Cheap Dell Laptop Inspiron 1.5 GHz 1300 £299 delivered. (merged) [CLOSED]

Sybarite

Ozymandias wrote:

Says "EMPLOYEE PURCHASE PROGRAM" at the top of the page on the Dell site ????

I've just ordered used the standard E-code and the £315 option, order was accepted with no problems - except I've received a call from Dell informing me I have to cancel the order as I' 'not on the approved EPP program', having searched their site I can't find any information about this scheme. Anyone know anything about it?

Anyone's guess as to whether they'll actually go through with the order.

MarkR_2

Ditto Sybarite, same here!
message was just left on answerphone from dell, with an 0870 number to call! Will see what happens...

They realy dont wanna sell em do they!

MikeT_3

Dell have an Employee purchase plan that gives big companies like Macdonalds employees a further discount on Dell products.
Anyone trying to use the EPP who isnt entitled will get the order refused as it needs a purchase plan reference to go through.

It may also pee them off big time.

Sybarite

Someone on Rpoints (I've posted same Q) has just informed me that using EPP is 'strictly taboo' & order will be cancelled - I ordered the machine after a search by ecode as suggested above - the 'employee purchase programme' isn't exactly that obvious.

Sybarite

It's their own silly fault for not designing their site slightly more effectively then. Ecode search gives a system no prohibition on placing an order.

Having experienced Dell's customer service once before I think it's rather 'tit-for-tat' if they're hacked off for once.

Derek_Duval

Finally managaged to order one, after 7 attempts. I went crazy, told them to put me through to a manager. The manager kept insisting he wasn't at his desk & couldn't put the order through, but would email me a quote. I gave in expecting to hear nothing, but got a quote through. The direct contact number on the email was a permanent answer phone message, which strange enough was the same one I heard when I was being put through to someone else earlier! Anyway, I replied to the email threatning watchdog, trading standards, advertising standards agancy etc etc. Within 20 mins he rang me back & took the order. I have received an order acknowledgemnt by email. I rang them up again asking if I can have an order acceptance, but they said as I've ordered on the phone, & in takes 24hrs to generate one, I can only receive an acceptance through the post, which I'll get in the next few day (does this sound right?)
I'll beleive it when I see it, but at least I've got an order acknowlegement.
In total I've spent about 2 hours on the phone, but at NTL@2.75ppm it's only worked out to be around £3 which I can live with if I get the bloody thing!

Mr_Squiddy

Premier wrote:

You should have stuck with BT!

It would only have cost you 36p for that 24 minute call today

If only... I live near Hull and it's Kingston Communications or nothing. But it's a fair point - I really ought to acquaint myself with their price plans.

Best,
Mr S.

Lara

When you click on the laptop they have automatically altered from 90 day whatever to 3 year on site etc. So if you put the 90 day back in and upgrade the battery like I have you reach £326. What happens after the 90 day etc expires - i.e. if laptop goes wrong, what's the cost then - does anyone know? Thanks.

Mr_Squiddy

Lara wrote:

When you click on the laptop they have automatically altered from 90 day whatever to 3 year on site etc. So if you put the 90 day back in and upgrade the battery like I have you reach £326. What happens after the 90 day etc expires - i.e. if laptop goes wrong, what's the cost then - does anyone know? Thanks.

Dell's standard warranty is 1 year. However after 90 days they will expect you return the unit at your own expense.

Details are here: http://www1.euro.dell.com/content/topics/topic.aspx/emea/topics/services/services_sow?c=uk&cs=ukdhs1&l=en&s=dhs

Click on the appropriate link. The statement regarding 1 year warranty can be found at the bottom of the 90-Day Collect and Return document.

My view is that if your skills of persuasion are sufficient you may be able to get Dell to pay for carriage in the event of failure after 90 days - it's not unreasonable after all.

Mr S.

skipton

This computer "Inspiron 1300" is advertised on flyer in theTimes today at £499 excl. vat (£646 with vat)