Amerisoftware (former Site: Softwarecb or Software Cb) Fraudulent Billing, Bad Selling Practice & Very Poor Customer Service. Wichita Falls Texas
On 6/2/2004 I ordered Adobe Photoshop 8.0 with a serial# for $145.99 from softwarecb.com (now Amerisoftware.com). I then received an e-mail with instructions to download the software. I completed the download. I don't recall if the 1st download was corrupted or it failed. It's possible I may have attempted a 2nd download. I did get the full download, followed the instructions to install & use the one serial# given to me.
On 6/8/04, $145.99 was withdrawn by AMERISOFTWARE WICHIT from my checking account through my debit card as expected. So, paid in full. Then on 8/19/04 I get an e-mail from Amerisoftware (CBAX@SW.RR.COM), it was a receipt for a 2nd charge to my debit card of $145.99 for the same software and no serial# was given. The e-mail stated a transaction date of 8/19/04, with a different Transaction ID, Order# & Authorization Code. My assumption was either I was billed in error or someone got a hold of my debit card info & made an illegal purchase because I didn't order a 2nd copy.
I contacted Mr. Clayton Baxter & he replied that since his records show that I downloaded the software twice that he charged my debit card again for a second download. Despite Mr. Baxter's refusal to speak to me via phone, after numerous requests & my numerous attempts to reach him via phone. We ended communicating via e-mail since it was the only way.
I don't believe he considered the following: that the 1st download was corrupted or it failed, an error in his records/logs, why go through a 2nd lengthy download unless I had a problem with the 1st.if I wanted an additional copy I could have just duplicated the one already on my computer, the site doesn't say the customer will be charged per download, no prior contact/notice about charging my card a 2nd time to see if there was some discrepancy, also Amerisoftware nor skipjack.com (company that processes Amerisoftware's credit card transactions) did not have my authorization to charge my card a 2nd time. Amerisoftware didn't even give a serial # for the supposed 2nd download.
Very unfriendly business practice. If Mr. Baxter is so firm on his opinion that I downloaded a 2nd copy then why did he not give a 2nd serial#. He has been made aware of this but to date have not been refunded my money nor given a 2nd serial#. I assume that Mr. Baxter counts on people's 1st attempt at downloading the software to fail so that when the customer tries to download again to get a full or uncorrupted copy he can wait a few months to charge the customer per download.
Apparently, I'm not the only customer Amerisoftware or rather Mr. Baxter has negative experience with. See Carlos's complaint on this same site at http://www.badbusinessbureau.com/reports/ripoff96284.htm Also the phone numbers Amerisoftware has on there receipt or site are cell phone #s from US Cellular (940-632-9445) and Sprint (940-642-9445) in Wichita Falls, TXnot even a land line phone.
Finally, Amerisoftware.com has this posted We strive to please our customers, because without you, we wouldn't be here! I don't think so. My advicego to a more reputable business/site unless you want to be ripped off. If you do buy from Amerisoftware & you get ripped off then don't be surprised if Mr. Baxter refuses to answer his cellphones.
James
Bolingbrook, Illinois
U.S.A.
1 Updates & Rebuttals
Darren
Neenah,Wisconsin,
U.S.A.
Keep up the fire
#2Consumer Comment
Wed, August 25, 2004
James,
With the internet we are told that there will be so many more opportunities for the consumer to benefit.
This is a perfect example of it not working. Instead of charging for the number of downloads, I believe you are right. The license number is what is imporant.
Just as buying the disks, if you have a corrupted file from downloading or needing to reformat your hard drive and download the program again... whatever, you paid for the license.
Fraud and theft fears of the vendor would be a smoke screen and if someone argues that, then they are not being honest or truthful. Therefore, there really isn't a reason to charge you twice except that the vendor thinks he can get away with it!
If he wishes this paragigm of sales and delivery to work and for his business to succeed... then he really needs to be sure that his company is way above and beyond reproach. Otherwise either this method will fail or his particular attempt at using this method will fail.
Good luck,