The Pros and Cons of Financing Through DELL

Words of Caution

I purchased my last three compters, two MP3 players, a camera, and some software through Dell Financing. In total that comes to be a significant amount of money. After all of the business I gave Dell I wish I had known the things I know now so that I could have avoided some of their pitfalls. Here are some of what I believe to be the pros and cons in dealing with Dell finance.

	dell 1503fp flat screen lcd computer monitor 15" Current Bid: $60.95
	dell 1702fp flat screen lcd computer monitor 17" 17 Current Bid: $61.00
	dell 1503fp flat screen lcd computer monitor 15" Current Bid: $42.00
	dell 1702fp flat screen lcd computer monitor 17" 17 Current Bid: $51.00

The Pros

I like Dell ! They don't have the best track record (laptop batteries catching on fire), but they do have other great attributes that make them my computer of choice.

I needed a computerdesperately. The old Compaq my wife bought back in '95 just wasn't working. I mean being in University and having the system shut down suddenly while writing a term paper was hell. With no money, Dell financing was really the only option if I wanted a new computer.

Pros of Dell financing:

The application process was easy and painless
Approval was done over the phone
Was done with little credit and no down payment was needed
I liked that you are assigned a financier
Financing works as a revolving credit, just like a credit-card

	Lithium-Ion battery FOR Dell Inspiron E1505 Price: $65.95 List Price: $99.99
	Dell / Logitech USB Corded Ball Mouse with Scroll Wheel Price: $8.99 List Price: $29.99
	Dell XPS m1330 13.3in laptop complete set skin skins m1330-3 Price: $37.00 List Price: $2,199.99
	Dell AC Charger / Adapter PA-10 PA10 for Inspiron, Latitude, and Precision Notebooks Price: $16.39

The Cons

Even though I love my Dell computers I have to be honest about their negative attributes. Hopefully Dell will get a hold of this and improve on their financing practices.

Cons of Dell Financing:

Customer service within Dell Financing is inconsistent. Sometimes good sometimes very bad
Very high interest rates. We're talking 29% or more
Rates were changed without notice and with little explanation
No satisfaction guarantee returns
You have to make the purchase decisions with your Dell financier. Meaning little technical help
Dell financiers act like salesmen, pushing features you didn't want into your purchase
Dell Finance will report you to the creditbureau if you default
Dell Finance will do nothing to improve your credit if you're a good client

Last Remarks

Now remember these are from my experience with Dell. I should mention that after getting frustrated with the service and complaining, Dell was quick to apoligise and did what they could to remedy our problem.