Complaint Review: Dell Financial Services

Purchased Dell computer via "Preferred Customer" account 9 months ago. Suspicious when didn't receive bill after first inflated payment. Suspicions grew after contacting company by phone and Internet. Needed account number to offset possible errors. Spoke with and contacted 10 separate departments, I'm finally writing to Dell after nobody could help, no return calls/emails, and new bill arrived with late charges, and double payment "due."

Dell removed late charges, then detailed how I "agreed" to Dell's inflated interest rate (26.99 %). Dell commented on interest rate because, as a consumer, I wanted to know why interest rate(s) were not 9%, particularly since computer was being purchased through "Education Program." Advised Dell that I would be paying off within 6-9 months (reason I "accepted: inflated interest), I asked why I was paying several bills on the 1st of the month, and again on the last of the same month. I was paying twice in one month on more than one occasion!

Paid off computer April 26, 2003 for $340+ balance. Somehow, Dell didn't receive payment--for the very first time--on time ("...2:00 p.m. on banking day to be proccessed to your account same day..."), so I received another bill for $5.96 for interest accrued for one day.

I will not only not purchase through Dell Financial, but will never purchase a Dell product with cash. Tell all your friends! Dell does not believe in business ethics, customers as part of the value-chain, and uses sleazy, business tactics and tricks to steal from consumers at ever turn. I am paying the $5.96 today (May 13, 20030 for a bill that is due--you guessed it! May 31, 2003. That's twice this month.

Michele
Mariposa, California
U.S.A.