Beat up Scrath and Dent from Outlet

OK, I know that this system was listed as Scratch and Dent, but I've never received such a beat up S&D machine before. Typically, an S&D systems has some tiny flaw. But the lid on this one is scratched and all marked up. See photo. Some of the major flaws are circled in red.

I got a good price on it (<$400, see previous post), but if the outside is this ugly and beat up, makes me wonder what the inside looks like... Yikes.

Would you return it?

 

I'd probably send it back. Was it the cheapest S&D on the outlet for that model? Maybe the cheaper ones are more dinged.

 

There are several flaws on there that you pointed out. Even if it were a *scratch and dent*, I wouldn't expect it to be like that!

If it were me, I would return it.


Cin

 

The good news is that Dell doesn't seem to be charging anyone the 15% restocking fee that they reference in their official return policy. So you should get a full refund minus shipping fees.

Yeah, I probably would send it back. I've had great luck with Scratch & Dent units, but they've all been Latitude laptops. The blemishes weren't noticeable unless you really looked on most of them. The most recent one has a scratch on the underside, where it will never be seen...but saved me a bundle!

Maybe you should try your luck with a Certified Refurbished instead of an S&D?

 

I'd probably keep it personally, it's really easy to get scratches like that, my current laptop is covered in them.

 

I guess this is why they call them "scratch and dent". If you aren't prepared to deal with, you know, scratches and dents, I wouldn't purchase one to begin with.

I'd keep it. At least you don't have to worry about scratching it up. Enjoy the ability to beat the heck out of it without having to take the blame.

 

I was expecting worse then what you got when i ordered a scratch+dent (and payed $0.01 for that feature!) 9400. In reality it had some tiny scrapes and one very small gouge out of the bottom, i was amazed it wasn't in the refurbished pile, really.

 

I can live with the scratches, they themselves are not the issue. What make me more concerned is imagining how the computer was treated when previously used. I've used laptops for years at a time and never have scratched any of them like this.

Also, the "Windows Vista" label on the palm rest is very worn (see photo), again showing that this system has had a rough background.

I'm leaning toward returning it...

 

I still think you should return it! Even it it were a scratch and dent, that's alot on yours... I'm sure you can get a better with the same pricing.

And, now the palmrest!


Cin

 

Yeah, the worn Vista sticker on the palm rest would concern me more than anything else. The vast majority of Refurbs and Scratch & Dent units are lightly used, usually they've had no more use than the 21-day return window. Somehow, yours has had more use than that...maybe even in-house at Dell, who knows. They'll warranty it for the full year, but trust me- you don't want it to be away for warranty repairs for half of that time! Send it back and try again.

I've ordered several Scratch & Dent systems over the last few years, the most recent is a Latitude E6400 with scratches only on the bottom cover (underneath the laptop)...the rest of it is good as NEW! I ended up paying $623.20 plus shipping/tax for a laptop that would cost me $1360+ to order NEW at the moment!

 

They are so far refusing to waive the 15% restocking. I am escalating.

 

Oh bah...

Escalate that all the way. Do you have the Unresolved Issues link on Dell's site??

That's not good customer service. I've heard peep's say they were told they would be charged the 15%...but they never ended being charged.

Sorry your having to deal with that...


Cin

 

I've bought scratch and dent before and they just minor scuffing on the lid or base of the laptop. Nowhere near as bad as your pic. Definately escalate it as "Scratch and Dent" does not mean a laptop that was probably used for 6 months and then returned. Your laptop should've been on the "off-lease" section. Now those laptops are supposed to look like they've been used...

 

I have a I1420 that looks about like that. In my opinion, I would say that isn't much past normal wear and tear.

If possible, instead of returning, have them exchange it.

Short of that, it is also possible to have a technician come out and replace the parts in question. They should allow that option as a way to avoid a return. The one caveat is that the Windows Vista sticker won't be replaced.

 

If you were to go for an exchange, there's a good chance you would get a certified refurbished or brand new replacement machine.

The worn palmwrest sounds like it was used for quite a while.

 

Normally, I'd be OK with either of those options. But in this case, the machine just looks beat up. Even though it was inexpensive, I'd like to return it for a more gently used one.

 

Another option with the exchange/return is to use the Unresolved Issues link off of Dell.com:

Assuming US,
https://support.dell.com/support/to...lcare/outstanding_issues_care?c=us&l=en&s=gen

 

Yeah. They've agreed to a full refund (in writing). So much for my "good deal." Thanks everyone.