on-line purchases. I guess HP just takes the money instantly and I just have to wait till the laptop ships?

 

Yep, when you finish your purchase online, HP withdraws the money from your account as payment and then goes on to make and ship the laptop. However, their return policy is pretty liberal (no restock fee) and if you're not satisfied, you can always request a refund.

 

different companies do things differently, some companies put a hold on the money in your account so they ensure you have the amount to give them when your order is ready to ship. Imagine if they went on to build your machine then came to withdraw the money only to find your card was declined and you cant pay them, they'd have ordered a machine for you for nothing. At least your friend has given you money for the amount you ordered.

 

true, true. Just wanted to make sure that's how HP does the payment process.
Thanks guys!

 

Frankly, I'd rather they take out the money when I place the order rather than wait for them to take it out. It makes balancing the checkbook a WHOLE lot easier!

 

it does work the other way around though. When I called to get my refund (I took advantage of the 21 day price guaranty) they got me the money pretty quick.