Last month (July '04) I purchased a NIKON D70 w / Lens that should only have been $918.99 (with shipping). I originally ordered the D100 body only. I received a call from them, stating that they couldn't fill the D100 order but had the D70 Kit at about the same price. I told them to go ahead with the D70 kit, since it was only about $100.00 more than my original order.
The caller also informed me, that the D70 "kit" was a newer camera and the "kit" and was at a comparable price to the "body only" that I ordered. They said they would cancel the original order, but there would be another $50.00 for additional shipping. I told them to cancel the order, because I wouldn't pay the extra.
After a short discussion with his Manager, he came back and said they would discount the camera $50, to compensate for the additional shipping.in all appearances, it appeared that I was getting a fair deal, so agreed. He said I would receive an email verification, which I have not received to date.
When I received the camera, I noticed that the lens was missing. I called Royal Camera's Customer Service Department. After a bit of their runaround and rudeness, the woman spoke with the Manager. When she came back on the line, she told me that the lens was already on its way and was sent separately. The next day, when I took the camera body box, out of the shipping package, I noticed that the invoice listed $1399.00, rather than the $918.99 that the website listed, (with shipping). There was a -$50 credit card refund slip stapled with the invoice. However, the $1399.00 charged, was NOT AUTHORIZED! I immediately verified on the website, that my $918.99 cost was still advertised. It was!
I estimated I was overcharged over $438.00 and immediately phoned Royal Camera and spoke with the Manager. He made references to "agreement to pay additional, for USA models" listed on the homepage. I researched their website, but did not see any of the references. I phoned back again and disputed his claim and invited him to show me, where it authorized additional charges were. He became defensive. He reiterated that I had received a US camera, rather than the International version on the website and that was the cost.
He stated that they disclosed on their website, that the customer would be charged more for a US model, which I had apparently received. When I told him that I didn't authorize that charge and wanted the $918.99 model, he said they would take the camera back, but there would be restocking fee and additional shipping charges. The fee would be based on the $1399.00 cost, (which was originally charged, without my consent).in addition, I would have to pay another $100 in shipping charges to get the "International Model" sent to me and also be required to pay the shipping charges to get the US Model back to them. The end result, would be that total costs would come very close to the $1399.00 for either the US or International Model. Considerably more than the $918.99, I originally authorized!!!
When the Manager started to sound like a "used car salesman", it was apparent that this was an unscrupulous company. I informed him that I wanted a Return Merchandise Authorization Number and would be addressing the unauthorized charges, with my Credit Card Company. I immediately completed and mailed the dispute to my Credit Card Company, (per their directions) and am currently awaiting a reply.
I only when reading the complaint, did I discover that this was just one of Royal Camera's scams. This company should not be allowed to continue these practices, without having to face criminal or civil prosecution! They need to be stopped from constantly ripping off customers! If the Authorities won't do it, I'd say its time for a Class Action Suit!!!
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