Did you know that the amount you spend on a new system decides what type of technical support you receive?

If case you didn't know, there are hundreds of different 800-numbers for Dell tech support. Depending on how much your new system cost, you may get good or better support.

Dell technicans verify what system you have and what your warranty covers. But even if you bought an XPS M1330, you will not receive the same service as someone who bought the XPS M2010. Here is some good news - XPS owners get better and faster services than Inspiron owners.

Even if they spend more on the inspiron than the XPS system!

Customers usually have no idea, they just expect the higher hold times and less than great service because they are calling a busy call center.

So How Do You Get The Best Service?

If you really want the best service available but don't want to spend too much - buy a system under your company name. If you tell the Dell sales rep that it will be purchased for you company (even if you dont have one) they will put you into the "Business segment" and your account is considered special.

Business systems such as the vostro, latitude and optiplex can be purchased from the small & medium business category on the dell.com website.

But you don't need to buy a business system, you can still buy an XPS notebook or desktop but have it purchased under your business. Then everytime you call in, you will be directed to the "Business technical support" with almost NO wait time.  

What Are The Other Perks?

Dell will also provide compensation for time lost during technical support issues if you are a long time customer who has purchased a lot of systems. So let's break it down for you to understand better.

Customer #1 (under a consumer account)

• XPS M1330 - $999
• NetGear Router - $49
• Printer - $89

Total:  $1,137

Customer #1 will probably get decent technical support, may have to wait on hold for 5-10 minutes. They will assist them with phone support and try to solve the issue during the call. If a call back is set up, it may be forgotten about. If you want compensation for your troubles....forget about it! 

There is no way they will offer you anything as compensation because you haven't spent enough. It's a sad reality, but they will tell you it's not in their policy to offer compensation for time lost. 

Customer #2 (under a business account)

• XPS M2010 - $3,673
• Linksys Wireless G - $209
• Dell Multifunction Color Laser - $699
  

Total:  $4,581

Customer #2 will get much better technical support with almost no wait time. They will be provided a business 800-number that will not be available on weekends (the downside) and they may even get a dedicated sales rep. 

If this customer wants compensation for their downtime, they can get discounts on future products or even a coupon. Usually it will have to be Dell's error but they won't overlook extensive hardware problems on a new system.

So What Should You Do?

If you are really concerned about technical support, we suggest using a business account to make purchases. You don't necessarily have to spend more, as long as you ask them to make a business account instead of a consumer account.

In the end, it's really up to you what you decide.