I saw the Rent A Center Rip Off and had to write about my experience with them tonight. I called to ask the price to rent a big-screen (60") TV for the month, and was quoted $175. I asked the salesman what day the Superbowl was, and joked that I wouldn't want to have to give it back before the game if I timed it wrong and my month was over by then.
I figured it was expensive but it was a cool thing to do and I would be a GOD in my house when we threw an awesome Superbowl party! I packed up my kids (one who is ADHD and gets car sick), drove the 25 minutes to the Rent A Center in Framingham, MA, and when I got there my friend who was with me said that maybe we should get the 45" instead to make sure it would fit in my living room.
The salesman quoted me $200 for that, and then said that I had misunderstood on the phone, and that the 60" was $250 for the month! I told the manager that not only did the salesman quote me the $175 price, but when he put me on hold, I heard on THEIR phone system an ad advertising a "Superbowl Special" for $175!
He tried to tell me that I was confused between the "short term rental" and the "rent to own".
The salesman hid in the back while we went back and forth on this, and when he came out I said, "Did you quote me $175?" He said, "Yes." I said, "Did I specifically say that it was for one month only?" and he said, "Yes" again. I told the manager that he really needed to honor his salesman's quote, and he said, "You can't tell me how to run my business.
I own this store! We'd lose money on the deal if I gave you what he quoted you, because the TV would be used when it came back!" I said, "Isn't it used NOW?" and he said (this is good), "OK, well it would be MORE used!"
I asked for the corporate number, his name, the salesman's name, and their titles, thanked them, and walked out.in the salesman's defense, he made an honest mistake with the price quote, but the manager's attitude of "I'll do what I want" blew me away!
Kim G.
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