We bought a wide angle camera lens and nikon binoculars from them in late January. They assured us that the lens was of a high quality. The nikon binoculars were priced at over $800 and was given to us for $300 after we paid $375 for the wide angle lens. He removed the price tags from the goods after we paid for it by credit card.
We realized he greatly overpriced his goods when we arrived back at our hotel and checked the prices on the internet. The binoculars sold on average for $150 whereas his original price was more than $800. The lens would probably cost $60 to $80 at another dealer and is of poor quality.
We went back the next day to return the goods and was told that there is a sign in the back of the store stating that all sales are final and that they do not accept returns. They also charge a 20% restocking fee. Only after we insisted on getting receipts for the goods did they agree to give us the receipts. The salesperson said that America has a free market system where you can ask any price for goods on offer. This is true but the lies that accompanied the sale of the goods to fool the potential customers into believing that they are buying quality equipment at a good price, leaves a sour taste.
We were fools to trust these people. Being tourists from another country this experience spoiled our experience of the USA and especially San Franscisco. Further research on the internet shows that fooling tourists out of the hard earned cash is their modus operandi.
I would like to warn tourists to San Franscisco against this shop. I wish the US Revenue agency would consider auditing them - if they cheat trusting individuals so easily they sure also cheat the tax man!
0 comments