Complaint Review: THE DIGITAL PROS - Internet

This will add to initial report filed revealing bait and switch tactics of THE DIGITALPROS.COM aka MORE FOR LESS DIGITAL.  (They operate uner at least two names and appear to have a Florida operation as well.)

If you are among the trusting but unwary who bought from this Brooklyn-based internet operation, or if you are considering a purchase, be advised of the tactics used to up-sell, which are actually rather basic.  First, after placing the online order, expect a call to say, even if you didn't, that you gave an incorrect ZIP code or CC number or address. Then, the up-sell begins.  If, for example, it relates to a camera that uses standard AA or AAA batteries, you will be told that camera companies no longer sell cameras with such batteries.  And you will be told in no uncertain terms that your MUST also buy a special battery pack for, of course, a "bargain price," or maybe its's for a card or another accessory.  

DO NOT expect to receive an email purchase confirmation.  After 2 calls to 2 rude men, each promising an email confirmation, none came.  (Remember, they need to avoid you.) In the case of this writer who believed their claims that a digital camera will not operate on standard alkaline batteries and who called to complain when the truth was learned, this is what happened. Remember, they will do all possible to avoid cstomer contact, beginning with NO telephone and NO email and NO web address, and NO return address shown on the invoice. This means NO WAY to reach "customer service, "or should it be called customer AVOIDANCE?  It's difficult to locate but they do have a telephone contact. Repeatedly call 1-888-334-9215, although the phone prompt will NOT identify a company name.  Stay with it, although returning merchandise including the bogus up-sell's will then present a major challenge. 

Returning could cost you plenty.  Start with a "restocking fee" of 15%.  Dissatisfied with the purchase and calling for a mandatory RMA number to return? Be prpepared for very long hold times, because avoiding you is part of the plan. Overcome some of this by going directly to the sales prompt for one of the extremely rude men (this is a shoestring operation folks) who may or may not comply with your return request and RMA request.  But hurry, you have only seven days to return from date of delivery.  But there is more than only a single restocking fees.  As another way to hide profit, refused or returned items without full address details are subject to a whopping 20% plus $15 restocking fee of the original purchase price.  (In the case of this buyer, and after examining the contents of the box, there is doubt that the camera was new and not used.)

Even worse, and as another way to hide from the customer, don't expect a cost breakdown on the invoice.  The indicated tax, insurance and handling fees are bundled and are included as art of the bottom line total cost.  You get only the grand total and nothing is separated.  By itself, this may be a violation of New York State tax reporting regulatioins.  Attorney General take note:  This outfit not only gives Brooklyn a bad name (or maybe an even worse reputation), it may not even be legal.  This is only a statement of opinion and not a fact, so the buyer can conclude accordingly.

Finally, and this is as important as what came before.  You the fleeced customer have power.  File an online complaint with BBB of Metropolitan New York They give this basement-based bunch a big F and that stands for FAILURE.

If you are vistimized by these very bad boys, complaining to the New York BBB is essential and it is easy to do.  Then, file a further complaint with the New York Attorney General.  This outfit will not voluntarily change unless enough consumers complain loudly and often.