🚀 go-pugleaf

http://comet.earthserv.com
Check out the above for more info.

I'm interested in hearing of similar experiences before I write a serious
letter of complaint.

Bought a nice WS/TV at Comet, went to pay with plastic whereby I was asked
if I wanted a store/finance card by which to acquire it credit instead.
Please Note: Being the 24th March I already had 5 weeks credit on my credit
card. This was in my hand at the time.

I declined because I'm the kind of bod who always settles the credit card
bill at the end of every month and doesn't purchase anything unless the
money's in the bank (mortgage the only exception). Don't believe in paying
for time and like to keep it all tidy on one bill.
I explained I already had 5 weeks credit in my hand - ah but this was more
credit again it was argued.

The words "6 months interest free credit" weakened my resolve and changed
the habit of a lifetime, I was lead into an office where a member of staff
extracted my financial details and had me sign the forms with the words "6
months interest free credit" still echoing in my head. But apparently not
mentioned anywhere in the paperwork, which I was not asked to read before
signing and so trusted the situation.

I received my first statement from the finance company - which showed
interest had been charged. I rang the store and was told that this was
normal and that the interest paid would be deducted from a final settlement
occuring within the six month period. Sigh of relief.

Never comfortable with the situation, on receipt of my 4th statement I
called to pay off all the outstanding amount. Interest WAS charged and the
finance company claimed no awareness of any interest free terms.
I rang the store and asked what was going on, who now told me the same.
The paperwork I had signed made no mention of any interest free terms.
They do offer these terms on some items but not the goods that I had
purchased.
I suggested then that it was a mistake on their staffs' part, I refer now to
my first paragraph and my endeavours to avoid this type of deal.
The attitude from thereon was "You should have read what you signed" not
"You can take trust in what our staff tell you". Suggesting that a term of 6
weeks may have been mentioned but not 6 months.
I explained my adversity to store finance/cards and my preference/attempt to
pay by credit card that would have allowed me 5 weeks credit anyway. 6 weeks
being NO incentive whatsoever. Nothing wrong with my hearing either. But -
'no chance kiddo, we got your signature and that's all that matters'.

It is my word against theirs obviously, but I know that I remember the
situation well as I was in a cautious frame of mind throughout and not too
comfortable with it. I remember how busy they were and how I had to walk
around to find and wait for a busy salesperson.
Their sales staff talk to hundreds of people a day, discussing thousands of
different goods and selections. I can see room for confusion occurring,
especially on a busy shopping day as it was, and I suggested this to them.
No chance, I was told.
The customer is apparently always wrong at Comet.

Most of all though - their attitude absolutely stunk.
The manager, a David Neil was dismissive and avoided offering any assistance
as to a complaints procedure. His superior was 'uncontactable' and he would
suggest nothing other than that I was wasting his time and mine. He could
not explain the implications of the paperwork I had signed even though he
had a copy in front of him. Roughly translated as - the store manager can't
understand what the hell his customers are signing either!

The bill has been settled interest and all, a bill that I would have payed
in full immediately and without penalty but for the misleading information
and false pretences.

They had their chance though, I suggested that in the interest of goodwill
they could waiver the amount of the interest as I was certain it was a
mistake on their part that cost me, their customer, this money.
The last laugh is on Comet, every time I walk right past their door to line
the pockets of their competition.

Please approach these situations with
caution!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Any responses, please also send privately if you wish for a reply.