Dell Computer & Laptop Return Policy (Coverage, Open Box + More)

Do you know what Dell Laptop’s return policy is? Well, you are at the perfect place to find the answer to such a question.

If you’ve recently purchased a computer or laptop online directly from Dell instead of through one of their resellers, you may be curious about how to complete a return. If you purchase directly from Dell you have to follow their return policy, not one of their suppliers policies.

Dell allows computers and laptops to be returned within 30 days from the date on the packing slip or invoice for the product. They will provide a full refund for all approved returns, minus any applicable shipping or handling fees.

In this article, we will discuss Dell’s return policy, how to return a laptop to Dell, and how you will receive your refund.

Table of Contents

What Is Dell’s Laptop and Computer Return Policy?

Most laptops and computers purchased through Dell can be returned within 30 calendar days from the date on packing slip or invoice for a refund of the full purchase price paid.

It is important to note that in order to receive a refund from Dell you must have them approve your return.

If you ship an item back to them without pre-authorization hoping for a return, it will be considered an “unauthorized return” and you will not receive a refund. Dell also will not return the product back to you.

It is possible to return a laptop after the 30 days are up, however the refund you get may be reduced or eliminated if you make a late return. In addition, it may be impossible to complete a return after the 30 days have expired considering you must contact a Dell customer service representative to initiate the return.

It is important to keep track of the days that have passed since you received your Dell computer or laptop in order to ensure that you are able to return it without any issues.

Dell also doesn’t refund all of their shipping/handling costs and may charge a restocking fee when processing your return that will be deducted from the refund amount.

Dell Return Policy for Laptop Without A Receipt

You can only purchase directly from Dell in the U.S. using their website, which means that your “receipt” would go into your email.

If you’ve purchased a Dell computer or laptop from a store such as Walmart or Bestbuy, then you need to consult their return policies.

Dells’ personal return policies do not extend to resellers of their products.

Dell Return Policy for Used Laptop Or Computer

Dell states that the laptop or computer must be returned in “like-new” condition. This means if your use has visually affected the product through scratches, changes in color, sticky keys, etc. then they may not accept the return.

Dell doesn’t want to accept returns that have been broken or misused by consumers, which is why they institute the “like-new” requirement.

If you have damaged your item through using it, then it may no longer be eligible for a return. You will have to speak directly with Dell customer service for any specific concerns.

Dell Return Policy for Opened Laptop Or Computer Boxes

Dell will still accept your return if you opened the box your laptop or computer came in. However, it is important that you save the original packaging, including any insets to ship back with your product.

As long as you include all of the packaging when shipping your product back then it should be accepted by Dell without any issue.

Dell Return Policy for Refurbished Laptop Or Computer

Dell does not include refurbished products under their list of unaccepted returns. This means that refurbished items are subject to the same return policy as new items.

Considering refurbished Dell products are considered “like-new” this makes sense.

What Can’t Be Returned To Dell?

Dell does set some restrictions on what they will accept for a return. For instance, Dell doesn’t accept:

Software,
Dell EMC-branded products,
Dell Wyse™ and Wyse-branded products,
Non-Dell-branded enterprise hardware and software products, and
Customized products.

As you can see, computers and laptops are not included as an item that can’t be returned. You shouldn’t have any issues when requesting a return for these items if you do not want to keep them for whatever reason.

Dell also has the option to refuse any returns made for any reason. Some examples of when Dell would reject a return include a customer who has participated in repeated returns, violations of the Dell Terms of Sale, or participated in other impermissible activity.

What Is The Restocking Fee Charged By Dell?

While Dell will accept returns if you simply changed your mind about an item, a return like this may be subject to a restocking fee. The restocking fee is equal to 15% of the purchase price, plus any applicable sale tax.

This amount will be deducted from your total refund amount, along with any shipping and handling fees.

The only instance when Dell would not assess this fee is if the return is being made due to a defective product or Dell’s error.

Dell doesn’t make it easy to get a full refund simply because you changed your mind. This is one reason why it is important to make sure that you really want an item before making the decision to purchase it.

If you are unsatisfied with the product for your own personal reasons and have nothing to do with Dell’s error, then you will be charged the restocking fee.

While 15% may not seem like much, it is when you consider that you won’t have that money to use towards purchasing your replacement laptop or computer.

How Do I Return A Laptop or Computer To Dell?

Dell’s returns must be made in a specific way in order for them to be considered approved returns. The first step is to contact Dell customer service and obtain a Credit Return Authorization number, otherwise referred to as a CRA number.

You must get your CRA number before your 30 day window for the return passes. Dell does not accept any attempted returns without a CRA number. This is why it would be fairly difficult to make a return after the 30 day window has passed.

The customer service representative likely will not authorize the return and will not provide you with a CRA number.

Next, you need to ship the product back to Dell. You can print a return label from Dell after you begin the process to initiate the return.

Dell must receive your return within 30 days after Dell issued the return authorization and provided instructions for the return in order for it to be considered an approved return.

You must include all of the products that you’re wishing to return. The computer or laptop you’re returning must be in its original packaging, in as-new condition, and any items that came with the product must be included.

This means any cords, documents, etc. Everything included in your original box must be shipped back to Dell for a full refund.

If you fail to include all of the items that came in the box Dell may either issue you a partial refund or reject the return altogether.

The original price for the product was charged according to the items included in the box, if these items are missing, it isn’t worth the same value.

Plus, if Dell wished to sell this item still it would be more difficult for them to replace the missing items before they can sell it again.

Failing to follow any of these steps will result in the return being rejected by Dell and considered an unauthorized return. You will not receive a refund and Dell will not ship the product back to you.

This is a no-win situation all around. It may even affect your ability to return a product to Dell in the future as Dell keeps track of which customers initiate returns and will not always accept returns from customers who repeatedly request returns from them, especially if the return is not due to Dell’s error.

When Will I Receive My Refund?

Once Dell receives your return and processes it they will issue your refund. The refund will be issued to the original debit or credit card used for the purchase.

It may take up to ten business days for the refund to show up on your card, however, the exact timeframe will depend on your financial institution.

Final Thoughts

Dells offers a generous 30 day return window for most of their products purchased directly from their website. This is to ensure that customers are satisfied with their items.

As long as you follow the steps to initiate a return to Dell you should have no trouble completing a return for an item that is defective or simply not what you wanted.

However, remember that Dell will charge a 15% restocking fee for any return made that isn’t due to a defective product or a result of an error made by Dell.

Just remember to be sure that the laptop or computer is the one you want before ordering!

References

https://www.dell.com/learn/us/en/vn/terms-conditions/art-us-return-policy