Help --improper $$ charge

[John Zuber]

Sorry to do this, but usually this site has good advice--I recently purchased a TV via mail order, using the phone. During the sale discussion, they tried to sell me a service maintence contract, but I told him that I did not want this. In fact, I mentioned that since this TV had a 2-year labor and part warranty, a service contract would not be cost effective. Anyway, the next day I found out that my order includes a service contrac. Calling the vendor has been no help--they claim that I "must have ordered that" and "its too late to change because the service card has already been issued". Other than notifing my credit card company, which I have already, any other suggestions? Thanks

 

[Fer Echegaray]

I would let your credit card company deal with this issue, however, one more thing you could try is to call and speak with a manager or supervisor and tell them that you're also considering talking to the Better Business Bureau and the State attorney office (whichever state they are based) regarding abusive practices and perhaps misrepresentation.



Just my 2 cts

 

[Chops]

Make sure your cc company puts a "Hold" on the charge.

That in itself will get their attention, and they will be falling over themselves to contact you!

 

[Thomas Rogers]

DOCUMENT EVERYTHING!



Call the mail order company as Fer said and talk to a manager, ask them for a faxed statement describing the resolution (updated invoice/bill or somesuch). If that doesn't work, send them register receipt snailmail cancelling your order.



Also, the CC company will either settle this for you, with a full refund, with a refund for the service contract, or it will sit in limbo...or worst case not settle if the seller won't budge.



The most likely outcome is the seller will drop the service contract charges when the CC company gets on their arse.



Regardless, your documentation and paper trail may help you down the road.



You have several business days to cancel any type of purchase, regardless the circumstances in most states without any out-of-pocket loss. Once you have documentation of cancellation, SHOULD you receive the merchandise and you can prove that it was sent after the seller received notice of cancellation I am fairly certain you can keep the merchandise FOR FREE and disregard any bills ever sent. Of course, such laws may vary from state to state, and you wouldn't want to take advantage of things crossing in the mail, etc.



TJR

 

[Alan Peters]

Put a hold on it now. They will call you trust me. A very similar situation happened to me last year. As soon as I put a hold they called and wanted to make it right. I ordered 2 TV's but they double charged me and claimed the amount charged was the actual amount I agreed to.

 

[Richard L]

When ever I order something over the telephone, I alway insure that the breakdown all the charges that will go on my credit card including taxes and shipping charges, and what the final total is that will be charged to the credit card. If they charge any more than what I authorized, I will contact my credit card to dispute the extra charges.



It sounds like some salesman wanted to get the commission for selling you a service contract that you didn't want, so he added it to your bill. If their management tolerates that, then it shows they condone that unethical practice. If you called immediately after you got the invoice or your CC bill and noticed the charge, the company should remove the charges. Screw them if they sent the card in already, that's their problem, and that does not mean it cannot be cancelled! If the CC company does not pay them for the service contract, I can bet you they will get it cancelled and make sure you do not get the extended service.



...Rich

 

[Richard L]

Oops, I double clutched that one.



...Rich

 

[John Zuber]

Thanks folks for the advice...I have already talked with my CC company and they have my account documented with my statement. I will let you know what happens. I've been off this site for a few months..its good to see familar names.