I totally got ripped off!

[Admin5]

Because I work at a reputable online retailer (iboats.com) I forgot that there are some retailers out there that take their customers for a ride as often as possible.<br /><br />I will not mention the name of the .com even though they deserve the bad publicity. I wanted to buy a digital SLR camera (professional kind where you can swap lenses) and found the body housing at this place to be one of the lowest prices. They had a package that included another $600 worth of lenses and hardware I wanted. This place is in NJ by the way which I have found out later is infamous for businesses that do this type of thing (I can rip on NJ because I was born there).<br /><br />When I called, the sales person took my CC info and shipping info. At the end of the call, he said, "Are you sure you really want to go this way?" I was naive and within 5 minutes he did the classic bait and switch, selling me a completely different system with lenses that he said were a vast amount better than the lenses in the original package. I am just getting into photography so I had no clue he was snowing me.<br /><br />The result: I overpaid for a camera setup that I wasn't even thinking of purchasing by hundreds of dollars and have learned to never shop at a place where they push packages on you in the name of "just helping you out man." Look at every line item and make sure that you price everything out and don't let a fast talking salesman close the deal on something you are not sure of! Wish me luck on my new overpriced photography hobby.

 

[jimchere]

Re: I totally got ripped off!

Yea I wish you the best of luck. I wouldn't have been suckered by that trick, but that's because I already fell for the same thing but about 9 years ago....not a camera but similar trick.<br />Take the lesson and look at it positive...you're better armed for the future. Education is not free!<br />Be especially wary when the sales people make money on commission (not anything against these people, they need to make money too).

 

[mellowyellow]

Re: I totally got ripped off!

the state of New York actually put a big electronics chain out of business for constantly doing this to their customers. hope at least<br />camera you got is nice. better than paying too little and get a piece of junk you aren't happy with.<br />cheese!

 

[gonfishn]

Re: I totally got ripped off!

It all starts at the top of the ladder..When you tell someone the truth you never have to look over your shoulder to see who is coming..By buying in cyber you don't get to look person in eye..buyer beware..

 

[NOSLEEP]

Re: I totally got ripped off!

I dont think it has much to do with buying on line.<br />business ethics are passed on down the line from <br />the people in charge. Every thing has a tendency<br />to flow down hill. It is of course, managements<br />responsibility to ensure that customers are not<br />taken advantage of and to instill proper conduct<br />from their employees. If you feel that you have<br />been treated unfairly you should contact upper<br />management and have the issue resolved. It is <br />always in the company's best interest to keep its<br />patrons satisfied,under penalty of being judged<br />unfavorably. It is possible that this business <br />operates unethically ,but you should also be <br />protected by consumer rights that may vary from<br />state to state.<br />Heck I sell auto's that cost considerably more <br />than a camera & lens systems and have on occasion<br />taken them back because of an unhappy consumer.

 

[SlowlySinking]

Re: I totally got ripped off!

Admin5, all may not be lost since you paid with a cc, first contact the store and try to return it for a full refund, if they say no AND if you haven't paid the cc bill contact the cc company and ask for a stop payment form, then submit it with your explanation, they will usually mediate the problem with the company. You got little to lose and big bux to win. Good luck, ken

 

[FSHKPR]

Re: I totally got ripped off!

well admin5 i think we have all been there once or twice. sure sounds like the guy is just trying to help you out at the time tho doesnt it?

 

[SeaMasterZ@aol.com]

Re: I totally got ripped off!

this wouldnt happen to be one of those real RITZy sorta joints was it?

 

[ZmOz]

Re: I totally got ripped off!

Yeah, I've learned that if you do any business other than in person...you usually get screwed. I do quite alot of business online, I've been completely swindled out of about $800. The last guy that did it to me is currently sitting in federal prison, however, thanks to the good work of the FBI.

 

[KennyKenCan]

Re: I totally got ripped off!

7th Avenue, New York City .<br /><br /> Only place to buy a camera!<br /><br />Sorry you got burnt on that deal, but that is why I don't make major purchases like that on-line.

 

[neumanns]

Re: I totally got ripped off!

Sometimes your the winshield,& somtimes your the bug!!! <br /><br />Ya just have to keep a firm hand on greed or it will get you. <br /><br />All kidding aside though, sorry they got ya.

 

[gss036]

Re: I totally got ripped off!

I think you should contact your CC company, hopefully it was American Express, they seem to go to bat more for the customer and I have been told by some retailers that they will not take AMEX for this very reason.<br /> Then call the company and ask to speak with the Gerneral Manager/Owner and explain the situation. Good Luck.