About a decade ago I leased a copy machine (my 3rd over the years) with Decoursey Business Systems in KCMO. This was a standard type lease with a virtual $1.00 walk away at the end of the lease period. They, however, called it a Fair Market Value and told me the amount was negligible. I had never had a problem before and had no reason to not believe them. I paid for the lease - per my agreement. There were, however, early and continuing problems with monies charged for insurane on the machine. I had private insurance for everything in my office and repeatedly sent this to them with no response or remedy. I was busy - was angry - but decided to let it go. I knew, however, when the lease was up I would never do business with them again. Getting screwed a second time was not a viable option for me and my business. In time - Decoursey sold off the paper on my lease to a company in the Netherlands - DeLageLanden. They were merely a finance company & had no interest in copy machines. At the end of my lease I asked for termination - and was told that I could only do so once a year. This was not to be believed. I continued to pay an additional year - and also used the machine and tried to cancel at the time (minute) specified. When they would not cancel it the second time I parked the machine and rented (no more leases for me) a new - and better machine with a great company in KC. I have a fast machine that does everything through my computers (about a million copies in 5ish years) for half of what my lease was with Decoursey/DeLageLanden and maintenance is included in this fee. I have had this new machine for several years and am very very happy with service. In the meantime - DeLageLanden continues to charge me for the unit they won't take back. The unit has no value because it is obsolete and has been for several years. They pull figures out of their rear on a daily basis. Some days I owe them $1500 and other days (sometimes in the same day) I owe them 9, 000.

They have been harrassing me through lawyers and collections and have done this week after week for 3 years. When I contacted Decoursey several years ago to help with my problem - several people there took the atttitude that I was getting what I deserved because I didn't purchase a new unit with them. Gotta love this.

I currently have another company scamming me for money - Raintree Vacation Club - for an $1800 Special Fee on top of my current maintenance fee for new bedspreads and similar things that I already pay $1400 a year for in maintenance on a worthless ownership. I have decided to take both entitles on. De Lage actually called American Express but American Express told me what had occ. I still have my AmEX card (20 years) and have not forgotten. I know several local lawyers who have also had horrible experiences with De Lage Landen (not sure if they all started with DeCoursey) and I will retain one for my suit.