How to Return a Defective Service Part to Dell After Receiving a Replacement (US Only)

Overview

If Dell shipped a replacement part under warranty service in the United States, you must return the defective part within 10 days of receiving the replacement.

Place the defective part in the box that contained the replacement part. Cover the original shipping label with the prepaid return label. Return the package using FedEx or USPS, depending on the label provided.

Failure to return the defective part within 10 days may result in a charge for the replacement part or suspension of warranty service.

Quick reference

Terms used in this article

• Replacement part: The part Dell shipped to you as part of warranty service.
• Defective part: The original part you are returning to Dell.
• Packing slip: The document included with each replacement part. It contains return instructions and states whether Dell needs the defective part back.
• Order reference number (work order (DPSearch) number): The number on the packing slip that identifies your service order. You write it in the Return Authorization (RA) field of a FedEx Ground waybill.
• Waybill: The shipping label is used to return the part. Dell sends either a FedEx Ground waybill or a FedEx Smart Post label. The steps differ by label type.

Symptoms: When this article applies

Use this article if all of the following are true:

• You are in the United States.
• Dell shipped you a replacement part as part of warranty service.
• You need to know how, when, or whether to return the defective part.

Why the defective part must be returned

Dell requires the defective part to be returned within 10 days of your receipt of the replacement part, unless Dell notified you otherwise.

Each replacement part ships with a packing slip that explains how to return the defective part. If Dell does not need the defective part back, the packing slip states this.

How to return the defective part to Dell (US only)

Step 1. Prepare the defective part

Before you pack the part:

1. Back up your data.
2. Remove all confidential, proprietary, or personal information.
3. Remove all removable media, such as CDs, DVDs, memory cards, smart cards, USB adapters, and USB dongles.

Step 2. Confirm that Dell needs the part back

Check the packing slip that came with the replacement part. If the packing slip says Dell does not need the defective part, you do not need to return it. If it does not say this, return the part within 10 days of receiving the replacement.

Step 3. Pack the part

Place one or more defective parts in the box you received. Pack each part carefully to prevent damage during shipping and seal the box.

Step 4. Attach the return label

Paste the return label on the outside of the box, over the original shipping label.

Step 5. Ship the box

Identify which label you received, then follow the matching option.

Option A: You received a FedEx Ground waybill

1. In the FROM section, fill in your sender information.
2. In the Return Authorization (RA) field, write the order reference number (the work order (DPSearch) number on your packing slip).
3. Do one of the following:
• Call FedEx at 1-800-463-3339 to arrange a pickup.
• Drop the package at an authorized FedEx shipping location. Find one with the FedEx location finder.

Option B: You received a FedEx Smart Post label

Do one of the following:

• Place the package in a residential mailbox.
• Drop the package in a USPS mailbox.
• Take the package to a Post Office.
• Schedule a pickup with USPS.
• Drop the package at a FedEx Service Station or an authorized FedEx shipping site.

Step 6. Keep your tracking record

Keep a record of your return waybill number.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to return a defective part to Dell? You have 10 days from the day you receive the replacement part, unless Dell notified you otherwise.

What happens if I don't return the defective part in time? Dell may suspend your warranty service, or you may be charged the then-current standard price for the part.

Do I have to return every defective part? Not always. If Dell does not need the defective part, the packing slip included with the replacement part says so.

Where do I find the order reference number (work order (DPSearch) number)? It is on the packing slip that came with your replacement part.

Where do I write the order reference number? On a FedEx Ground waybill, write it in the Return Authorization (RA) field. If you received a FedEx Smart Post label, these steps do not apply.

I lost my return shipping label. What should I do? Go to https://dellgsp.com/verifyEmail and enter the email address associated with your service order. If an active work order matches, Dell sends instructions directly to that email address. If that does not resolve it, contact Dell using the options below.

Can I pay for the part instead of returning it? You can ask about paying for the part. Verify your email at https://dellgsp.com/verifyEmail or contact Dell using the options below.

Can I get more time to return the part? Contact Dell to request an extension (see below).

I'm outside the United States. Does this apply to me? No. This article covers the United States only. [Link to non-US warranty parts return guidance: TBD.]

Contact Dell

Contact Dell if you need an extension, a replacement return waybill, or information about paying for a part.

Related resources

• Warranty parts return
• Support Services and Warranty
• Step-by-step video guides for part replacement (installation support)
• Manuals and user guides (safety information)