Complaint Review: Magnetic Ideas

I purchased two magnetic matress pads from Magnetic Ideas on 8/15/02. I purchase one of the mattress pads ith a $100 discount to waive the "No Risk 6 Month Offer" since I knew that I would definitely keep one. The cost for the one mattress pad was with the "No Risk 6 Month Offer" for $1098.00 was for my parents.

The gave me a piece of paper telling me what I had to do "If not completely satisfied after the 180-day period, call customer service at 1-866-663-0027 to obtain a return authorization number for a 100% refund. You have a 14-day window from the 180-day period to call customer service for your refund. Products must be returned to Magnetic Ideas, Inc. The customer is responsibe for any return shipping costs."

My parents were not pleased with the mattress pad and based on the company's unconditional guarantee, they wanted to return it. However, when I called, their representative told me that I had to wait for the 6-month time frame and then return it. On February 26, 2003, I spoke to Daniel and he told me to call back in March. On march 7, 2003 I called and left a message; no one returned my phone call. I called again on Mar4ch 11, 2003 and spoke to Teresa who said that she would call me back with an authorization number. Again no one returned my calls and therefore, I called repeatedly on March 12, 2003 and March 13, 2003. I finally received an authorization number from the company and shipped out the king size matress pad on March 17, 2003. I shipped it via UPS which UPS's tracing system said Magnetic Ideas received the mattress padon March 17, 2003 signed by "Williams".

I waited and got no refund. Again I called and got no answers. On June 10, 2003 I received a letter stating that the company was experiencing a financial crunch and the needed some breathing room of approximately 30+ days. Again I waited and called the company during the months of July and August 2003. When I finally spoke to a customer representative disclosed that the company plans to file for bankruptcy and therefore, will not refund my money.

I am appalled that after all the run around, this company not only has my money $1098 in their possession, but also the mattress pad.

Magnetic Ideas, Inc.l has duped and defrauded us. Over the course of several months, I have trired to resolve this matter amicably but my efforts have proved to be in vain.

We even called WTOP's "Call for Action". Operator #9 said that he would contact the company. He called back and sid that the company agreed to pay the money in October 2003.

We never got any money and called WTOP back. They called again, but only got a busy signal on the line.

Can anyone help me on how to take this to the next leve.

Jeff
Frederick, Maryland
U.S.A.