Ive had the unfortunate opportunity of doing business with Conns.in July of I was in search of a washer as my trusted GE washers bottom literally fell out. I had the choice between Sears and Conns. I elected to go with Conns as the sticker price was $100 less than Sears. I regret that decision wholeheartedly.
I walked into the Richardson Conns on Beltline Rd. And informed my salesman of Indian descent that I was new to Conns and wasnt sure how to go about purchasing the HE washer that I wanted. He assured me that he would take care of me. Little did I know that he was going to rob me blind. I left the store thinking Id purchased a washer for $899 dollars and financing. I thought it was much like a credit card one would have with Sears.
I never received anything from Conns except for coupons to come purchase more items. I contacted Conn's through a number I received on the Conn's website and they assured me that I could make payments over the phone. I know that I should have asked for monthly bills or at least on line access to my account but I didn't think it was an issue. At the end of March, I emailed Conns and asked for a statement as I felt that I was close to paying off what I owed. Much to my surprise, I find that I paid $2115.00 for an $899 washer.
I immediately called the number indicated on my letter and was directed to go to the store. I was treated abominably. Brian Larch, the manager, all but called me a liar. He said that no one leaves the store without a contract. I explained that I did and he again all but called me a liar. He then proceeded to say that he wasnt the manager then. I pointed out that they currently have the washer I purchased available for $999 and asked him why anyone would pay double what the sticker says? And I reiterated that, I did leave the store without a contract and to this day I still dont have one. He did provide me with some papers (which he referred to them as my 'contract') one of which had the price for the washer and delivery and installation charges. The other page was a summary of what I supposedly agreed to pay. Another page detailed a warranty program that I did not know anything about until today.
Items that I supposedly agreed to pay that Id never heard of until today are the property insurance, the interest rate, product warranty and the 36 month finance agreement. I never agreed to property insurance nor did I know anything about it until today. I have renters insurance and have had renters insurance for the past 6 years. I would not agree to another $200 fee had I been aware of this charge. As to the interest rate, in thinking that this agreement was much like a credit card, I didnt think much of it as I planned to pay this debt off quickly. Since Id made the salesman aware that Id never done business with Conns, he clearly took advantage of my naivete.
As I told the representative on the phone, if I had been aware of all of these extra charges, I would have left the washer at Conns and made my purchase at Sears. With that being said, I am unwilling to be held hostage to pricing that is clearly of a bait and switch nature. I purchased a washer for $899.97 with applicable delivery and installation charges. I understand the nature of interest and as I told the representative that Im willing to pay interest on the amount I owe but not as a result of a salesman greedy attempt to increase his commission?
Mr. Larch asked if I had signed something and I stated that I signed what I believed to be was the credit application for Conn's. He smirked at me and told me that no one purchases something without looking at the receipt. I guess if you shop at places like Conn's you learn to look at your receipts.
I am filing a complaint with the BBB and TX Attorney General Greg Abbott while I wait for a resolution from Conn's customer resolution department. Over the phone they said that they could take off the $200 charge for property insurance leaving me to pay $1300. I asked about the almost $600 that I'd already paid on this item and they told me that that was already applied to the purchase. I told her that I wasn't paying $2000 for a dryer that was listed at $899.
Do NOT do business with this store much less Conn's. Sears forgive me for straying in an effort to save $100.
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