This would fall into the category of common sense, but it something that must be written. Largely in part because I didn’t go with my gut and made a risky purchase anyway.
When looking to buy my new television I went to the internet retailers. The prices were better than the big box stores and I was looking to maximize by TV purchasing dollars.
Now here’s the first cliche, if it seems to good to be true it probably is. When I saw the price offered I immediately thought it would be a refurbished unit instead of a new model that I wanted. No where on the page was it listed as refurbished. I refused to believe that it was a new unit. I consider myself a smart shopper and I called the company and asked if this was a refurbished unit. They said no, they also indicated if any models were refurbished it would be marked. OK, looking good. I made the order.
Then came the shipping lie. They use freight, not uncommon due to the size. I wasn’t home to receive. I didn’t warn the person taking delivery that if it says refurbished refuse. Well, guess what – it was refurbished.
Even though I was blatantly lied to, fell for it hook line and sinker (2nd cliche) I really wanted this TV, it was still a good price for a refurbished unit and I don’t really mind. I opened it up and it looked good. Relief.
Right out of the box it worked until the picture went out. Then it wouldn’t turn on consistently or at all. Very frustrating. Called said company, now they claim that it was refurbished all along. Not true. Mute issue now that I had opened it.
The second mistake was getting rid of the box too early, something I never do! Why this time!!!! Oh well, lesson learned keep the box until you are sure you don’t need to return it.
After I laid out my case for a partial refund or some type of warranty extension it was rudely refused. Fine they have to deal with this stuff all the time. That’s their way, they lost an avid buyer for life.
The kicker of this scam is this. And this is my theory. These units are sold by companies like this. When they do go sour and I have to imagine a lot of them do – they rely on the manufacturer to repair or replace the item.
Samsung, the manufacturer of the TV I purchased was fantastic. I was lucky and this was resolved by Samsung beyond my expectations.
I guess the final line is watch out for these types of companies that sell televisions like this. I don’t have a problem with refurbished if I know it will be. While I should have had more control over myself instead of needing to see the TV right away I could have returned the unit.
Bottom line (3rd cliche) my fault for keeping and trusting a company like this. Never again. Learn from my mistake!!! Really research where you are buying the TV from and when satisfied you will be taken care of go for it.
Anybody else have a horror story? For now let’s leave off the company name. I think eventually I’ll put together a list with company names and if they do this type of deal.
Hope this was helpful.
