As from Oct. 10, Dell will start a new shipping policy, meaning that customers who want free shipping on selected PCs and notebooks from Dell will have to collect them from the post office. Although Dell currently does charge for shipping, the company frequently advertises deals that include free shipping.

Dell's plan involves the Postal Service's new hold-for-pickup program. Customers have 10 days to get their items, or they are returned to the shipper.

Shipments for home delivery will continue to be handled by UPS Inc. Davis said Dell hadn't decided whether charges for home delivery would be increased.

Dell has been part of a price-cutting frenzy among computer makers, and low-priced laptops and other products have cut into the company's revenue growth.