Dell is one of the largest global technology players doing pretty much everything related to computers from the development of software to hardware repairs.
It sells personal computers (PCs), servers, data storage devices, network switches, software, computer peripherals, HDTVs, cameras, printers, MP3 players, non-Dell electronics items, and even financing solutions.
In case, you need to return any of these items purchased here is a return policy guide that will solve all your queries.
The Return Procedure
The period for return – 30 days
This guide applies to purchases made directly from Dell – by internet phone or Dell Outlets. In case you purchased the item from third-party vendors such as Amazon.com, the return policy of that vendor would apply. Click here to find Amazon Return Policy.
For most of its newly bought hardware products, Dell provides you with a window of 30 days. You need the packing slip or invoice to get a credit or refund of the goods returned. Although note that you would have to bear the shipping cost related to returns along with a restocking fee charged by Dell, described later in the guide.
Products that they cover under Dell Return Policy
| Product | Return Window | Policy | Return Condition |
| Hardware and Accessories | 30 days | The purchase price paid less shipping and restocking charges | Get a Credit Return Authorization (CRA) from Dell customer service before the end of the applicable return period Click here to contact Dell |
| Media-based Software | Applicable Return Period | The purchase price paid less restocking charges | It should be unopened and still in a sealed package Note: In case you bought the software online, it is returnable only if you have not accepted it by clicking “I agree to these Terms and Conditions.” |
| Refurbished Systems | 21 days | The purchase price paid less shipping and restocking charges | Get a Credit Return Authorization (CRA) from Dell customer service before the end of the applicable return period |
| Refurbished Servers and Storage | 30 days | The purchase price paid less shipping and restocking charges | Get a Credit Return Authorization (CRA) from Dell customer service before the end of the applicable return period |
Products with No Return Policy
| Category | Return Policy | An exception to the Rule |
| Software | The software cannot be returned at any time | Application software installed in a returnable system Unopened media-based software |
| Licenses | Licenses purchased under any type of volume license agreement cannot be returned | In case, you have the express approval of the publisher you may return (although that is a highly unusual scenario) |
| Non-Dell branded mobile phone | These are not subject to Dell return policy and are subject to partner return policies | The partner may follow Dell’s return policy or offer a shorter return policy, so remember checking the product terms before buying or contact Dell support center here. |
Apart from above, the following list of items cannot be returned:
- Discontinued Products
- Any Product damaged or modified by you
- Dell EqualLogic™
- EMC, EMC, and VCE
- Dell Compellent™
- PowerVault DL
- Dell Force10™
- PowerVault ML6000 tape libraries
- Dell KACE™
- Dell SonicWALL™
- VKernel™
- Dell Quest™, ScriptLogic™ and
- Dell Wyse™
- The Dell Software
- Data Protection & Rapid Recovery
- Dell StatSoft
How to initiate your Return Request?
To return your products to Dell, you need to obtain a CRA, i.e. Credit Return Authorization issued by Dell customer service before the end of the applicable return period. Dell does not accept any returns without a CRA number.
You can contact the customer service center here or see the “Contacting Dell” or “Getting Help” section of your customer documentation. Remember to ship the product to Dell within 5 days of the date that Dell issues the CRA number.
Return to the Local Store
To return the items purchased directly through Dell without any hassle, follow the below step:
Step-1: Fill out the Return Request Form, to initiate the process online click here.
Step-2: Coordinate with the customer care representative to resolve your issue and obtain the CRA. The representative would also assist you in carrier pickup details.
Step-3: Repack system with all of its original packaging, including everything such as media, documentation and any other items that were included in your original shipment, and arrange to have it shipped back to Dell.
The shipment charges are to be borne by you only so remember to get it insured!
Step-4: Once your system has been received back to Dell, you will receive credit on the full system price (excluding shipping & handling and applicable restocking fees) on your next billing cycle.
In case you have lost the original packaging, you would be required to provide for separate packaging.
Costs to be borne by You
- Shipping and Handling Charges: As per the general Dell return policy any shipping or handling charges involved in the return of the product would have to be borne by the customer only.
- Restocking Fee: Dell charges a 15% restocking fee on all of its returns including hardware, accessories, peripherals, parts and unopened software (even if they are in its/their sealed package), and on electronically delivered software that hasn’t been downloaded. This 15% is calculated on the purchase price paid, plus any applicable sales tax.
If the product is defective or the return is linked to an error on Dell’s part, the restocking fee is waived off.
Currently, Dell is offering its customers free return shipping on PCs, monitors and servers bought from Dell Outlet and may even waive the restocking fee. Click here for more information.
Return of Promotional Items
Dell continuously offers discounts and gift cards to its customers for promotion. If you return an item that was qualified for a discount, promotional item or promotional card (for example, buy a service, get a computer half off; buy a computer, get a free printer; buy a TV, get a promotional gift card), you would have to return the promotional item too.
If you do not return the respective item(s) or have already redeemed the promotional card, Dell may deduct the value of the discount, promotional item or redeemed card from any refund you receive for the return of the purchased item.
Dell Cancellation Policy
Customers can cancel their order only before it enters the production and packaging process. Once, that is done, you cannot cancel your order.
Click here to check the current status of your order online. Such orders can only be returned after receiving the delivery. For further guidance, you may contact Dell customer support experts here.
Once you submit your order, it immediately enters the Dell order processing system, so it is not possible to change the order in any way once it has been submitted.
If you need to place an additional order, please contact a Dell sales representative at 1-800-999-3355 or visit www.dell.com.
Important Tip
Do not forget to backup/remove your personal data from the system being returned. Dell would not be responsible for loss or misuse of data, and you might lose the data forever.
Questions on mind?
What is the Dell Customer Service Number?
You can call Customer Service at 1-800-999-3355 or visit Dell.
Can I exchange the goods I bought?
In most cases, Dell does not provide an exchange facility, and you would have to return the order and the paid amount less shipping and restocking charges would be credited in your account.
How much amount is refunded in case of partial returns?
NOTE: For partial returns, the credited amount would be the total amount paid less the invoice or individual component price due to bundled or promotional pricing or any unadvertised discounts or concessions and any other charges to be paid.
Conclusion
Do you know that there are average ~1.4 million e-commerce visits on Dell, annually this number is more than 500 million? Also, the company has served more than 1 billion people on its cloud.
Dell is one of the best brands to buy your next laptop. Their laptops are pretty rigid with long-lasting hardware. It’s return policies/warranty statements are also well recognized compared to the industry standards.
You might also want to check out our guides to Dell, Newegg, Samsung, or HP Return Policy.
I believe you found the answers that you were looking for, if not, don’t hesitate to ask our experts in the comments section below!
Dell has a decent return window for most products.However there are many complaints about how slow they are to refund your money.