🚀 go-pugleaf

I've got a long list of problems with MacMall orders over the last three
months, some of which persist to this day. But I'll spare you that in lieu
of a juicier piece of information on my now-least favorite mail order
company.

Along with my new Power Mac 7500 I ordered the NEC XV17 monitor which has
been listed in their catalogs at $799 for months. I received a defective
monitor (which I then had to pay shipping for to return), and while on
hold with tech support, the incessant advertisements happened to mention
what a great deal their *$729* NEC XV17 monitor was. I mentioned it to the
person I spoke with, and they confirmed the price and said it had "just
been lowered." Now here's the funny part. When I called a week before to
check prices, I initially didn't mention I had a catalog and was quoted
the $729 price - but alas, I was told, it was out of stock. When I called
an hour later to order, I mentioned the catalog and was quoted the $799
price - and lo and behold, it was IN STOCK! I didn't quibble since I
wanted the computer. Well, as I mentioned, every catalog before and since
lists the same higher price.

You know, now that I'm venting, I think I would like to share briefly my
other complaints. Besides being charged for FedEx shipping on a 45lb.
monitor return, the monitor arrived without an adapter. Tech support could
not locate one, either. Thankfully, NEC flew one in next day air. I have
received incorrect software shipments, some items missing, others
unordered items included. On a software bundle in which the pieces were
shipped separately, the total cost on three invoices exceeded
significantly the catalog bundle price. Finally, one item I've been
calling about for two months now is advertised with a $20 rebate and a
free CD-ROM, neither of which has ever appeared. I have likewise been
told, "I'll call you back." Interestingly, every invoice I receive from
them has a note at the bottom stating, "Called customer/No answer." It
always seemed strange since I'm a graduate student and home a lot that
neither I nor my answering machine (which seems to answer everyone else)
has ever been able to catch them.

Boy, that does feel a little better. Thanks for letting me go. I'm glad
that others have found MacMall to be reputable. I, however, will not be
ordering from them again.

Ken Dunstone
dunstone@nwu.edu