I got scammed by Expan Inc. Operating out of suburban Chicago.
Was able to get my money back even though I didn't have a receipt. Other people on here seem to be throwing their hands up and accepting the loss, don't!
My Story
How the Scam Works
Chances are that you came across this site because you bought some home theatre tower speakers from 2 guys in a Dynalab van and have just discovered or are discovering that you might have got scammed.
Before we go any further however let's get a couple things straight. First of all, the Dynalab SDA 2.8 Signature Reference Speakers are real speakers and do actually work. Some people like their sound and looks a lot, others just don't like anything about them at all. I really don't know much about sound quality, or internal components, so will say no more to remain objective. The jury is also out on the actual value of the speakers. From my experience I would guess that they are worth somewhere between $100-$300, but I'm open to more knowledgeable opinions.
What just about everyone does agree on however, is the unusual sales practices used by the two guys in the Dynalab van. The sale/scam basically works like this. People are approached in a parking lot by two professional looking guys in a professional looking van and enticed into looking at some speakers. Some people are told that the company has an overstock and is wanting to get rid of the speakers quickly for whatever amount they can get, while others are told that the speakers are extras left over from an installation job and the two guys just want to give someone a good deal and make a few bucks for themselves. A flashy catalog shows that the MSRP for the speakers is around $1,299 but of course they will take much less. Coincidentally there always seems to be an ATM or bank nearby. Depending on the story that you get you may get a receipt with your purchase.
How to Get Your Money Back
If you have a receipt you should be able to get your money back from the company (not from your salesperson) pretty easily. Some people have reported that the receipts is only good for three days after purchase but the receipt I got didn't say anything about that. You may have to be persistent in calling and setting up appointments and may have to really assert yourself in demanding a refund, but you should get it. Remember that the middle man is trying to run a legitimate business.
If you don't have a receipt you can probably talk them into giving you one at a later date if you have some sort of contact information. I was able to, but maybe it was because the guy had just assaulted me and realized I had the upper hand.
Best of luck to you. Please let me know how things come out.
Update! For those of you in Sydney, Australia
... I have recently been sent an e-mail detailing one gentleman's legwork for getting your money back. He states, "Success! I got all my money back after sending the two faxes attached to Dynalab Sydney, and doing some of my own legal research. These are the sites that would come in handy to any others in NSW Australia seeking a refund
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