James
Spokane,#2Consumer Comment
Tue, October 19, 2004
This approach was a common place in the 80's with the "by mail" music and book clubs. It is an unfortunate situation that can take a while to resolve. I myself was caught by a couple companies and will never do a "club/membership" purchase again. 1) Always log EVERYTHING. Dates, phone number called, time, how many times you called, who you talked to, and what your request was. Keep this in a file. If you have a computer, keep an electronic file as well as paper copy. This will help if it ever needs to go to court. 2) Do not pay for more that what you originally agreed to. Send back anything beyond that, even if you think you want it. Anthing you keep will be an acceptance of their billing. Good policy...If you did not order it, SEND IT BACK. 3) Keep a copy of everything. All correspondence too and from the company. CC (carbon copy) a copy to a trusted individual, lawyer, or reporting agency and make sure to add the CC line to all letters that you send. (i.e. CC: Mike Sueyourpantsoff, Attorney at Law, SueYoPantsOff Law Offices,OH 51515) 4) Remember, if you call someone and cancel membership, send all billings back with CANCELLED and the date and time of cancellation written on them. Employee number and name of who you talked too, as well. Again, keep copies. 5) Never rely on just one form of contact. If you call, send email and a letter. They cannot deny it if you have sent them all and remember that all emails are trackable. 6) Having worked as Paralegal Admin Assistant for the Army, the key to letters send by "snail-mail" is to SEND THEM RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED so they cannot say they did not get them. Certified and RRR mail are signed for. For emails, always click the "keep copy of sent items" and "read receipt" if you have the options with your email provider or program. Most companies when faced with this realize they will spend more money trying to collect that $50-100 and will resolve the issue quickly. I hope this helps. My deepest sympathies for the hell the original poster, and anyone else caught by this, is facing with this.