Down with Dell!
My ex used to joke that I had Issues with customer service. Back then, I had zero tolerance for poor service. Not that I’m cool with it now, but in my 20s, I was a monster. A justified monster (mostly), but a monster nonetheless. As a paying customer, I had no patience for rudeness or ineptitude at the expense of my shopping, dining, or other transactional experience. Some of my rabid insistence on fairness and getting my due had to do with unresolved issues related to my father who, throughout my lifetime, had been anything but fair to me. But that’s another therapy session for another day…

On the flip side of the customer service coin, I’m a great tipper and as sweet as pie to salespeople and other service professionals. Most people are just trying to do their jobs, often without great compensation or benefits. I respect that and never play the demanding diva role these days. But when I do encounter bad customer service, I’m still fit to be tied. Now, the old me would have pitched a nasty cyber-tantrum (complete with four-letter words) during the exchange below, but the kinder, gentler me tried to hold it together. With the exception of my phone number, the log is unedited, hence the anger-inspired typos.
I have no confidence that I will get the support I’ve paid for. Down with Dell!
| 9:12:30 AM | ![]() |
System |
You are now being connected to an agent. Thank you for using Dell Chat |
| 9:12:30 AM | ![]() |
System |
Connected with kumar_154369 |
| 9:12:35 AM | ![]() |
kumar_154369 |
Thank you for contacting Dell Technical Support. My name is Kumar and my rep ID number is 154369. How may I assist you today? |
| 9:12:48 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
I wish to file a complaint. |
| 9:13:20 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
I chatted with Tech Support yesterday (have the chat log) and was told that my next day warranty provision would be honored. |
| 9:13:27 AM | ![]() |
kumar_154369 |
Please go ahead. |
| 9:13:45 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
Today, I got an automated message saying that the part won’t arrive to your vendor until TUESDAY, and then I’ll get a call. |
| 9:13:57 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
I have Complete Care AND Next Day Support |
| 9:14:00 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
here is my case number |
| 9:14:20 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
Case #191143634 |
| 9:14:26 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
I ask one thing of you right now… |
| 9:14:33 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
Do not lie to me as the previous rep did. |
| 9:14:43 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
Do not waste my type with meaningless questions. |
| 9:15:14 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
You are supposed to send someone today. If you cannot do that, I need to speak with someone who can explain why Dell is refusing to honor its warranty. |
| 9:15:22 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
I paid for this coverage, so I am entitled to it. |
| 9:15:57 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
My name is Deesha Philyaw… |
| 9:15:57 AM | ![]() |
kumar_154369 |
Let me inform you since the dispatch was created yesterday so the dispatch team was O off for weekend so they will start the dispatch on Monday and the next day from Monday would be Tuesday so I mean to say the same had been communicated to you. |
| 9:16:04 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
Nope… |
| 9:16:07 AM | ![]() |
kumar_154369 |
This is how it works. |
| 9:16:13 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
I have next day INCLUDING WEEKENDS |
| 9:16:19 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
that is the coverage I pay for. |
| 9:16:25 AM | ![]() |
kumar_154369 |
Let me check. |
| 9:16:28 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
Again, please don’t do what the agent did yesterday |
| 9:16:40 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/my_systems |
| 9:16:56 AM | ![]() |
kumar_154369 |
I really apologize for the mistake. |
| 9:17:10 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
Not a mistake…an outright lie. |
| 9:17:25 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
I asked him repeatedly. |
| 9:17:43 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
Please give me an email address where I can forward you the chat log in which he lied. |
| 9:19:37 AM | ![]() |
kumar_154369 |
May I ask you by what time the dispatch was created yesterday? |
| 9:20:01 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
before 9 am |
| 9:20:09 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
I will forward you the log. |
| 9:23:46 AM | ![]() |
kumar_154369 |
Deesha, I have checked the dispatch information. |
| 9:24:19 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
and? |
| 9:25:22 AM | ![]() |
kumar_154369 |
I can see, parts has been shipped to technician and he will be calling you soon. |
| 9:25:39 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
listen… |
| 9:25:46 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
you are doing the same thing the other agent did… |
| 9:25:49 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
SOON? |
| 9:25:49 AM | ![]() |
kumar_154369 |
Ok. |
| 9:25:56 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
He is supposed to call today and come today. |
| 9:26:11 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
I got a message that the parts aren’t arriving until Tuesday, so what are you talking about? |
| 9:26:41 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
Being vague is not going to satisfy me… |
| 9:26:56 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
I was told the tech was going to come today…. |
| 9:27:08 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
I received a messag this morning to the contrary… |
| 9:27:17 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
please deal with that, and not in vague terms like “soon” |
| 9:27:26 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
If you cannot, tell me who can. |
| 9:28:13 AM | ![]() |
kumar_154369 |
I can see the parts were dispatched today. However, there is no tracking number on it. |
| 9:28:23 AM | ![]() |
kumar_154369 |
I am providing you right information as per records. |
| 9:28:36 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
So Dell is not honoring its warranty… |
| 9:28:42 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
who do I speak to about that? |
| 9:29:14 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
It is wrong to have people pay for next day service… |
| 9:29:24 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
when Dell cannot provide the service as promised. |
| 9:29:37 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
It is fraudulent, and you know that if it were you, you’d be irate as well. |
| 9:30:44 AM | ![]() |
kumar_154369 |
I can understand your frustration. |
| 9:30:59 AM | ![]() |
kumar_154369 |
You might be getting call today to get your system repaired. |
| 9:31:10 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
That’s not acceptable. |
| 9:31:19 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
My warranty does not say “might”… |
| 9:31:30 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
tha’ts why it’s a warranty, not a “possibility” |
| 9:31:50 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
I would like to speak to someone else about this, because you are simply blowing smoke. |
| 9:35:15 AM | ![]() |
kumar_154369 |
Please I am escalating to my supervisor. |
| 9:37:50 AM | ![]() |
System |
You are being transferred to another Agent. Please stand by… |
| 9:37:50 AM | ![]() |
System |
kumar_154369 has left this session! |
| 9:37:55 AM | ![]() |
System |
You are now being connected to an agent. Thank you for using Dell Chat |
| 9:37:55 AM | ![]() |
System |
Connected with Sup_Iqbal_105669 |
| 9:38:27 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
Hello? |
| 9:38:51 AM | ![]() |
Sup_Iqbal_105669 |
My name is Iqbal Saini and my rep id is 105669. I am the supervisor for Dell Technical Support. |
| 9:39:22 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
Mr. Saini, one of two things can happen now… |
| 9:39:28 AM | ![]() |
Sup_Iqbal_105669 |
How are you doing today? |
| 9:39:49 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
You can send me documentation that a tech will be at my house today as my warranty guarantees… |
| 9:40:18 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
or you cannot, in which case, I won’t waste anymore time, and will simply file a legal complaint with all relevant attorneys general. |
| 9:40:21 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
Nothing else… |
| 9:40:34 AM | ![]() |
Sup_Iqbal_105669 |
Please give me 2-3 minutes to go though the chat history to give best possible help in this case. |
| 9:40:38 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
please do not delay me with meaningless info as the two previous agents have done. |
| 9:43:22 AM | ![]() |
Sup_Iqbal_105669 |
Thank you for your patience. |
| 9:43:28 AM | ![]() |
Sup_Iqbal_105669 |
I will need more time to check in this case. |
| 9:47:59 AM | ![]() |
Sup_Iqbal_105669 |
I am trying to contact our onsite technician to see when they will come to complete this service call. |
| 9:48:05 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
thank you |
| 9:55:21 AM | ![]() |
Sup_Iqbal_105669 |
Thank you for giving enough time to understand this concern. |
| 9:55:31 AM | ![]() |
Sup_Iqbal_105669 |
I checked with onsite technician, they have not received the part yet. |
| 9:55:56 AM | ![]() |
Sup_Iqbal_105669 |
Once they get the part, they will contact you to fix it. |
| 9:56:10 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
Dell is not honoring its warranty… |
| 9:56:22 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
How do you plan to address that? |
| 9:56:57 AM | ![]() |
Sup_Iqbal_105669 |
I apologize for the inconvenience caused to you. |
| 9:56:58 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
http://support.dell.com/support/topics/global.aspx/support/my_ |
| 9:57:04 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
An apology is not sufficient… |
| 9:57:08 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
I paid for a warranty… |
| 9:57:13 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
Dell is not honoring the terms. |
| 9:57:36 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
Are you saying that I cannot get recourse through Dell? I want to make sure I understand you before I move on to file a legal complaint. |
| 9:57:50 AM | ![]() |
Sup_Iqbal_105669 |
We are not denying any kind of service for your system. |
| 9:57:56 AM | ![]() |
Sup_Iqbal_105669 |
We will try to get it repair as soon as possible. |
| 9:57:58 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
And the inconvenience is secondary to the fact that… |
| 9:58:06 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
the warranty does not say “as soon as possible” |
| 9:58:16 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
I did not pay for “as soon as possible” |
| 9:58:25 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
the link I provided above details my warranty |
| 9:58:27 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
complete care |
| 9:58:30 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
next day support |
| 9:58:39 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
next day support including weekends |
| 9:58:58 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
so, in closing, you agree that Dell is unable to honor its warranty. |
| 9:59:25 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
Thank you for your assistance. I will move on to pursue recourse elsewhere. |
| 9:59:45 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
And don’t even bother to ask if this was handled to my satisfaction, because you know it was not. |
| 10:01:44 AM | ![]() |
Sup_Iqbal_105669 |
I can understand the situation you are in right now. |
| 10:02:30 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
Well, I appreciate that but I would appreciate service today or a refund even more. Barring that, I will be filing a complaint with the attorneys general in every state where applicable. |
| 10:02:52 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
I read online that many customers are filing such complaints, including class action lawsuits against Dell… |
| 10:03:12 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
for similare lies and failure to honor warranties. I look forward to adding my voice to that angry chorus. |
| 10:03:25 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
I don’t know how you conscience can take it, treating customers this way. |
| 10:04:02 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
So, if you aren’t willing to honor the warranty, then there’s nothing else you can do for me today. |
| 10:06:46 AM | ![]() |
Sup_Iqbal_105669 |
We will try to get it fix today only. |
| 10:07:16 AM | ![]() |
Sup_Iqbal_105669 |
The parts have been shipped from our depot and it will be with DHL. |
| 10:07:31 AM | ![]() |
Sup_Iqbal_105669 |
I am not able to see any tracking number for DHL. |
| 10:09:11 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
There’s nothing else for us to discuss. Dell is reneging on its warranty. |
| 10:12:33 AM | ![]() |
Sup_Iqbal_105669 |
I will be checking status of parts on DHL web site. |
| 10:13:18 AM | ![]() |
Sup_Iqbal_105669 |
I will get back to you, once there is any tracking number. |
| 10:13:40 AM | ![]() |
Sup_Iqbal_105669 |
Then I will put conference call with onsite technician to get it fixed today. |
| 10:14:05 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
If that happens, that’s great. Thank you. |
| 10:14:50 AM | ![]() |
Sup_Iqbal_105669 |
Sure, it will be my pleasure to take ownership of this issue. |
| 10:15:05 AM | ![]() |
Sup_Iqbal_105669 |
May I know your contact number to get back to you? |
| 10:15:11 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
xxx.xxx.xxxx |
| 10:15:45 AM | ![]() |
Sup_Iqbal_105669 |
Thank you. |
| 10:16:25 AM | ![]() |
Sup_Iqbal_105669 |
I am sorry, I will be disturbing you again once there is any update about parts. |
| 10:16:48 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
No disturbance…I look forward to your call saying that the tech is on his way today. |
| 10:17:50 AM | ![]() |
Sup_Iqbal_105669 |
I will be calling you in any case. |
| 10:18:10 AM | ![]() |
Sup_Iqbal_105669 |
Thank you so much for giving me time here. |
| 10:18:17 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
Thank you for taking the time. |
| 10:18:41 AM | ![]() |
Sup_Iqbal_105669 |
I can understand you are still not happy with us. |
| 10:18:53 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
indeed, but I do appreciate your efforts |
| 10:19:36 AM | ![]() |
Sup_Iqbal_105669 |
Thank you. |
| 10:21:46 AM | ![]() |
Sup_Iqbal_105669 |
We are done for today. |
| 10:21:46 AM | ![]() |
Sup_Iqbal_105669 |
You may close this chat once you are done. |
| 10:21:55 AM | ![]() |
Deesha Philyaw |
okay |
| 10:22:20 AM | ![]() |
System |
The session has ended! |



April 1st, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Eh. You could go to the Apple ‘Genius Bar’ for them to tell your that your THREE machines are dead, only to research online and find out all three machines have defects covered under warranty.
I’m just not impressed by computer companies.
They all seem to think their products are disposable and we should accept that. None of them give any kind of decent service or product at this point.
Sore spot with me.