Why Dell Gets an 'F' for Tech Support

Calling up Dell for technical support can quickly turn into a sketchy situation, according to Laptop Magazine. When a reporter called the computer maker on three occasions to ask about simple issues, tech support employees were curt and repeatedly pushed "premium warranties"—in one case when the traditional warranty should have sufficed. One Dell worker even used the tactic of claiming the reporter—who called to ask for advice on extending battery life—had just won a daily drawing and was now eligible to purchase an extended warranty for the low, low price of $317.

Dell replied by saying the dubious "daily sweepstakes" strategy is not an encouraged tactic and that it would spread the word to its tech support teams. "We hope the company stops the practice altogether," writes Mark Spoonauer. "Customers should never feel pressured to upgrade to a premium warranty at a time they’re just looking for a little help." While he writes that Dell's tech support "isn't all bad" and has some nice features, the overall grade this time around is F. (More Dell stories.)