With the holiday season upon us, deals are, too. Though I made no use of the famed Black Friday, that doesn't mean I'm out of the deal business.
I noticed several FW threads about great deals through Dell's EPP program, but thought little of them because I had never found access to their program, even through my employer (a university).
A few days later an employee at the university sought my assistance in ordering a Dell computer. She brought with her the knowledge of our access to EPP.
I then took a greater interest in the FW threads and learned of two main pieces of information. There were numerous stackable coupons for Dell EPP, most of which came from their Dellf promotion. The Dellf coupon essentially required luck - to win them, or money - to buy them on Ebay. There was another "early bird" coupon, but I didn't find information on how to get it.
As we finalized the specs for the computer, I began to pursue coupons. I earned a 25% off $1499+ coupon from Dellf, then suggested a profit sharing deal of sorts. I would obtain the $100 "early bird" coupon and the $1 17" LCD/TV with the purchase of a Dell coupon, the latter for myself, as a sort of thanks for helping with the deal.
I resorted to Ebay and spent a combined $24.99 on the two coupons. The order was placed and the waiting began. As of today, the computer has been received, but the free printer, an ink cartridge, and the LCD/TV, though "In Transit" are not scheduled for delivery until tomorrow. In the meantime, Dell sent an email (see below), essentially claiming the LCD has been cancelled. It seems that through the sale of the LCD coupons, a much larger number of LCDs have been ordered than expected, and Dell is probably losing money. (Many of those buying/using the coupons configured the least expensive computer possible). Dell is essentially claiming fraud, but only with respect to this one coupon. They have not indicated concern over other coupons. Many of the cancellations also ocurred after the computer portion of the order shipped (and in many cases was delivered). Needless to say, there are lots on unhappy FWers out there.
It seems likely that my LCD will be delivered, and if so, that Dell won't try to get it back. However I won't be holding my breath waiting for it. It seems Dell may well be the Grinch.
To Whom It May Concern:
This is to inform you that we have cancelled one or more of your recent order(s). Your order(s) contained a Dell 17" LCD TV for $1 using a Dell DELLF Delivers coupon. It has come to our attention that the integrity of the Dell DELLF game was compromised and that these coupons may have been obtained by unauthorized means, in violation of the rules. The rules limit each player to one game play per day.
Our records indicate that you already received the associated Dell Dimension desktop PC that was purchased with your TV order. We understand that you purchased these items together and may wish to return your PC. You may return the associated order at Dells expense within 7 business days by calling 800-695-8133 option 4, then option 2, and then option 1 to arrange for return shipment.
If you obtained these coupons in accordance with the Official Rules of the Dell DELLF Delivers decoder game, we will gladly verify your information and proceed with your TV order if the coupon is validated. To do so, please send an e-mail including the following information to FSS_Order@Dell.com by end of day December 7, 2004:
1. Dell DELLF Registration Name and Mailing Address
2. Dell DELLF Registration e-mail address
3. Dell DELLF coupon number
4. Phone number where you can be reached during business hours (8am - 5pm Central).
Dell will use this information to verify your eligibility for the coupon described above. We will contact you via e-mail shortly if your information is validated under the rules of the game to proceed with your associated order. Otherwise, you will be notified as to why your entry was deemed invalid.
Regards,
Dell Employee and Education Personal Purchase Programs
