By NANCY PARADIS, Times Staff Writer
Published October 28, 2005
I purchased a dining room table and china cabinet from Rooms To Go in April, with no interest for the first six months, beginning with the first billing after I received both pieces. I was told the table would be available in May and the china cabinet at the end of June. After the table was delivered, I received the first bill. This should not have been sent because I had yet to get the china cabinet. As a result, this first bill started the interest-free period a month early.
The cabinet, comprising a hutch and buffet, was delivered June 30. It had scratches and dents. Since then, I have had three other other cabinets delivered, all damaged. In the interim, I received no further bills, so I called the store. I was told the subsequent bill was sent to my old address and returned. I was asked if the store had my correct address. I said apparently so, since it was managing to deliver the goods. The following week I received a bill with a late fee of $35. I sent in a payment, only to receive a phone call at work stating I was late on my payment and my account had been sent to collections.
On the fourth delivery, even the delivery guys noticed the damage, and I refused the exchange. If Rooms To Go wants to continue to send me "scratch and dent" furniture, then I will pay "scratch and dent" prices and keep the piece I have. It sells for $250 in the outlet versus the $1,500 on which I am still making payments. At this point I refuse to pay full price anyway, because of the aggravation, my husband's loss of work waiting for deliveries and the poor customer service.
- Carol King Worley
Lourdes Campos, corporate troubleshooter for Rooms To Go in Seffner, said the company is concerned about the issues you raise and will research and review the events with the appropriate departments to ensure that future customers do not experience similar problems. According to her, an undamaged hutch and buffet have now been delivered to you and you have expressed your satisfaction with them.
As a gesture of appreciation for your time and patience, Campos said the store is issuing a $100 refund, which should appear on your statement within two billing cycles.
Missing order less than soothing
I ordered a bottle of Soothanol, an arthritis remedy that works for me, from NorthStar Nutritionals in Frederick, Md., on Aug. 12 for $34.90. I haven't received my order and my check has not been cashed. Can you help?
- C. Stefaniak
We found NorthStar Nutritional on the Internet and called to find out whether your order had been received. It hadn't.
Tara, the customer service representative who checked on this, said she would call you to let you know. If the idea that your check is lost in the mail makes you unduly nervous, you can always stop payment on it. For future reference, the company's toll-free number is 1-800-311-1950.
Filched bags shortchange charity
On Sept. 2, I placed two large garbage bags of new and used clothing and accessories by the curb for pickup by a charity. I had labeled both bags with the charity's name. These bags were placed on our driveway apron around 9 a.m., as instructed.
We returned home around 2 p.m. to find both packages gone. About 3 p.m., the charity's truck arrived, and we learned that it had not picked up the bags earlier. When questioned, a neighbor said a private garbage collection truck had come down to the end of our street and taken our bags as well as other donations from further up the street.
I contacted the garbage collection service and was told it could have been any truck. My response was that a neighbor had clearly seen the truck. I told the company to send a check for at least $50 to the charity. In spite of two more phone calls, the company has failed to do so. Both the company and the charity have reported that these kinds of pickup errors are an ongoing problem.
I would appreciate it if you could persuade the company to send the charity a check for $50. Above all, tell your readers not to place donation bags anywhere near the street or curb; rather, take them to the dropoff points for the charities.
- Sophia Nichiporuk
Unfortunately, we can't help you with your first request, and you've done a fine job yourself with the second. Readers, take note.
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