Sharper Image/Dirty Sales Tactics
This odyssey started on Sat. 17 June '06, when I made the unfortunate mistake of responding to one of those darn infomercials. So, I called and invariably they want you to know you may be recorded. I wish they would record this atrocity, I know I should have.
It began by me being informed that in appreciation for me calling I could get another Quadra for half off the cost of the first Quadra and that I would also receive a free' bathroom air cleaner. I agreed and when I stated I wanted to forgo the 5 easy' payments of $70, Milleara, the salesperson, informed me that I would not be charged with shipping and handling and that my cost would be $489.93. That shipping would take 10 business days.
Then, just when I thought we were through, came the pitch. I was informed that I qualified for the upgrade to the GP model air cleaner, that it was twice as good and had a UV light that killed germs and bacteria in the air. That for $520.56 I could get the two and a free bathroom cleaner plus free shipping and handling. I agreed. Then, just when I thought I was done. She came with an even better deal, that I could get another GP for even a greater discount.
At that point, I said, Milleara, I know you are just trying to earn a living and this is nothing against you personally but when does it end? Tell me about this GP, does the UV lamp require replacing?' She informed me that she just started working there and she did not know. I said, Look can we just go back to my original purchase?' She said, fine, that will be $371.83', and hung up. No confirmation #, no nothing, just hung up. At this point I am reeling.
Then I realized something was wrong with this picture. I went from $489.93 to $520.56 to $371.83. So, I called back the 1-800-217-4403 # and was told I had contact customer service that there was nothing they could do for me at this point.
On Monday morning I promptly called customer service and explained to the person (whose name was unintelligible) my plight. She managed to find my order and confirmed my suspicions that I had been sent only one unit. I explained to her my experience on Saturday, none of which the records confirmed, of course. Good thing it was recorded, right? So, she put me on hold and went to see what she could do.
After a few minutes she came back and said that she would ship me two Quadra's for $524.92 and that she would throw in the one small one. I said, OK'. Then an alarm went off in my head and I asked, Wait a minute, are you going to charge me the difference between the $524.92 and the $371.83 or are you charging me another $524.92 on top of the $371.83? She said, There is nothing we can do about your other order that has already been processed for shipment.' I said, I find that hard to fathom, you all represented that my order would not be shipped for ten business days.
This is Monday, the first business day of the week. I need to speak with your supervisor, please.' She put me on hold and after a few minutes came back on and said, He will have to call you back in about thirty minutes.' I said, No, no, no, we need to get this straight before I get off the phone with you.' I said, Look, I want to cancel everything, let's just start from scratch here.' She said, Ok, just a minute.' Then, the next thing I knew, dead silence, they hung up on me.
This whole thing is unfortunate. I think the company has a good product and I really would like to own one. But, to have to go through all this drama is totally unacceptable. This whole telemarketing scene has become too corrupt. It is adversarial and confrontational what with all the Boiler room' sales tactics.
Admittedly, I fell for the con. I let my greed get the best of me. I should have stuck with my original order and not given in to the temptation of something for nothing or in this case something for just a few dollars more. The telemarketing industry can learn a thing or two from Wal-Mart just give the people what they want.
Jack
Delta Jct., Alaska
U.S.A.
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