Complaint / Review
TVsDepot
Hidden Fees and Misrepresented Items

I placed an order for two Olympus cameras and indicated in the comments section that I was not interested in "grey market" merchandaise. They left a message to call them to verify the order for 'security' reasons. When I did so they tried a "hard sell" to get me to purchase additional items such as batteries, a memory card, etc. I told them "no" and then asked to verify that the cameras were not "grey market" and was told that they were. When I tried to cancel they offered to sell me US models for an additional fee. I again said "no" and got them to agree to sell the US models for what I was quoted on the web. The cameras arrived and then things got interesting...

As part of the purchase I was supposed to receive a "starter kit" for each camera which included a tripod, case and cleaning kit (an $89.99 value). The invoice indicated that all free promotional items are shipped separately and incur an additional shipping and handling fee of $19.99 per kit. This hidden, additional fee was not indicated on the web site (although they claim it is in an FAQ that I had no reason to read) nor was it mentioned by the salesperson who was verifying my order. The first I heard about it was on the invoice accompanying my purchase. I contacted them about this to no avail.

My decision to purchase from them was based, in part, on the additional value I was supposed to receive from the promotional starter kits. Had there been any indication of additional fees I would have solicited their competitors.

I am now disputing the charge with my credit card company as I don't feel they've shipped a "complete" order, am reporting them to the NY attorney general's office, and lodging a complaint here as well.

They have a customer satisfaction agreement which states, in part, the following:

Best Prices: Our goal is to provide our customers with the best possible prices versus the competition. There is one fixed price for shipping, we also insure shipping and there are no hidden fees.
* The price that we list on our website is the total price for that item.
* There are no hidden fees to the prices listed on our website.

Don't believe it. They are first class ripoff artists and you're better off purchasing elsewhere.