I purchased System Suite 6, software that is published by Avanquest and sold through Staples and other outlets. The product did not perform as promised, so I returned it — just as the box it came in indicated I could do so within 30 days. I prepared a detailed letter describing my problems with the software and sent it and my original receipt via the US Postal System.
I had the foresight to get a Proof of Mailing Certificate from the Post Office in Greenwich, CT, proving without a doubt that the item was shipped to them. The item was shipped on Aug. 19.
It is now October 3. The company has not issued a refund to me, and I suspect it never will. The reason is, on its website — not on the box where the consumer would actually see it — I discovered today that they indicate (only after going through several screens) that the consumer needs to send it Signature Required, or they will not honor the 30-day guarantee.
Needless to say, I'll never buy another product from Avanquest unless I receive my refund of $49.99 within the next two weeks. If I do not receive the refund with the next two weeks, I'll be warning consumers by presenting these facts through other consumer complaint web sites, as well as file complaints with Staples president (for handling their products), the BBB and Federal Trade Commission.
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