Returns on T61

My brand new T61 died of a system board failure (won't even turn on) and Lenovo tech support can't get it repaired in time before I leave on a trip this weekend. I want to return the damn thing but the CSRs are driving me in circles with the 15% restocking fee. The front-line representatives keep promising me a supervisor will call me, but they have yet to do so.

I already opened a case with tech support and they told me there isn't any way they can get it back in time for my trip--I just want to get the defective product returned, how much is that to ask?

Does anybody know any way to convince them to waive the fee? I think its ridiculous to charge a 15% restocking fee on a defective product. What if I tell them I'll order a new one (I can get a significant EPP discount on a new one through a friend who works for IBM)?

 

The credit card company if you paid with one may offer some assistance.

 

Going to your credit card company and telling them Lenovo is trying to screw you is definitly worth a shot. Telling them you will buy another will usually have them waive the Fee.

 

I can absolutely relate. My brand new T61 died after only 14 days of usage because of a HDD failure. I called the technical support (IBM) and they suggested that I get my whole laptop replaced instead of getting a new HDD because my laptop is only 2 weeks old.

But when I called Lenovo, they were being very tricky about the whole situation. They said I would first have to replace the HDD and then if my laptop still doesn't work, then and only then they would replace it.

However I wanted a new machine because I don't trust a laptop that fails after 14 days. Also the policy states that they cannot replace the whole machine after 21 days from the shipment date.

Finally after 2 days of arguing, I had to just speak with my words and talk to the supervisor. Surprisingly the supervisor was very nice and he waived the restocking fee. I am going to send in my defected t61 today and get my money back.

Now I'm contemplating if I should order another T61. Honestly I absolutely loved my T61 for the first 14 days. I went to best buy to try out the MBP, and it simply isn't worth the money. The only thing better is the lcd screen.