I ordered a TV from Broadway Photo. When I printed the confirmation from the internet, the dollar amount did not print. When I received their confirmation, no dollar amount was included. I then received an e-mail from them requesting that I call to confirm the order. When I did so, I was subject to a very slick upsell technique. I was told I needed certain cables to hook up the TV. After much haggling I agreed to buy them at a given price.
When I was hanging up the salesman quoted a total price and hung up. I realized that the amount for the TV and the amount I agreed to were much less than the total amount quoted to me. I immediately called back to get the situation straighted out. I could not get through. I then called the cable company to set up the install. They told me that I did not need the cables sold to me. Again, I tried to call Broadway. I did get through this time, but was transferred to another number and could not get through. I sent them an e-mail cancelling the order.
I was charged the total amount quoted. I immediately called the credit card company and contested the charge. Broadway eventually credited my account for $250. I should have received a credit for $331. Since I did not have any documentation to substantiate the original charge for the TV, I was unable to get the full refund. I believe that I would not have received the $250 refund if I had not been quick to e-mail a cancellation.
I don't believe that you can effectively protect yourself from this merchants unethical business practices. It is difficult to contest a charge that you have not received a receipt for. I recommend staying away from this merchant even if they advertise the lowest cost. My experience taught me that they will find a way to charge you more. Better to reward a good merchant with your business.
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