Weird problem with Dell - not sure what to make of it and what to do

Hi all,
I'm not sure where to post this, so I thought I would post it here.
I have experienced something weird with Dell online and I don't know what to make of it. Quite frankly, I'm puzzled.
Early on Tuesday I made an online account with Dell to order a laptop online.
I used my credit card. I received a confirmation email shortly after confirming my order, giving shipment date, etc.
Later in the day I had gone to my online account and found my order had been cancelled without any explanation. They say on the website if your order gets cancelled, you can reorder, so I ordered another laptop.
On Wednesday, I received an email acknowledging my order and saying within 24-48 hours I would receive another email giving my order number, shipment date, etc. I also sent them an email asking them why my first order was cancelled. My new order was also NOT on my account.
The 48 hours came and went and I never received that confirmation email.
A couple of hours ago, I went to my online Dell account and found that it had been LOCKED. I have not heard from Dell as to any explanation.

What do you make of all of this and what would you do about it if you were me? I'm so upset about this.

This laptop would have been my fourth Dell computer. My husband and I have bought desktops from them since 1998. The last Dell we bought online from his account was in 2008. As a longtime customer of Dell, I am very surprised and shocked this happened.
Are there any other computer companies with good laptops that you can "build to order" online?
I really need a laptop.

Thank you for any insight you can offer me.

 

>> Early on Tuesday I made an online account with Dell to order a laptop online. I used my credit card. I received a confirmation email shortly after confirming my order, giving shipment date, etc. DavidGP <<

If you own any Dell products at all; having the online account with Dell is a good idea (I've had one for years; with no problems). However I strongly recommend not buying anything online from Dell - especially when using a credit card - unless you CALL in the order FIRST - before you actually purchase any products from them. While buying things immediately online (instead of calling first) can be convenient; way too many things can go wrong during the ordering process (i.e. entering the wrong information on the order form, buying the incorrect part, etc.)

I'll give you an example; a while back I wanted to upgrade my RAM memory so I went online and looked up the appropriate memory stick for my Dell desktop. I was pressed for time so I figured I would just buy it online because that would be easier than calling. As it turned out; I decided to call first and it's a good thing too, because when I called I found out that the RAM memory stick that I saw online was actually for a totally different model and was not at all the correct one for my particular Inspiron desktop.

I always speak to a Dell salesperson at 'Order Support - For Home' first - before actually ordering - because they can immediately pull up my account and advise me the best course of action to take in order to make the purchase. One time I called and the Dell sales rep told me the following "Tips for getting through right away." She said that the very BEST number to call is Dell Sales Support Phone: 800-624-9897 (How to reach a live person: Press 5 for Customer Service)... You can also talk to the 'sales bot' as well by stating something like: "When will I receive my order"

Best Hours to Call:
Mon-Sat: 8am-9pm CT
Sun: 10am-7pm CT

Good Luck!

COMP

 

Yes, do give Dell a call. This is my 3rd Dell ordered by telephone. Sure it does take a bit more time doing it this way but at least one can verify that all correct info goes through.

The current one I ordered from them, was not delivered around the estimated time so I called them and found out that the order had to be put in again due to shortage of HDD. (had ordered a 2nd HDD to be installed) So I cancelled this order, did forgo the 2nd HD and put a new order in and made some adjustments as well. It was delivered in a very short time.

Lesson: always follow up with a call.