Experiences ordering from Dell

[Pea-n-Me]

So I bit the bullet a several weeks ago and ordered a lens for the first time ever. I bought it through Dell because it had the best price, they gave me free shipping, allowed me to use my AAA discount in addtion to the sales price, and I know they're a reputable company.

The reason for my question is because when reading about ordering from Dell on another photo forum, one poster mentioned something to the effect of, "Yes, you order from Dell, have one delay after the other, and then they cancel the order altogether". Hmm. I took a chance anyway.

So needless to say, the lens was originally projected to be shipped in early June. I've since had two delay notifications, and with the second one I had to email them back that I still wanted it due to some federal regulations they had to comply with on delayed orders. Estimated shipping date is now something like June 30. In fairness, it is a fairly new lens and there have been reports of it being difficult to get ahold of (Zuiko 24mm f/2.8 pancake).

I'm not in a huge rush but I have been looking forward to getting the lens. I'm a patient person, but not sure whether I'm on a wild goose chase or what. Is this the norm for Dell, or is it just a coincidence?

 

[Jeanne B]

I've read pretty mixed reviews about Dell (stories very similar to yours) although I've never ordered anything from them myself. Good luck!!

 

[oogieboogieman]

I've heard the same complaints before also. Everywhere I've read people are looking for this lens and they are all backordered. Olympus seems to have underestimated how many people want this lens. When you see the quality of photos( and I know you have ) the more it drives the demand up. This lens which retails for about $250.00 has been on Ebay for anywhere between $350-$400. I would wait it out ( I still have no tripod either but I do have a new 70-300mm lens) Hang in there!

 

[Pea-n-Me]

That's what I figured, but wasn't sure. Thanks, I'll probably wait it out unless I can find it locally (which there were also reports of - not holding my breath).

 

[drcandon]

Cancel and find it locally...I ordered a item from Dell - three delay updates later..I found the same item in a local electronic superstore and a bit cheaper..and if it messes up I can just drive the thing back and can yell at someone I can see

 

[jann1033]

personally i would see if i could find it locally before i cancel it. i have heard of the same thing with dell...the only time i ordered photo equipment from them they said they had it then once you placed the order the "out of stock" came up just before completion so i canceled it...which was weird cause it still was listed hrs later as in stock on the page ( i think i even called and checked but it was out of stock). it seems like sometimes they do that with a low price item, when you try to get it, it's unavailable but still listed

 

[oogieboogieman]

I would imagine your lens should arrive pretty soon. Stores in my area have been getting this lens back instock.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

Well I stuck it out and after 5 or 6 delays (I lost count), I got notification that the lens finally shipped the other day.

My sense is that it was more a lens availability issue than a Dell issue.

 

[oogieboogieman]

Well I stuck it out and after 5 or 6 delays (I lost count), I got notification that the lens finally shipped the other day.

My sense is that it was more a lens availability issue than a Dell issue.

Woo Hoo!!! It's about time! I can say that I won't order from Dell. I want to see some photos ASAP!

 

[Quicklabs]

I have had horrible experiences with Dell. Never again. Glad your stuff is coming, though!

 

[saturndb]

I sometimes wonder what happened to the "dude! You're getting a Dell" kid?

 

[orchjoe]

In 2003 he was busted on drug charges:

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