Prostar

I ordered my computer from pro-star.com. Despite their site stating shipping within 2 days, they couldn't ship for a week. I wanted it in time for the 3-day weekend so I can enjoy it. I paid extra for shipping. I explained repeatedly I needed it sent to my work as I wouldn't be at home to sign for it.

They ship it to my home anyhow, and we have to drive to pick it up (on a Friday on a 3-day weekend, we're talking about serious traffic, long lines, and over an hour round trip).

I call them and they admit it's their fault, but won't do anything to compensate me driving that far. I verified with the UPS guys that it should have cost them less than $30 to ship it to me even at the rush shipping we used, and they charged me $65 for shipping. So I asked them to refund shipping, which they refused.

So, I asked them to just split it in half, it being their fault, and refund half the shipping. They refused.

I figured, whatever, I have the product, I'll write some reviews to let people know what to expect.

Even told some people at my work who were looking to buy notebooks to not buy from this company - purely because of their response and customer service to this issue.

Two weeks later the computer starts acting up. After a short diagnostic period, they told me to ship it in (at my expense) so they could fix it. I told them they can make up for their previous error and pay for shipping both ways this time. They refused.

So I returned it for a full refund (except for the rip-off shipping). Apparently they're happy to take a refund and keep the $35 profit they made by charging me so much for shipping (no, not Shipping and Handling, just shipping - none of it was taxed) than to keep my business, and that of possible referrals.

They received the package on Thursday last week (6/23/05) and the money will be back in my account 6/30/05.

Bank of America 2003-2004

Story of my attempt to change my address with Bank of America after I moved.

10/03 I go into the Chatsworth branch and tell them I moved to Chatsworth, give them new address.
10/03 I receive an e-mail telling me that I can now receive electronic (paperless) statements. I sign up for this service.
10/03 The first paperless statement arrives, still shows old address. Chalk it up to the time it takes companies to push things like address changes through.
11/03 The second paperless statement arrives, it still shows old address. Phone the bank; explain I need it changed to the new address. They inform me that they will mail me a special statement that will show my new address on it.
11/03 The special statement arrives, cover sheet shows new address, and statement still shows old address. Phone Bank and complain.
12/03 The third paperless statement arrives, still shows old address. Phone bank and complain. They state I will receive a special statement within a week that will show new address.
12/03 Special statement never arrives. Call bank and complain. Tell me they will send a new statement showing new address.
1/04 Special statement never arrives. Fourth paperless statement finally shows correct address.


Story of my attempt to reverse charges, then cancel the reversal

2/2/04 Request a dispute against Dell’s charge of $386.26. Money is added to my checking account while they perform the dispute.
2/9/04 I call to ask for it to be removed, because Dell finally refunded the money, and am told it will be removed within 48 hours.
2/16/04 I call again and ask for it to be removed (because it has not been) and am told it should have been removed on my first request, they do not understand why it has not, and it will be removed within 48 hours.
2/26/04 I receive a letter telling me that they are investigating the situation with Dell. I phone and ask why it has not been dealt with, and I am told that it should have been taken out within 48 hours of each of my previous calls, and it will be taken out by tonight.

Dell, 2003-2004

My story on ordering a computer from Dell in 2003

12/03 Two separate salespeople on two separate phone calls tell me the Axim X3i accepts CardFlash memory. I order it online.

1/5/04 Axim X3i arrives. This design does not accept CardFlash memory. I call and get RMA#041114776. I am told I will receive a full refund to my credit card within 7-10 business days of the receipt of the device. I order the Axim X5, which takes CardFlash memory.

1/6/04 I Ship the X3i back, USPS delivery confirmation # 0303 2460 0000 7805 7964. 1/12/04 X3i arrives at Dell, as per the tracking number. “Your item was delivered at 1:47 pm on January 12, 2004 in CARROLLTON, TX 75007.”
1/27/04 (11 business days after they received it) Brandi from Idaho claims to be a manager, as did Leena before her. Brandi said she will have a refund to my Visa within 24-48 hrs. I verified it will be done by Thursday 1/29/04.
2/4/04 Amount still not refunded. Loriana said refund issued yesterday, and it will take up to 30 days to get into my account.
2/6/04 Mark told me in e-mail that they received my shipment on 2/6/04 (today) and 7-10+30 days from now I would get my refund. I then called in... Natalia gave run around before transferring me to a manager. Serena, supervisor, 800-624-9897, x47530 said refund of $386.26 would be done by 2/13. Cliff x76982, says $13.89 for the shipping amount will be credited by 2/11/04.
2/9/04 (3 days short of a month after they received it) $386.26 refunded to my account. Still missing the $13.89 for shipping. RMA# for shipping: 042381641
2/19/04 finally(!) credited $13.84 shipping.

I'm through with this company now!