America's Best Eyeglasses Bait and Switch ripoff
I went into a dealer in Omaha, NE on 2/28/02 @ 11:00 a.m. CST (by Westroads Mall)to get what I thought would be an excellent price for my eyeglasses. I had no reason to believe otherwise because in September of 2000 I had received six pair of disposable contact lenses, which included the doctor's eye exam for only $69.99. When I called for my glasses, I was quoted, over the phone, $79.99 for... and I quote "the doctor's eye exam, two pair of glasses and that includes the frames and lenses for $79.99". Of course I was excited and I need new glasses. When I got done with the exam as the receptionist was typing up my bill there was a chart on the desk that showed what the cost for glasses was. Right on there it said two pair for $79.99 and then a list of what that included which was scratch, resistant among a few other things. At the top it said in parenthesis, lenses. After she rung up my bill it came to $208.00. I was confused and finally talked her down to $158.00, which was still more that I had budgeted for. When I asked her why it was so much and pointed out the chart and told her what Joyce, the receptionists had quoted me she said "Oh our prices have changed" FALSE ADVERTISING. I guess I don't know my rights as a consumer and felt as if they ripped me off. I agree that $158.00 is still a good price for all that I got, but it is not what they quoted me. I want the difference back from what I was quoted to what I paid, but I'm afraid to cause a scene and cause myself more embarrassment. In looking over my bill it says they charged me for item code 205901 - Trenton 48/18 Black 140 SPRG = $79.00 and also charged for item code: VERICLR - Vericlr Package. That looks to me that I was over charged and double billed, but she insisted it was not. Who can I turn to?
Letitia
Omaha, Nebraska
1 Updates & Rebuttals
JD
Redford,Michigan,
Optimetric Tech
#2UPDATE Employee
Thu, March 07, 2002
I agree that if the optician that helped you did not explain the different packages to you and just added them to your order, you were ripped off. But, if you look at your reciept you will notice that it is itemizied (each charge is listed individually). "205901 - Trenton 48/18 Black 140 SPRG = $79.00" this is the frame you selected. "VERICLR - Vericlr Package" this is an anti-reflective coating normally $49. You will also notice that there was a lens code (plsv - plastic single vision lenses). You would only be charged for the lenses if you selected a more expensive lens (ie.. polycarbinate, hi-index, any kind of bifocal). The computer system we use will only allow the manager to change the prices. If you was over charged, go back to the store and ask to speak to the manager in private. That way you can handle your problem without causing embarrassment to yourself. I hope this information was helpful.