Dealtree Inc. (aka "Dealtree.com" and "Dealtree") via a link on the Buy.com web site offered Buy.com credit certificates for computer systems that were "traded in" to Dealtree. Online a consumer would be able to generate a "price quote" that would be received after the computer was received and inspected by Dealtree. (Dealtree provided a prepaid UPS shipping label for use in shipping the product to them.)
My quote for an old Compaq Presario system that was in working order was only $27.03, but I figured what the heck, I wouldn't be using it any longer because I have a new system. I packed up the system sturdily per Dealtree's instructions, using much foam packing "peanuts" and bubble wrap to protect the computer. And just before packing it up, I powered on the unit to verify that it worked properly — which it did!
Dealtree eventually contacted me and noted that they received the unit, but that it was "not working" (without any further explanation). They thereafter sent another email containing the notation that the power supply was bad and that it "sparked when plugged in." That would be a total lie based upon my experience of checking and powering up the unit prior to shipping, when it operated perfectly.
Dealtree now claims the system is worth ZERO dollars, and they refuse to give me the $27.03 Buy.com cerificate. And, to return the system to me they are demanding $85.75, which includes an alleged $25 inspection fee. (To show how convoluted their reasoning is: Even assuming that a system that was in perfect working order when sent suddenly developed a "bad power supply" and it "sparked when plugged in, " then they want $25 for plugging in the unit!)
This sounds like a scam by Dealtree, and at least one other consumer has complained about similar Dealtree actions on this web site. More than likely Dealtree is marketing these computer parts somehow and is making a profit (however big or small), and in the process is ripping off consumers by not delivering the promised "price quotes" in purchase certificates — and is either reducing those quotes to a lesser amount or not paying any value whatsoever (as in my experience).
I have made demand upon Dealtree that they provide to me the $27.03 amount in a Buy.com certificate, as promised, or return the Compaq Presario system to me at no charge. If they do not comply with either of those provisions, I will report this fraud to the proper authorities.
Meanwhile, I would caution all of you out there NOT to partake in Dealtree's computer trade-in "deals, " which apparently involve Dealtree perpetrating fraud upon an unsuspecting public.
0 comments