Can home users buy from the Dell Business Web Site?
A Common Question about buying from Dell.
The quick answer is yes.
When you visit the Dell Website after you select the type of computer you are interested in (Laptops, Desktop, Servers Etc) the very next question is: are you a home user or a business user?
There are some subtle differences between the two channels (home and business).
Example:-
Home users are shown the price including VAT, A business user see’s the price excluding VAT.
Next up is Distance Selling Rules.
These apply to home users but not business users. So a home user can return the PC within 14 days for a full refund.
Link: http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?topicId=1074033669
Tip: Evaluate everything in the range regardless of the home or business label Dell place on it.
Tip: The warranty options are not consistent throughout the various ranges. Some of the business computers come with 3 years on-site as standard, the home offerings typically do not.
Office2007 User Interface
May 28th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Good post, Colin. I knew about the VAT differences but didn’t realise the distant selling law doesn’t apply if you go down their business channel route. But if someone is a consumer and uses their home address wouldn’t that law still apply? If a buyer can prove they’re not a business and the purchase was for personal use at a residential address then surely the law is the law?
I often tell friends/relatives to look at the Vostros which are only available through the business route. They’re cracking value if the user’s demands aren’t too extreme.
May 28th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
Hi Gary
As long as you know what your buying then the Distance Selling Rules become less of an issue.
Even as a business user if the machine arrived and I wasnt happy with it I would still expect some sort of recompence from Dell.
Colin