Dear Consumer Action:
We are getting the runaround from a furniture store. We recently purchased a wall recliner for about $850, and when it was delivered, we discovered it made a loud noise that we found unacceptable.
At the store we were told verbally, and in writing, that we could return the item for a refund for any reason within three days of delivery. We called about an hour after delivery to arrange a refund but were told to try having a technician repair it first.
The technician arrived a week later, inspected the chair, and said there was nothing he could do - the noise was part of the chair's design.
Now the store says we can't return the chair. - W.S., Ocean City
The store manager said he will allow you to select another chair, and will take the one back that you find too loud, if you contact him soon to arrange it.
If you feel strongly you only want a refund, you can try your luck in Small Claims Court. In your favor is the store's written policy and the fact that you called within an hour of delivery to complain about the noise. In the store's favor is your agreeing to wait a week for a technician, which took you outside the return period.
Consumers should follow return policies carefully. If a store says you have three days to return an item, do not agree to wait longer than that for a repair attempt.
In fact, it is best to examine furniture carefully upon delivery and refuse to accept anything that does not meet expectations.
Free movie
Dear Consumer Action:
Sometime in September 2008, I received an e-mail from my television service provider, giving me a coupon for one free on-demand movie.
I printed the certificate, ordered the movie and sent the certificate to the company. I was charged for the movie and never credited for the coupon.
It's only $4.99, but I may not be the only one to whom this has happened. - D.M., Vineland
A spokesman for the company has credited your account for the free movie.
He said the on-demand coupons should be included with the bill payment. However, the instructions with the coupon did not make that clear. They gave an address to which to send it independently.
He recommended calling customer service to have the coupon applied to the account, if it is not mailed in with the bill.
Homestead Rebate - Senior Freeze
Gov. Jon S. Corzine has announced that the deadlines for filing 2008 Homestead Rebate and Senior Freeze (Property Tax Reimbursement) applications have been extended to Nov. 2.
For a related link, click on this story at
Consumer Action will respond to each properly submitted letter about a problem or question, either in this column or by letter or phone. Letters must include copies - not originals - of all relevant documentation and a name, address and phone number at which you can be reached. Send letters to: Consumer Action, The Press, 11 Devins Lane, Pleasantville, NJ 08232.
Related link
For more information, see:
www.state.nj.us/governor/news/news/2009/approved/20090813a.html
