"Edward Alfert" > wrote in message
. 4...
> zxcvbob > wrote in
> :
>
> > Vox Humana wrote:
> >> Earlier this month I found a message touting inexpensive bags for the
> >> Food Save and other vacuum sealing systems. Here is a link to the
> >> message:
> >> http://groups-
> beta.google.com/group/rec.food.preserving/msg/4f5d122d71
> >> 15c868
> >>
> >> I check the website for Davidson's Bucher Supply and found that 50
> >> bag (8 x12) were only $10.40 so I though I would give them a try.
> >> Shipping was listed as $2.50. Upon check-out, I got a confirmation
> >> that my credit card would be charged a total of $12.90. I saved a
> >> copy of the page for reference.
> >>
> >> Today, fifteen days later the bags arrived. I opened them and tried
> >> one out but putting an empty soda can in and sealing with my
> >> Seal-a-Meal. It worked fine, but lost the vacuum after about 20
> >> minutes. I tried again, and so far, so good.
> >>
> >> The major problem I had is that when I checked the invoice, they
> >> charged $8.20, not $2.50 for shipping! I sent them an email, and
> >> they promptly called me. I expected an apology and offer to promptly
> >> fix the problem. Instead, I got a lengthy excuse about how they
> >> couldn't have shipped the product for that amount. Also, they told
> >> me that they don't process their own credit card orders and a lot of
> >> other BS about problems with the UPS system the calculates their
> >> costs. I was told to look at the "agreement" I checked when I ordered
> >> the product. I went back and found this"
> >>
> >> "shopping cart "does not" process your credit card immediately. Your
> >> order is put into a "secure server" for review. Any necessary
> >> changes will be made to your order prior to your credit card being
> >> charged. (For example if the item you are purchasing shows "Free
> >> Shipping" and a shipping charge shows up in the shopping cart, don't
> >> be concerned because when we review your order the shipping charges
> >> will be removed.)"
> >>
> >> From reading this agreement, I don't see anything that says I have
> >> agreed to an arbitrary cost for shipping.
> >>
> >> The bottom line is, that I wouldn't do business with these people as
> >> you won't know how much the shipping will be until you receive the
> >> order. The p erson I talked with was quite argumentative, although
> >> he said that he would give me "a discount" on a future order. I told
> >> him that I wouldn't do business with them again because I would be
> >> afraid of the shipping charge.
> >>
> >> Just a "heads up" to anyone who was tempted to do business with
> >> Davidson's Butcher Supply.
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
> > Call your credit card company and "charge back" the difference between
> > what the invoice says and the amount that was charged. Tell them you
> > have an invoice for $12.90, you contacted the company and they refuse
> > to refund the overcharge.
> >
> > If they will not charge back just the difference, charge back the
> > entire $19 or whatever it was.
> >
> > Best regards,
> > Bob
> >
>
> Vox,
>
> I agree with Bob, contact your credit card company for a charge back. A
> merchant should adhere to their own invoices, even if it is a pricing
> mistake.
>
> It is actually very stupid of merchants not to try and please the
> customer for several reasons.
>
> (1) They will lose that customer if they don't.
> (2) It costs more to acquire a new customer (because of advertising,
> marketing, and other expenses) than to keep a current customers (that is
> why many companies have customer loyalty programs to give discounts to
> current customers).
> (3) Customer can always attempt to get problem resolved via other means
> that will negatively impact the merchant.
> (3a) Bad word-of-mouth that spreads quickly (particularly in this
> Internet age).
> (3b) Customer can contact credit card company and ask for a chargeback
> that costs the merchant about $25-$35 chargeback fee in addition to the
> charged back amount of the order. And usually the burden of proof is
> with the merchant and not the credit card holder. The credit card
> companies tend to lean towards credit card holder.
> (3c) Customer can contact Better Business Beauru or other consumer
> activist organizations.
> (3d) Customer can contact government organizations like State Attorney's
> office or whomever handles "truth-in-advertising" and other consumer
> issues.
>
All good points. Anyone in business knows that occasionally you will make a
mistake. Most of us hope that the mistake is only for $6. Anytime I have
made an error I simply correct the mistake and move on. You don't make
money on every transaction. I guess what really ****ed me off was the
attitude. First I was told that I had been "had" by some "got-ya" clause in
their agreement. Then I was told that it was a known problem, but "so
what." Then I was told that the bags at Costco would cost far more when I
knew better. When I pointed out that it took 15 days to get an envelope
from LA to Cincinnati, for a cost of $8 I was told that this was normal!
Their remedy was to offer an undetermined discount on a future order. I
though "fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice ......