03-31-2008, 07:50 AM
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#166 (permalink)
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Thanks for the update, supergrine. Here's another outtake from the Better Business Bureau on Express Cameras: Quote:
Additional DBA Names
expresscamera.com
luckydigital8.com
clearviewcamera.com
hopecamera.com
trustedcamera.com
[...]
Advertising Review
On 09/28/04, the BBB challenged an ad on the company's web site identifying the business as a 5 Star Merchant. The company never substantiated the claim or responded to the BBB.
On 10/6/04, the BBB contacted the company regarding the layout and illustrations on its web site. The BBB asked the company to modify the site to accurately reflect the cost of merchandise and accessories sold separately, but the company did not respond to the BBB's request for revisions.
On 10/27/05, the BBB contacted the company regarding its advertisement of the Canon EOS 20D continental package. The web site says this package includes the following: a 1GB CompactFlash Card, a lithium type battery and a full US warranty. Upon calling the company to confirm her order, a customer was informed the lithium battery is "one time use," that the flash card "doesn't work very well in the camera" and that the warranty is only 3 months.
[...]
NEWARK, NJ. Nov. 30, 2006.
The Attorney General's Office and Division of Consumer Affairs have filed suit against an Edison-based electronics company for allegedly violating the state's Consumer Fraud Act and Advertising Regulations in its advertisement and sale of cameras and other electronic equipment.
The lawsuit, filed in Middlesex County Superior Court, alleges that Save Here Distribution, Inc., engaged in unconscionable commercial practices and made false promises and misrepresentations to consumers.
The company sells items through various web sites and toll-free telephone numbers. Sale items include cameras, televisions, VCRs and gaming consoles, among other things.
The state's complaint alleges that Save Here Distribution used bait and switch tactics, failed to deliver merchandise and misled consumers in the advertising and pricing of items. The specific allegations include:
Failing to sell merchandise at the price advertised on the company's web site;
Charging or attempting to separately charge for accessories or equipment that the Original Equipment Manufacturer included with the merchandise (for example, camera batteries and/or battery chargers);
Charging consumers inflated shipping and handling fees;
Failing to provide any price reduction for merchandise which appears to be on sale or reduced;
Failing to inform consumers at the time of purchase that some or all of the merchandise is out of stock; and
Refusing to permit consumers to cancel an order or merchandise upgrade prior to shipment.
The company allegedly used terms like Price Drop, List Price and/or Our Price on its web sites without providing any price reductions for the advertised merchandise.
Save Here Distribution has advertised and/or sold merchandise through the following web sites: expresscameras.com, geniuscameras.com, trustedcamera.com, trustedphoto.com, luckydigital8.com, clearviewcamera.com, bluestripephoto.com and hopecamera.com.
The state is seeking restitution for affected consumers, maximum civil penalties which currently provide for up to $10,000 for the initial violation of the Consumer Fraud Act and up to $20,000 for each subsequent violation, and reimbursement of the state's investigative costs and legal fees.
Deputy Attorney General Geoffrey R. Gersten is representing the state in this matter.
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