Dell Means Business -- and Our Business Buys from Dell

Full Review
Our company has been purchasing from Dell's online store for over five years.  While not every transaction has been perfect, we have done well as Dell customers.  We purchase both computers and consumables from them.


Briefly About Dell

If you have anything to do with computers, you have probably heard the Dell name.  They sell all manner of computers, servers, monitors, printers, related accessories, tablets, mobile phones and an array of consumables such as ink, toner, and parts.

If you pause long enough on their website, a popup asks whether you want to chat with someone, perhaps ask questions.  Their website also features a phone number at the top in case you need to communicate in person.


Navigating the Website

The Dell Business website is extensive, so it's great there are many navigation links.  Across the top of the page are button links to product groups: Laptops & Netbooks, Desktops & Workstations, Servers & Storage, Printers & Ink, Electronics & Accessories, Mobile Phones & Tablets, Services, and Solutions.  Plus there is a "View All" button that opens a screen somewhat reminiscent of a Site Map, with many more links to travel.

Along the left side of the page is another exhaustive group of text links.  These links expand upon the ones along the top of the page.  For instance, Under the heading Desktops & Workstations are links that lead to OptiPlex Desktops, Dell Precision Workstations, All in One Desktops, and Alienware (to name a few choices).

At the bottom of the page are more text links.  "Shop" focuses on additional links to: Home & Home Office, Small & Medium Business, Large Business, Public Sector, and Partners.  There is also a Support link to Products, Orders, Drivers & Downloads, as well as Warranty Information.  Additional sections include Learn, Community, and My Account.

When I am looking for consumables such as spare parts or toner, I find the Search area at the top right of the screen very helpful.  For example, my recent shopping trip online was for a Transfer Unit for a Dell laser printer. In the search box I typed the model of the machine and the word transfer.  This opened a page where I was offered two choices: 1) An Imaging Drum Kit, which included the Transfer unit with other items, or 2) the Transfer unit by itself (quite a bit less money than the Imaging Drum Kit).  The search page also shows a ratings bar (up to five stars) based on consumer input.


Let's Go Shopping

Click on the product you are interested in to open the product page.  In the case of the Transfer unit I needed to buy, the product page included a photo of the part as well as detailed information regarding the unit.  The price is listed in bold print.  Included on the page are the manufacturer's part number and Dell's part number.  There are options to: Email to a friend, a Print-Friendly version of the page, Compatibility button that shows what machinery is compatible with the part, a button that outlines "What is in the Box", and a button that says "Click to Call".  There are also text links to click in order to read consumer reviews or to post your own experiences.

Once I verified this was indeed the correct part, I clicked the "Add to Cart" button.  This opens a window that features a summary of what is in the Cart, plus an order total.  Don't be confused by the other item(s) listed that are related to what you placed in the cart.  At this point Shipping & Handling Charges are not reflected.

When you are done shopping, click the "Proceed to Cart & Checkout" button.  This opens a larger page of the items in the cart.  From here you can edit quantities, view an updated total, and enter a coupon code if you have one.


Checking Out

Once your order is finalized to your satisfaction, you are prompted to Checkout.  The next screen offers the choice of creating an account, or to purchase as a Guest. 

From there you are prompted to enter your shipping and billing information.  A valid email address is required.  They also require you to declare if you have tax exempt status, and there is a area to check off to confirm that you agree to the "Terms and Conditions of Sale" as well as whether or not you plan to export the order outside the United States.

Shipping for the Transfer unit was free as long as I selected 3-5 Day Delivery.  If I had opted for overnight shipment ($4.95) or 2-Day shipment ($2.95).  Shipping charges vary for each order placed.  For instance, if I had combined the Transfer unit with a portable hard drive, 3-5 Day Shipping would still be free, but overnight shipping jumped to $28.94, and 2-Day to $16.94.

Dell accepts: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover credit cards.  The security code from the back of the card is required.

Once I confirmed and placed the order, I quickly received an email confirmation.  A day later, they emailed the shipping confirmation with tracking number.


Delivery

The Transfer unit arrived packaged in its own cardboard box, and that cardboard box was placed in a sturdy shipping carton.  Packing material was minimal, but both boxes were in excellent condition.  Arrival was timely, too, only taking a few days.

We have ordered a lot of business equipment from Dell and have been pleased.  The odd problem that arose, Dell quickly took care of.  Their customer service was responsive.


Summary

I have no doubt that we will be ordering more business equipment, parts and supplies from Dell.  It's been an overall good experience.

Enjoy the day,
Dawn
http://dlstewart.com

Please read my other reviews:

NewEgg Online Store

Best Buy Online Store

Staples Online Store

Amazon.com Online Store

Copyright 2011 Dawn L. Stewart