Fresh Direct double billed my checking account and has not resolved the problem. Below is the complaint I sent to them.

I placed my first order with FreshDirect on Saturday, May 8, 2011. This resulted in TWO, identical pre-authorization holds on my checking account in the amount of $89.92. (I understand the pre-auth hold process. Please be clear - this is a DUPLICATE hold.) As of today, Wednesday, May 11, FreshDirect has released only ONE of the pre-auth holds, replacing it with a debit for the actual cost of the order ($82.77). The DUPLICATE hold REMAINS.

When I contacted FreshDirect by phone on Sunday, I was told that there was a record of only one hold relating to my order. When I contacted my bank, I was told that both transactions originated with FreshDirect, and, unless converted from "pending" to an actual transaction, the hold will be released in "five business days" - i.e., a full week.

The loss of access to almost $90 of my own money for a week seems like a pretty good reason never to use FreshDirect again. Because there have been times in my life when loss of access such as this this could have meant a disconnected phone or utility shut-off, I will be posting this on various websites so that others may be aware of this risk.

I was very satisfied with the quality of my order and the delivery personnel were delightful. Until I realized I would run the risk of being flat broke for a week every time I order from you, this was a service I was planning on using regularly. I am very disappointed.