Dell criticised over £199 laptop advertising

The computer maker Dell has landed itself into hot water over the advertising material used to promote its £199 laptop.

Now following complaints from customers to the Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) the company face charges of misleading consumers.

It was found that whether the buyer decided to have the computer delivered or wanted to collect it, there would be a charge of around £60!

However Dell stated that this collection charge was put into the advert by mistake and that it does not charge for collection.

But the ASA did not accept this excuse, as it appeared to imply that buyers would have to pay the delivery or collection charge, no matter what. They had no choice in the matter, which is wrong.

There was also an issue that the amount of VAT was not displayed on the advert, as this also had to added to the final price tag.

Dell argued that the advert was targeted at businesses, but again the ASA did not accept the excuses.