I was fool enough to believe that a large and established company would have good business practices, otherwise I would have done research on the company prior to purchasing anything from their internet store. It was only after they ripped me off that I did that research and found how many people have issued complaints regarding Ritz Camera ripping them off as well.
I chose to buy the camera I was purchasing from this company because they not only offered free shipping (like everyone else), but also a free photo printer. Their website flashed that every camera came with a free photo printer during the promotional period.
Under the item description of the camera I purchased, it stated that the camera automatically came with a free photo printer during the promotional period. There was a photograph of that printer and it claimed it was worth $99.00.
After I clicked to purchase, of course they attempted to upsell me and as always, I ignored all their offers. I could tell at a glance that they were trying to sell me more expensive photo printers and also SD cards.
I received the camera in a very timely manner, but without the printer. I called the phone number that came with the package (it was for their contracted fulfillment center and NOT Ritz Camera). The man I spoke with was named LaMar and he refused to give me his last name. He told me that it was a rebate offer. I had to BUY a printer and they would rebate $99.00 towards whichever one I chose. He said there were three to choose from. I explained to him that there were not three pictured with the camera, but only one and it stated that it was automatically included free with any camera purchase. He offered to take a credit card for the amount and send the printer and rebate form. I demanded to speak to his supervisor.
LaMar came back after putting me on hold for five minutes and told me that no supervisor was available and he could put me through to their voicemail. I told him I needed to speak with someone immediately. He said I had two choices, I could talk to the voicemail or give him a credit card. I told him he had two choices, he could get a supervisor on the phone immediately or send me the printer. He gave me the supervisor.
Her name was Debbie and she refused to help me other than offer to send me a shipping label so I could return the camera free of charge. She told me that it says all the stuff about the rebate elsewhere on the website. When I tried to explain to her that it does not matter what it says elsewhere on the website if it clearly states that the photo printer automatically comes free with the camera in the camera's description page. I never saw anything that indicated anything other than the fact that the printer came as a package deal. She told me that she was sure that I was wrong, but there is no way to prove either way because that promotion is over and the website has changed.
I asked for the company's corporate phone number. She gave me a phone number, but it was not Ritz Camera's corporate phone number, it was just another division of her own company. I was on hold for twenty minutes when I gave up and decided to find the real way to contact the company.
I found out that Ritz Camera's Corporate Office's real phone number is: 301-419-0000. I am going to call them tomorrow, but after reading how so many people have been treated by them, I have little hope they will honor their advertisement the way it was written.
I will update this report after I have talked to the corporate office. No one should have to go through so much hassle the week before Christmas.
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