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Joseph Elder
February 8, 2011
Deceptive business practices
I received a Sigma camera flash for Christmas. I had asked for the Canon flash recommended by my camera manufacturer. My dad ordered the Canon from accessorycircut.com as it offered a low price. He received a phone call the next day and was told the flash was on back-order for 3-5 weeks. The salesman told my dad that he had a Sigma flash of superior quality for about the same price (actually $80 more). My dad ordered the Sigma instead. I received the gift on Dec. 27 and immediately called Canon to check the Sigma flash's compatibility. Canon could not guarantee that the falsh would work. I decided to return the Sigma and order the Canon. I phoned accessorycircut.com and spoke with "Robert." I explained the situation. He said that he was a professional photographer and knew flashes very well, assuring me the Sigma was a better flash than the Canon. He asked me if I had tried the Sigma with my camera. I hadn't as I was out of town visiting my family and my camera was home in Colorado. He said to go home, try the Sigma and if I didn't like it, I could return it. Not quite satisfied, I continued to check online and all the reviews noted compatibility issues with the Sigma and my camera. Thus, I emailed accessorycircut.com and asked for a return authorization for the Sigma. I was instructed to call "Steve." I called the number and “Robert” again answered the phone. I asked for "Steve." This time he identified himself as “Steve, ” but it was obviously the same person I had spoken with before. He again tried to talk me out of returning the Sigma, but I wanted the Canon. He said to re-order the Canon through the website. I asked for a return authorization for the Sigma flash. He told me to just write down the order number for the Sigma and send it back with the flash. He then again tried to talk me into keeping the Sigma. Finally, he said I could hold onto the Sigma, go home, and try it with my camera and when the Canon flash came, if I liked it better, I could keep the Sigma or return it and keep the Canon. He was insistent and I reluctantly agreed. After 5 weeks, I had not received the Canon flash. I emailed customer service and was again told to call "Steve." He said the item was still on back order, 3 more weeks! Suspicious, I began to check the company out online. Lots of complaints! I called back and canceled the Canon order. I said I would be returning the Sigma as well. He asked for the order number, which I gave him. He said the Sigma was purchased too long ago and wouldn't be refunded. I reminded him of what I had been told previously. He replied that the manager is not here. Angry, I said I was returning the Sigma and wanted my money back. He said, "Go ahead and send it. No one's gonna give you your money back." At that point I hung up. I now realize how foolish I was to continue to do business with this company. I filled out a report with the BBB today.
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