Aaron's Sales And Lease
Fraud, Deceptive Sales Tactics, Invalid Warranty

On January 8, I went to Aaron's to get a computer. I was repeatedly assured by the sales girl and the manager that the computer I chose was covered by a factory warranty, and that all software was up-to-date and would be transferred to me once the computer was paid for. The factory warranty was one of the main reasons I actually decided to purchase the computer, since the sales price was vastly inflated, and the machine I chose was a pre-rented computer. I paid the first two months rent, and was THEN informed that I couldn't have the computer until they delivered it, which was scheduled for two days later (when they took my money, they failed to mention that I was paying for two days I wouldn't even have the machine). The computer showed up on the day it was scheduled to, but the fellow who "installed" it didn't know a CAT5 cable from a hole int he ground - he held up the cable and asked me, "Phone cord?" I nearly died... The man didn't have a clue but he was the authorized installation man, so I assisted.

Two weeks later, the computer went to sleep (hibernated) and wouldn't wake up. When I called the store, they informed me that I would have to call Hewlett Packard (since it is an HP computer) to get any technical assistance. I called HP to get some help and was told that if I wanted any assistance from them, I would have to pay for it - the machine had been out of warranty for 268 days at that point. Irritated, I called the store back and was told to bring the machine in to be looked at by their tech guy (keep in mind, the installation guy hadn't a clue, so I was understandably nervous about their "tech" guy). The guy didn't have time to look at it, so I had to leave the machine overnight, much to my dismay.

The next day, he called around lunchtime, and said he could find nothing wrong with the machine, so I went back and picked it up. While I was there, I asked the tech guy about any other problems and he informed me, again, that I should always call HP first for tech support, as though there was still an actual warranty on the computer. I also inquired about the virus software and he told me that I should not worry about the Norton Anti-virus that was installed and should download some freebie stuff from the web (apparently, the delay on initial delivery was so the tech guy could re-install the trial version of Norton, which expired 6 days ago, now).

In any case, although it seems minor, I still have the same problem with the computer and have no tech support except from the guy at Aaron's, who's credentials are that he is a student of the local vocational school. I expected a computer in perfect working order, with a valid factory warranty as promised by the manager. I only have two more payments before I've met the 4 months contractual obligation, but I've already purchased another computer that ism ore reliable and actually HAS a real warranty.

Bottom line, the computer should not go into utter hibernation and need to be totally unplugged and replugged-in to work on a regular basis, and the warranty should be from the factory, as they promised.

I am going to try and talk with the manager this weekend, but I suspect that I will be treated in a less-than-friendly manner. I wonder if I have any recourse, at all, or if I will be forced to pay for a machine that was clearly not as represented or if I will have to take a hit on my credit if I opt out after 4 months (and lose close to $400 I will have invested in it by then).

Any input would be appreciated, but please, PLEASE take great care in dealing with Aaron's - after much research on the web, I am positive that I am not the only person that they have lied to, defrauded, or taken advantage of.

Company: Aaron's Sales And Lease
Country: USA
State: South Carolina
City: Rock Hill
Address: 1912 N. Cherry Road

  <     >