Approximately 3 months ago, I took advantage of an on-line "free" offer for a spanish language CD for my wife who is an English as a Second Language teacher. I had been directed to Onling while reviewing an unrelated offer for a laptop computer. I was directed not to Onlingo's website, but instead to a link for this "free" offer whererin I would receive this "free" language CD and pay only the cost of shipping. No where in this offer were any terms and conditions that specified or even mentioned that by agreeing to receive the free CD, I would be agreeing to a yearly subscription at the cost of $77.00 every three months and more CD's.
Fast forward, now to 3 days ago, August 2nd. While reviewing my PAYPAL monthly statement on-line, I discovered a debit of $76.90 from Onlingo. I called customer service and was told that I was basically out of luck, because I had "agreed" to the terms and conditions and that the second set of CD's had already been sent to my home. When I argued that I hadnt ordered any more CD's nor had I authorized the debit form my account, the customer service representative again said that the terms and conditions were binding, and that there was nothing that she could do. I asked to speak to a supervisor and was told that none was availabe at that time, but that one would be in shortly. She took my contact number and assured me that a supervisor would contact me that day. No one ever called. I called back several hours later and spoke to a different customer service rep who agreed to process a partial refund of $50.00 and asked that I return the next set of CD's when they arrived, at which time I would receive a refund of the remaining $26.90.
Today, August 8th I called Onlingo's customer service center in hopes of finalkly speaking with a supervisor. I was told that no one was available. I related my situation to the customer service rep who immediately became unduly defensive, and defended Onlingo's actions by stating that if I didnt read the fine print then that was "my fault" not Onlingos'. When I demanded to speak to a supervisor, she hung up on me. I immediately called back and was put through right away to a supervisor, Mr Williams. Mr Williams was very patient and cooperative and agreed to process the remaining $26.90 right away.
The moral of this story is, dont deal with this company. They hide behind fine print that no one ever reads, anyway, and that is not readly visible to the average consumer. Should I have read the fine print? I reluctantly admit that I should have. But that does not diminish the fact that Onlingo's business practices are shady at best and border on fraudulent.
Lawdog
Phoenix, Arizona
U.S.A.
0 comments