Dell Return Policy: Simplified

Q: Can I return a Dell laptop if I don’t like it?

Yes. If you purchased it directly from Dell and you're within the 30-day return window (based on the invoice date), you can return it, even if you just changed your mind . Just make sure it’s in as-new condition with all original packaging and accessories.

Q: Does Dell offer free return shipping?

~ Y es, for most personal-use returns. If you're a consumer returning a product for personal use or if the product is defective or Dell made a mistake—Dell provides free prepaid return shipping . ~ Business or commercial customers must cover the cost themselves

Q: What happens if I return only part of a bundle?

Dell may deduct the value of any free item, gift card, or discount you keep from your refund. For example: If you return a laptop but keep the free printer, the refund will be reduced by the printer’s value.

Q: Can I return software?

Only if it was never opened , installed by Dell , or electronically delivered and you didn’t accept the license.

Q: How long does a Dell refund take?

About 10–15 business days from the time Dell receives your return.

Q: Will I be charged a restocking fee?

No restocking fee applies if: ~ You're a consumer returning for personal use, ~ The product is defective, or ~ Dell made an error. ~ Otherwise , a 15% restocking fee may apply. This is based on the product price (excluding shipping and tax).

Q: Can I return a Dell product bought from a third-party store?

No. You must follow the return policy of the store where you made your purchase. Dell's return policy only applies to direct purchases from Dell .

Q: What if I don’t have the original packaging?

For TVs and fragile items, you must use packaging that’s as protective as the original. Otherwise, Dell may refuse your return.

Q: Can I return my product after 30 days?

No, not usually. You must initiate the return within 30 days of the invoice date . Exceptions might apply only if Dell offered an extended return window during a special promotion or through a custom agreement.

Dell is a well-known tech company that sells computers, monitors, accessories, and more. Whether you’re upgrading your laptop or buying your first monitor, Dell makes it easy to shop online. But what if the product doesn’t work out? Here’s a complete, easy-to-understand guide to Dell return policy based entirely on their official rules.

Dell Return Policy Overview (Quick Table)

Feature	Details
Return Window	30 days from the invoice date
Condition	Must be in original packaging, as-new condition, with all included items
Free Return Shipping?	Yes, for personal-use customers or if Dell made an error or item is defective
Restocking Fee	0% for eligible personal-use returns; 15% for others
Non-Returnable Items	Gift cards, customized items, enterprise products, opened software, etc.
Bundled or Promotional Products	Refunds may be adjusted based on what’s returned
Exchange Available?	Yes, but only under certain conditions and usually after support review

How Long Do You Have to Return a Dell Product?

You have 30 days from the date on your invoice to start a return. This is true for most products bought directly from Dell. But Dell sometimes runs special promotions with extended return windows—so double-check the promotion if you got in on a deal.

Important: If you miss the return window, Dell may refuse your request. So don’t wait!

Who Can’t Use This Policy?

This return policy does not apply to commercial customers who made purchases with a purchase order or on payment terms. If that’s you, your return options depend on your contract with Dell.

Products You Cannot Return

Dell has a strict no-return list. These items are non-returnable:

Gift Cards (unless required by law)
Customized products
Opened software (unless sealed or unaccepted digital licenses)
Enterprise equipment like servers, storage, and networking gear
Dell Wyse™ products
Volume license software
Non-Dell branded software

Dell also reserves the right to deny returns if you’ve made too many, broken their terms, or otherwise abused the return system.

How to Return a Dell Product

Dell makes it pretty easy to return products online. Here’s how:

Step-by-Step Return Process

Accept your delivery – Wait until the product is delivered before starting a return.
Log in to your Dell Account – Go to Dell’s website.
Click on ‘Orders’ – Then choose “Return or Exchange Items.”
Select how you’ll return it:
- Drop-off: Print the prepaid label and take it to a carrier.
- Carrier Pickup: Have Dell’s partner come to your door.
Ship it back quickly – Dell must receive it within 30 days of giving you the return approval (CRA number).
Track your return – Log into your account, find your order, and click “View Return Details.”

Condition of Items to be returned

To get a full refund, your return must include:

Original packaging
All cables, CDs, manuals, etc.
As-new condition (not scratched, dented, or altered)
The return must be received by Dell within 30 days of the CRA number being issued.

If you’re returning a TV, you must use the original box and cushioning. If you no longer have it, you’ll need to use packaging that’s just as protective.

Refunds

Once Dell gets your item and inspects it, here’s what to expect:

Refunds are usually processed in 10–15 business days.
Refund is issued to the original payment method.
Shipping & handling charges are not refundable.
If there’s a restocking fee (more on that next), it will be deducted from your refund.

Restocking Fees

Not all returns are treated equally. Dell may charge you 15% of the item’s price as a restocking fee, unless one of these is true:

You’re a consumer (not a business) who bought for personal use
The product is defective
Dell made a mistake on your order

If any of these apply, Dell waives the restocking fee and even gives you a free shipping label.

What If You Bought During a Promotion?

Dell offers all kinds of bundles and promotions, and the return policy gets a bit tricky here:

Example 1: You bought a laptop that came with a “free” printer.
- If you return the laptop but keep the printer, Dell reduces your refund by the printer’s value.
Example 2: You bought a monitor that came with a gift card.
- If you already used the card but return the monitor, Dell will deduct the gift card value from your refund.

Even Dell Rewards work this way:

If you used Dell Rewards to buy something, your account is credited back.
If you earned Dell Rewards for a purchase you return, Dell will remove the points.

Exchange Options

Exchanges are only available if Dell diagnoses an issue remotely and confirms you’re eligible. You also must be within the return or warranty window.

Two Types of Exchanges

1. Advanced Exchange (Faster, but requires a credit card hold)

Dell ships a replacement first.
You must give them a valid credit card within 5 days.
Your credit card is used as a security hold until the original item is returned.
No charge if you return the original within 10 business days.
It’s only free if your issue is covered by warranty.

2. Return First Exchange (No credit card required)

No credit card needed, but it may take longer.
You send back the original first.
After Dell gets and checks it, they ship the replacement.

What If Something’s Missing, Wrong, or Damaged?

If Your Order is Incorrect or Missing Items:

Check if your order was shipped in multiple packages (some items may still be in transit).
Compare received items with your packing slip, invoice, or order confirmation email.
If something is still missing or incorrect, log in to Dell My Account and use the “Get Help” option to contact Customer Support.

If Your Item Arrived Damaged:

Take clear photos of the damaged item and the shipping box.
Log in to Dell My Account > Orders > Click “Return or Exchange Items.”
Attach the photos when submitting the return/exchange request.

If Your Item Is Not Working Properly:

If the product isn’t physically damaged but won’t power on or function correctly, contact Dell Technical Support.
Dell may walk you through troubleshooting or, if necessary, arrange an exchange.

If Your Item Was Stolen:

Log into Dell My Account, go to Orders, and click “Get Help.”
You must provide a police report to have the product marked as stolen in Dell’s records.

How to Contact Dell for Help

Need help? Here’s how to reach them:

Online Help

Go to Dell Support Contact Page
Or log into your account and click Orders > Get Help

Phone Support

Sales (Home): 1-877-275-3355
Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. CT, All days
Sales (Business): 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. CT, Mon–Sat

Live Chat & Messenger

Chat with a live agent 24/7 on weekdays
Facebook Messenger chat available 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT on weekdays

Pro Tips for Hassle-Free Dell Returns

Here are a few pro tips to keep your return smooth:

Save your box – You’ll need it if you return a TV or monitor.
Act fast – Start your return as soon as you know it’s not right.
Take photos – For damaged goods, photo evidence helps speed things up.
Don’t toss accessories – Missing cables or manuals could lower your refund.
Keep an eye on promotions – Know what freebies came with your purchase.

Common Questions

Can I return a Dell laptop if I don’t like it?

Yes. If you purchased it directly from Dell and you’re within the 30-day return window (based on the invoice date), you can return it, even if you just changed your mind. Just make sure it’s in as-new condition with all original packaging and accessories.

Does Dell offer free return shipping?

~ Yes, for most personal-use returns. If you’re a consumer returning a product for personal use or if the product is defective or Dell made a mistake—Dell provides free prepaid return shipping.
~ Business or commercial customers must cover the cost themselves

What happens if I return only part of a bundle?

Dell may deduct the value of any free item, gift card, or discount you keep from your refund. For example: If you return a laptop but keep the free printer, the refund will be reduced by the printer’s value.

Can I return software?

Only if it was never opened, installed by Dell, or electronically delivered and you didn’t accept the license.

How long does a Dell refund take?

About 10–15 business days from the time Dell receives your return.

Will I be charged a restocking fee?

No restocking fee applies if:
~ You’re a consumer returning for personal use,
~ The product is defective, or
~ Dell made an error.
~ Otherwise, a 15% restocking fee may apply. This is based on the product price (excluding shipping and tax).

Can I return a Dell product bought from a third-party store?

No. You must follow the return policy of the store where you made your purchase. Dell’s return policy only applies to direct purchases from Dell.

What if I don’t have the original packaging?

For TVs and fragile items, you must use packaging that’s as protective as the original. Otherwise, Dell may refuse your return.

Can I return my product after 30 days?

No, not usually. You must initiate the return within 30 days of the invoice date. Exceptions might apply only if Dell offered an extended return window during a special promotion or through a custom agreement.

How do I contact Dell for returns?

Visit Dell’s Contact Us page for help.

Can I return a product bought using a Dell promo gift card?

Yes, and the refund will go back to the promo card—as long as it hasn’t expired.

Summary

Dell offers a generous 30-day return window for most shoppers, but there are important rules you’ll want to follow. Always check for promotional terms, save your packaging, and use Dell’s online return tools to simplify the process. If something goes wrong, Dell has solid customer support options to help.

Still unsure? Reach out to Dell support—they’re available 7 days a week.

Please Note: Return policies can change over time. While this article aims to provide accurate information based on the policy at the time of writing, it’s always a good idea to double-check the return policy on official Dell website for the most up-to-date return policy details. For any specific questions or situations not covered here, the official website or contacting Dell Customer Service directly is the best resource.