Dell Cancels Gun Business Owners Order

RugerForum.com ^ | Feb 26, 2002 | Jack Weigand

[RJL]

I am writing this because I feel every Firearms owner should know this story.

I placed an order for a Dell notebook computer on February 13 on line with Dell. I was given a tentative delivery date of February 21st. I was watching the order through the Dell on line tracking system; I also opted for the automatic email notification of when the machine was to be shipped.

Well the 21st came and went, I am a Pistolsmith I know things can happen. I made a phone call on the 25th, did a voice mail message for my salesman to get back to me and I was looking for the delivery date. The 25th came and went with no callback. On the 26th I placed another call this time to cancel the order. After a few hours I got a call back, with this amazing reason for the delay. It seems someone in Dell had already canceled my order, when I asked why I was told Dell was afraid I was going to use the machine for illegal purposes. When I asked why someone would think that I was told it was because of the name of my business “Weigand Combat Handguns Inc.”. Because I am involved in firearms I might be doing something illegal. Now keep in mind I was never called or informed of this decision the order was just canceled.

Many of you know me personally and know I run my business about as squeaky clean as possible. In addition being the President of the American Pistolsmiths Guild I am under additional scrutiny as to how I run my business, if I am not clean how can I be the President of an organization that promotes just that! I was informed by a Dell supervisor not long after all of this the reason I was refused was because of their post September 11th policy of screening buyers.

I would like to respectfully ask the firearms community to do the following. If you intended to buy a Dell and because of this letter you do not, email Dell and let them know why. Feel free to distribute this account to all you know in the Firearms community, I think they need to know. I for one am sick and tired of people assuming just because we are involved with firearms that we are doing something illegal. I also do not believe Dell deserves our business if this is how they intend to treat us.

God Bless Jack Weigand President American Pistolsmiths Guild Inc.

------------------ www.jackweigand.com

[Rebelbase]

Bump for later updates.

[Rebelbase]

Another bump for Michael Dell.

[sneakypete]

Did you learn anything from that transaction?

Yeah,I learned I'm going to have to spend another hour or so on hold so I can order again. I have no choice. My laptop won't work without this missing "sleeve" and cord. The difference is this time I will have it sent to a business owned by a friend that is open every day instead of my house.

[abner]

"I was going to get a Dell!"

I love my Dell's. I have 2 of them now. I won't be getting another unless they fix this situation.

[911]

I thought I would get a faster response by writing to Dell Customer Support and including my account number. Apparently not. Just got the following email:

Thank you for contacting Dell Customer Care.

You will need to contact our Sales Department for that information.
They can be reached at 1-800-915-3355 or you can visit them online
at www.dellcustomercare.com.

[1Old Pro]

10 to 1 this is an absolute hoax.

I'm with you. I'd like evidence like an e-mail copy or something.

[RJL]

Just curious, has anyone gotten a response? My E Mails keep getting bounced back "You have responded to a system-generated mail; therefore, we are not able to respond directly to this reply.

I received the same system message from my note to the Dell Company. I have not received a reply from my note to Michael Dell.

[Teacher317]

I love my Dells, but I sent a letter to Michael Dell's address (before the more appropriate venue showed up). If it is a hoax, then I'll be writing a letter of apology, and I hope everyone else will do the same. However, I trust RJL, Freeper #10806 (since '98). S/he always seems reasonable and well-informed.

[Some hope remaining.]

You know, sometimes a person would do well to read at least part of a thread before being the umpteenth person to ask whether anyone has verified it.

[Don Myers]

"Sounds like this guy is blowing this out of proportion. "

If a company refuses to do business with another company that is providing a legal service, it is not being blown out of proportion. Sorry dude, no dell if this is company policy. And its time to find out if it is company policy or some low-level manager who needs correction. Second Amendment issues are a touchy thing.

[SJackson]

Found a link, it appears you have to use their web page at Contact Us to send an E-Mail, which I did. They also have a forum at Customer Care. Some posts on the topic, but no response.

[TheDon]

Perhaps this fellow should find out the facts before he gets everyone's underwear in a bunch. I find him a bit irresponsible.

[Don Myers]

Well, I am sure that we will find out.

[Some hope remaining.]

I don't understand. I read a post just yesterday claiming Dog Gone was gone. 10 to 1 the opus was just a hoax, I guess. ;^)

[Dog Gone]

Yes, a friend of mine wrote a suicide note for me. Very thoughtful, don't you think? LOL.

If and when I ever decide to leave here, I'll write my own note.

[Redbob]

That's hardly usable contact information.

[SAMWolf]

I know, but it was all I could find at the time. There were some more contact points posted later.

[lds23]

I'm very happy with my HP.

[Redbob]

If it turns out to be true?
Jack Weigand is a respected pistolsmith, is well-known for reputable business practices as well as for fine workmanship.
Why would he make something like this up? Go to his web site and check it out.