When I wanted to buy a gift for my 84 year old mother, I chose Hot Movie Sales because they had the best price. They offered a "first time discount" which was a reduced price and free shipping. Since my purchase was well over $100.00, I was quite happy with the idea. I signed up for membership and though. "Why would I want to buy anywhere else, when they have the best prices?"
It's Stump the Chump time. Folks, and I'm a world class Chump. What "membership" meant was that they would take $9.95 out of my account every month - and of course I don't always check the charges, I wound up paying $60.00 (rounded to the nearest dollar) for the "discount and free shipping".
I had to get on the phone for 30 minutes and become quite nasty before they would put me through to someone who had the authority to refund some of the money. I still wound up paying $30.00 for the "discount and free delivery".
Shame on me. I should have suspected deception. Thesse companies thrive on tricking unaware people out of their money.
My solution to this is quite simple. We need to create a LAW for internet businesses to make them post a notice about any recurring charges.By law it should be written directly under the company's logo, and in fonts the same size as the company name.
That will do away with the deceitful trick of small print at the bottom of the page, or any other ambiguities.
Who wants to join me in making a law?
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