Complaint Review: Royal Prestige

I was telephoned by several bride registrys after attending a bridal show. I was asked to attend a presentation for 90 minutes, and several prizes would be given for attendance.

My fiance' also attended this show with me held at the Breckinridge Inn in Louisville, KY. We arrived late missing the introduction. Another couple was there in attendance. We listened to the presentation and the false accusations made towards other cookware. At the end of the presentation, the price for the pots and pans was revealed at $2800 dollars. Todays special also included China, Cuttery, and the pots as a package deal.

We knew the price was ridiculous. The couple that attended was mother and daughter with each purchasing a set of pots totalling $5000 dollars. I informed the salesman, Tom Nichols ,and his wife we do not use credit we prefer to pay in cash. He dropped the price to $1190, and I told him we were not interested. He then pulled out another card with lower prices of $549.00. This was more in our price range. I was allowed to choose a griddle, omelet pan, and two pots. I was told shipping and handling would be covered along with the sales tax. I was rushed to the table and asked to complete the contract. I wrote the check for the full amount being informed a rush delivery would be requested. I went home and reviewed the contract, and the company on the internet.

I was flabergasted to find out the company had multiple complaints against them for failure to release consumers from contracts. I was also given a free trip to South America, one in the U.S., free vouchers for $500 worth of merchandise, and a handwritten trip to Jamaica at The Wyndham Resort for six days and five nights with MR. Nichols commenting this was bribery. The more I read on the company, I began to replay the presentation and the events over in my head realizing this was a scam. After going on line and attempting to utilize the $500 for free merchandise, and being charged $150.00 shipping and handlng I realized this was a crooked company.

I returned the next day on Sunday to request that my order be cancelled, but Mrs. Nichols who was preparing for the next presentation stated she would take care of everything in cancelling the order and not sending the check through, then later recanted, stating she did not have authority to cancel my order only the company in New York could do so. I asked her to sign and date my letter stating she recieved written confirmation that I wanted to stop placement on the order. She replied, "It doesn't matter, as I can't stop anything."I placed a stop payment on my check, tried to return several calls to the numbers that had previously called me early in the week about the shows, the numbers no longer worked. The number provided locally had no answer nor the 800 number in New York. I called Todays Brides inquired if another number was listed for the company, in which I was furnished an extension to Darlene.

I was told to call back at 9:30 am, as that was the time she arrived to work. I was able to speak to Darlene about my desire to cancel. She took my name and information and said she was glad that I called and she would not put the check through. She informed me I had three buisness days to submit in writing, faxes were not accepted. I carefully reviewed the contract pertaining to cancellation.The contract suggested all cancellations should be in writing along with the dated contract of expiration by telegram or mail.I went to Western Union to send the telegram, being informed that Western Union does not offer telegram service, nor did they know any company to send telegrams by. I became panicky. I then went to the post office and sent my letter and contract next day air certified mail.

I contacted my bank to see if any information could be used from my check to access my account, and I was informed the company could hold the check for six months, and then resubmitt it for payment,also the routing numbers can be used to illegally charge items from that account. It was strongly recommended that the account is closed, if the company refuses to send me back my paper check. I am currently awaiting delivery confirmation of my receipt for my letter at this time. I am extremely concerned, as the company may refuse to sign for it putting me over the third buisness day dead line to cancel this contract. I think the shows are staged and they prey on innocent couples who are marrying. There is no recourse for the consumer. I have took the liberty to document my phone converstations and events for record. I pray this nightmare is over. PLEASE BE VERY CAUTIOUS IN REVIEWING THE CONTRACT AND READING THE FINE PRINT. DO NOT LEAVE ANY ITEM BLANK AS ADDITIONAL INFORMATION MAY BE ADDED.IF THESE SALES PEOPLE CAN MAKE $5000 DOLLARS IN SELLING TWO SETS OF POTS AND PANS WHAT MAKES YOU THINK THEY WILL NOT MANIPULATE ANYONE INTO A PURCHASE
HOLDING THE CONSUMER TO THE CONTRACT.APPARENTLY THE SALES PERSON IS THE MIDDLE MAN, AND THE ONLY AUTHORITY BASE TO CANCEL IS THE HEADQUARTERS COMPANY IN NEW YORK.



Attendee from the presentation held in Louisville, KY on 8/2/04 at 2200 Breckinridge Lane. Oh yeah, he made the comment that they hold these shows all the time, how do we like the new carpet put into the room, yesterday.

Tara
Louisville, Kentucky
U.S.A.

Click here to read other Rip Off Reports on Royal Prestige