I was offered a free sample of the product via Internet on 050906. Before I received the "FREE" sample, I was charged an additional $69.95 on 051206 for the next month's supply, and 15.95 as an additional shipping charge. The ad stated NO AUTO-SHIPS and NO MONTHLY CONTINUITY REQUIRED!: This is NOT a monthly Recurring Auto-Ship Program. This is NOT a Monthly Continuity Program. There is NO further Participation required past the introductory offer terms.
I attempted cancellation and was told:
They will charge me a $35 cancellation fee;
I would not be refunded the $69.95 charge;
If I returned the merchandise (which I have not received to date), I would be charged another $50 shipping fee and a 19.95 restocking fee;
If I did not cancel, I would be charged another $74 for the product;
The charges are not considered reoccurring charges, but simply a financing program that I agreed to when I signed up for the "free" sample.
I was hung up on THREE times by their customer service team when I asked to speak with management. I left two messages for supervisors, with no response. I was disrespected and threatened by their customer service reps that I WILL be charged ridiculous fees regardless if I wanted the product or not.
The company is deceptive, untouchable, arrogant, and has unethical practices. They generate revenue off of cancellations, rather than actual sales, and provide no resolution or recourse for innocent consumers who have been entrapped by their clever marketing schemes.
I disputed the charges through my credit card company and reported them to the better business bureau:
Today, I called back and spoke with a Sally Garcia who stated the expected date of delivery is during the beginning of next week. The representative informed me that the account has been canceled and that she would waive the $35.00 cancellation fee and the remaining $74.00 dollars on the account if I keep the product. This fee should not be charged to me anyway, because the account is canceled. She stated the company plans to charge to my account next month.
I informed her that I do not wish to keep the product, but the company will charge a $50.00 return fee and a $19.95 restocking fee. So, I would end up paying $70.00 to return the product. I expalined to her that the company is forcing people to keep the product as if they do not want it themselves and I do not want to commit to anything else that would make me fiancially responsible for this merchandise. She told me to call back and let them know if I will be returning the merchandise or keeping it.
This is the only resolution that has been offered thus far.
Ebony
Durham, North Carolina
U.S.A.
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