Did Dell just screw me?

[jmcoreymv]

I redeemed 5000 amex points for a $50 dell certificate and bought a tv tuner with it. TV tuner ends up being a piece of crap, so I ask for a refund and assume that I'll get to re-use my $50 certificate. Dell says the gift certificate is non-refundable and won't budge. I feel like I got screwed and it's basically a bullshit policy.

*Update 10/10*
I filed a complaint with the BBB, and a Dell rep left a message telling me to call him back because my issue is important to them. I call back, and he proceeds to tell me the same thing that I was told before. Said thanks and hung up. Next step?

 

[Krazy4Real]

That's messed up. Won't they at least exchange the tv tuner for you? Even if they don't want to refund the gift certificate, they need to give you a working product.

Edit: Rereading that it seems like the tuner works, but you just don't like it?

 

[Vette73]

Do you not have the option for cash? I never get gift certificates/cards from my CC rewards.

But ask for a manager and/or file a complaint with them.

 

[DisgruntledVirus]

Have you asked for a trade of products?

 

[HannibalX]

Dell isn't known for their stellar service, after all.

 

[dabuddha]

Try asking for "store" credit.

 

[rh71]

^ yup on store credit.

 

[Ns1]

the power of consumerist compels you

 

[jmcoreymv]

I did ask for store credit, that's all I expected. The tuner does not work completely, the remote doesn't work at all and I spent an hour with the manufacturers tech support trying random suggestions. Anyway, I filed a complaint with the BBB, doesn't seem like I have much other recourse.

 

[Brainonska511]

Originally posted by: jmcoreymv
I did ask for store credit, that's all I expected. The tuner does not work completely, the remote doesn't work at all and I spent an hour with the manufacturers tech support trying random suggestions. Anyway, I filed a complaint with the BBB, doesn't seem like I have much other recourse.

Try and find their store policy or the policy on gift cards. It shouldn't be all sales final and you should be able to get store credit.

Try calling and seeing if you get someone more reasonable.

 

[rivan]

I'd try calling Amex, too.

 

[AstroManLuca]

Wait... so basically, you "bought" an item with a gift certificate, and after you went to return it, you got NOTHING back in return? Like, going out to the dumpster and throwing the tuner in the garbage would have had the same end result? If you paid for shipping to return it, then you basically paid them to take it off your hands!

Call back, frame it in those terms, and see if you can get anywhere.

 

[Saga]

You bought a $50 dell item and expected it to be high quality?

 

[jmcoreymv]

update

 

[Baked]

Ask to speak to a manager until you get Michael Dell on the phone and proceed to tell him to go fuck himself.

 

[imported_Imp]

Not even store credit? That's bs. File another complaint.

 

[AkumaX]

AMEX should help you

 

[Ig]

http://www.dell.com/content/to...opup&~section=004#faq1

Q What if I want to return or exchange something I purchased with the Promotional Dell Gift Card?

A We value our relationship with you and want to make sure that you're satisfied with purchases made using your Card. Return of merchandise will be processed according to Dell's return policies. If you receive a credit, the portion paid with your Card (excluding shipping & handling) will be allocated back to the Card within 3 to 7 business days after Dell receives and processes your returned merchandise. You cannot lodge a "billing dispute" or request a "stop payment" for purchases made using the Card. American Express, its affiliates, employees, and agents are not responsible for the services or merchandise purchased with the Card and are not responsible for the return or exchange of merchandise purchased with the Card. If you think an error has occurred with a transaction, you must contact Dell directly.

http://www.dell.com/content/to...~section=002&~lt=popup

Returns

6. Funds on the Card are redeemable for the purchase of merchandise or services at dell.com, 1-800-727-6000, or at a Dell Direct Store. Credits for returns accepted by Dell will be allocated back to the Card.

Unless they have 'gift certificates' and 'gift cards' with different Terms and Conditions, you should be able to get a refund.

 

[StageLeft]

Yes, they did. GCs are like cash, they are fvcking you IMO.