This company sells used computers as new. Their Better Business report is appauling.
Http://www.carolina. BBB.org/commonreport.html? Bid=10003264
Be sure to read this article from the local newspaper.
Http://mrwebman.com/Seaside_Computers/
I have been struggling with this company since 2004. This experience has been a nightmare and I have probably spent 40 hours trying to get restitution for their actions. I allege that they knowling and willfully sold me used computer as new for monetary gain. I also believe they left or installed illegal software and later attempted to cover their tracks.
When I got the computer home and realized it was used. I called Michael White and was told that I should have known that new Dell Computers were not sold by anyone but Dell. When I went into the store, I was pointed to a sign about 5"X3" that said, "We do not sell new computers"
The back of the sales agreement is a full 11"x7" page with tiny print that covers them six ways to Sunday. Example is: There may be differences in what is shipped and what is described in a contract. (They state that the subs will will have the functionality and performance of the order.)
Not responsible for lost or corrupted data. Any disputes must be resolved by binding arbitration, arbitrator to be chosen by Seaside and will not commence until customer has deposited $1,000 for the arbitrator's services and fees.
In a nutshell, I received the new Microsoft warning message that the Microsoft software on the computer may not be genuine and no further security or any upgrades would be allowed.
Elliot at the Pawleys location stated that the software was not pirated, but told me to bring it in. He called and said it has a virus and would cost $210 to fix it. I refused, but when I picked up the computer, they had wiped the hard drive clean except the operating software and installed freeware and trial software to replace the original programs. At this time, I started speaking with Jonathon Martin who states that he is the owner. He tried to tell me the freeware was the same as the programs that were erased.
At no time, did they state that programs or data might be lost. The Warranty states that a software release must be signed when computer is brought for repair. Remember, service was refused by me and no such form was signed, nor did they ask me to sign one. Jonathon could not name the virus. He first refused to replace the software. After filing a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, he offered to give me an original disk for Office XP, which was released in 2002. The software on the computer was Office which was relased in 2003. He also stated that I must sign a statement saying that I would not sue him. He later retracted that requirement.
I asked why there was no recovery disk except a recovery disk for XP Pro, when I had XP Home. He stated that they never provide recovery disks because they are not selling the software, only the computer, yet my sales agreement lists XP Home as a line item. He said I should not be concerned with where the XP Pro came from.
He said that I could buy a recovery disk for $5.00 online. I asked him if he would do it to resolve the dispute. He refused saying they do not handle recovery disks. I stated that if it was so easy to get one why couldn't he order one for me? I have not been able to find anywhere to order a recovery disk.
I could go on and on, but in my last conversation. I requested a cash amount of $399.00 so that I could buy Microsoft Office and Works from a reputable source. (This was not all I lost)
He stated that I was totally unreasonable and I would never get a cash refund. He said I could sue him and would not win and even if I did he would make sure that I got nothing.
I emailed Microsoft. They asked me to call them. When I did, they asked me to fax more info and said everything certainly sounded suspicious. I also wrote to the SC Consumer Protection Agency who forwarded the complaint to our Prosecutor.
Karla
Pawleys Island, South Carolina
U.S.A.
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