I left a pair of almost new leather boots & 2 pair of almost new shoes with High End Consignment on 10/27/08, for them to sell. I was told that if my items sold, they would "send" me a check "at the end of the month" for my share of the profits.
Early in November I stopped in & found my items had all sold. I was told they sold quickly and reminded (by both the clerk and the owner) that they don't "send" checks out until the end of the month. I said that was fine.
In mid December, realizing I had not yet received a check, I stopped in on 12/13/08, to inquire. I was then told "We only mail large checks, small checks have to be picked up". When I said I was told they'd "send" my check, I was advised, by the same clerk who had told me they send checks, "You should have read the 'fine print', no matter what we say, what stands up is what's in the fine print." I did not have my receipt with me, so I did not argue, I simply said they should be more clear about how they provide payment and said I was there to collect my money, as I knew my footwear had sold. She found my check, for $20.25 and gave it to me. I deposited it on 12/16/08 (with another check).
When I got home and looked at my "contract", there was was no fine print, it was simply had a generic receipt, which did not even show the business name. It only listed that I'd left 1 pr. Boots & 2 pr. Shoes.
On 12/21 (a Sunday), when paying bills online, I found that my bank had bounced the $20.25 check and also charged me a $19.00 "returned item" fee.
On 12/22, I called my bank who told me they'd mailed the notice of the $19.00 charge, with the bounced check to me. It was not delivered to me by late in the day, on 12/22, so I called High End Consignment. "Ruth" answered the phone. I explained the situation, said I was angry and said "I will be in tomorrow afternoon to collect $39.25, that's for the $20.25 bounced check amount, plus the $19.00 bank charge." Ruth asked if she could have the owner call me, right away, saying "There must just be a mistake."
I gave her my cell phone number and told her that he could and should call me. I also said, "Whether he calls or not, I will be there tomorrow afternoon to pick up $39.25 in cash and if it is not there for me, I will call the police, so tell him to be sure to leave that cash for me."
"Ruth" assured me the owner would call, right away. I then asked for his name. She told me she didn't know it and that "It's some African name."
I firmly said I'd stay on the line while she found it, saying I was sure she could find the name of her employer, somewhere and that I needed it, now! She immediately said his name is "Linus Nyambu" (I confirmed spelling).
I thanked her & said he should call me, right away, but that if he did not, I'll be in tomorrow to pick up $39.25 in cash, I will not accept another check from him."
As of now (3 hours later) he has not called.
0 comments