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From: arl@mb2c.UUCP (Arlan R. Levitan)
Newsgroups: net.micro.pc
Subject: Re: Micro Mart flame/warning
Message-ID: <259@mb2c.UUCP>
Date: Sat, 21-Jul-84 21:02:43 EDT
Article-I.D.: mb2c.259
Posted: Sat Jul 21 21:02:43 1984
Date-Received: Mon, 23-Jul-84 06:33:15 EDT
References: cbosgd.148
Lines: 23

I too had a recent run in with Micro-Mart. I ordered a PTI Dtashield PC-100
battery back-up power supply from them about two months ago. Imagine my dismay
when I received a TrippLite power supply instead, especially in light of the
fact that the invoice which was enclosed specifically listed the former brand.
I called their sales department and was told that somebody in shipping had
goofed and was connected with another party who would "straighten out" the
problem. The person I was shunted to told me that the TrippLite was really 
a much better product and in fact, MicroMart didn't carry the Datashield any
more because of a high number of defective units. He exerted a great deal of
pressure, which less flint-hearted customers would have relented under, that I
should keep the TrippLite. I immediately demanded to speak to someone in
authority and was connected to the "Vice President of Sales" (probably the
owner's brother-in-law). I told him that I wanted my money back or a Datashield.He said they would order me a Datshield if I insisted but that it would take
at least a month to get and that I would have to pay return shipping for the
TrippLite unit which I had never ordered. He once again offred the opinion
that I should keep the TrippLite. At that point I told him that what he was 
doing was a "bait-and-switch" and was decidedly illegal. After threatening to
write the FTC, he backed down and offered me a credit but insisted that I
pay for shipping the TrippLite back. "We'll take your cost off of your next
order" he magnamimously offered". I returned the unit and ate the nine bucks
return shipping. Needless to say I have no intention of placing a "next
order" with these bozos again. This is one of the few mail-order firms I have
ever had a hassle with. STEER CLEAR OF MICRO-MART.