Mistake was taking salesman's word

By NANCY PARADIS

© St. Petersburg Times, published May 5, 2000

In June 1997, I leased a 1997 Nissan Altima. My father and I signed an initial Nissan contract with the agreed-upon term of 36 months. Before we signed, we read the contract front to back to make sure things were correct. When we returned to pick up the vehicle, the sales manager we had been dealing with said Nissan would not okay the deal, but a subsidiary of a bank would. When we sat down to sign the contract, the salesman said there was no need to read it, the contract was exactly the same except for a $2 increase in the monthly payment, so we initialed and signed the contract. I now had two contracts in my possession.

I had no need to pull out the contracts until 1999, when I discovered the term on the contract that was in force was 48 months, not 36 months as was stated on the Nissan contract. I contacted the finance company and it confirmed that the contract was for 48 months and that I needed to go to the dealer to make any changes.

I went to the dealer and talked to a sales manager. He said there was nothing he could do other than give me higher payments on a new Altima. We have made contact with higher-ranking employees, and they will not help either. Another problem is that the extended warranty coverage I purchased for 45,000 miles expires in June, when the 36 months are up. I have paid every month on this vehicle and feel that I have done what I was supposed to do. If there is any way you can help I would appreciate it. Melissa Shannon

Response: We cannot help you break a contract. In hindsight, it is a pity that you took the salesman's word that the contracts were the same and did not read over the second one. Perhaps you should consider consulting an attorney. We're sorry we couldn't help.

Trust in receipts

I'm writing to you so you can inform your readers what not to do when you trust someone to sell your valuables on consignment. Last year I saw an ad in my local neighborhood paper for a bicycle shop. Since I was looking for a new bike that would accommodate a baby seat, I called and asked the owner if he would take my racing bike on consignment. He said sure, bring it in.

I took in my old bike and purchased a new one, which took three months to get because the baby seat was on back order. During those three months of waiting, I guess I was in his shop about 10 times in all. The old bike had not yet been sold. He had my name and number and was to call me when he had a buyer for it.

In April, I went to pick up my old bike because I hadn't heard anything from him. I hadn't been in the store for a few months, and, when I walked in, he acted as if he didn't know who I was. When I told him I was checking on my bike, he asked if I had a receipt. I didn't, and that was my big mistake. He had taken my name and number, and I didn't think to get a receipt. I trusted him. After a very rude exchange, he basically said "no receipt, no bike."

Please tell others not to do what I did, trust someone with something of value without getting a receipt. Gretchen Cotter

Response: We couldn't have said it better. Thanks for the reminder.

Finding a repairman

I am in need of several home repairs but do not know whom to call, since repairmen will not come for small jobs. As a senior citizen, it is difficult, and I was ripped off by workers up north. What can I do? Do you have list of handymen you could send me? Mabel Boyle

Response: We are not able to recommend any specific individual or business. We can tell you, however, that the best recommendation is generally word of mouth. Check with your neighbors, friends and relatives. Ask for references. Get estimates in writing. Check with your consumer protection agency to find out whether it has received complaints against any individuals or companies you are considering. Finally, we urge you to be wary of hiring people who solicit business by coming to your door.

Action solves problems and gets answers for you. If you have a question, or your own attempts to resolve a consumer complaint have failed, write Times Action, P.O. Box 1121, St. Petersburg, FL 33731, or call your Action number, 893-8171, or, outside of Pinellas, (800) 333-7505, ext. 8171, to leave a recorded request.

We may require additional information or prefer to reply by mail; therefore, readers must provide a full mailing address, including ZIP code. Names of letter writers will not be omitted except in unusual circumstances. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

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