Complaint Review: PowerShotDigital.com - Internet

I decided to purchase a camera that Consumer Reports recommended. After much research, I decided to go online and compare prices. I decided to go with Power Shot Digital.com since they had the cheapest price and had a Father's Day sale and free shipping. The camera would come with a free camera bag,cleaning kit,tripod and card reader. I thought it was one of those good to be true deals. If it's too good to be true, then it must be. Well I learned the hard way.

I placed my order June 21st, received an email asking to call to verify my order and to call 229-299-8999 ext 1 and speak to Jerry since he would be handling my order. Sound familiar anyone? I was trying to be upsold. Jerry sold me a battery and charger "at a special" price because the camera didn't come with one. I thought that was strange. Since I need the battery and charger I agreed but something in my gut told me this wasn't right. He said it would be 59.99. The camera was 569.00. When I looked at my credit card bill, I was charged a total 698.95 on June 23rd. It was a lot more than I anticipated but I figured I would wait until I got my camera and look at the charges and then dispute them. Huge mistake. I factored in the 4th of July holiday weekend.

I finally called them July 6th asking for the status of my order. They said it was already shipped out and that I would receive it Friday which I did not receive. I then called them on July 13 wanting to cancel my order but they did not give me the opportunity to do so because it was already shipped out. I was told I would be given a call back in half an hour and be given a tracking number. In my mind I thought if it was already shipped out, then there should already be given a tracking number. Instead the company sent me an email that afternoon stating that I would receive my camera July 18 and that it shipped out on July 14 from New York. The company was trying to buy some time by lying to me so that way I had no way of cancelling the order.

I finally receive my camera July 18 and lookEd at the invoice. It has no address of the company and that there was a bundle package charge of 698.95. I opened the camera to ensure everything was there. I read the manual and it stated that the standard items that come with the camera was a lens cover, battery,charger,camera strap and 2 other items. I called the company back because the box should of came with a CD which it did not. When I called to inquire about the CD I was asked to contact Panasonic directly. I did. They stated there should of been a CD in the box and that the battery and charger come standard with the camera. I contacted PowerShotDigital again and was told that the camera did not come with the battery or charger. I said it stated in the manual that it did. The guy argued with me and said that it comes with one that was off the market and he indeed gave me a good price. What good price? He charged me 59.99 for the charger and another 59.99 for the battery. I said I should of been given the option if I wanted to upgrade"to a better" battery and charger or stick with an off the market one. This option was not given to me. He asked if I wanted a refund. I said yes.

After researching scams on the internet, guess who popped up? You guessed it PowerShotDigital.com. I was told I would be sent a form to fill out and return the items. I received the email today from PowerShotDigital.com and basically said I had 24 hours to fax the form if not it would not be accepted. It took them 3 weeks to send me my items and they want me to take care of this in 24 hours? You have to be kidding me. I was then told I would be charged a restocking fee of 15% plus 14.99 for shipping. The email also stated that I can not dispute the 15% with my credit card and once they receive the fax that I need to call and get the address where I need to send back the camera? Are you serious? All of this seems too much hassle and shady. Why do I need to speak with them again for the 20th time and their poor customer service? I immediately contacted my credit card company, disputing all charges. I explained everything to CitiBank and agreed with me. They asked me not to contact the company any further and that they would handle it. I did email PowerShotDigital.com asking them for their address so I can send them back their camera. I want nothing to do with them and that I would be contacing the BBB and Consmer Affairs regarding their fraudulent business. I had to learn the hard way. I hope people read this and steer clear from this company. They are very dishonest and will do anything to try to get your hard working money one way or another. Pay a little more and go with a reputable company!