1/5

posted Feb-24-2009

Easily the worst online retailer I've ever had the displeasure of dealing with. Their site is filled with deceptive copy and misleading prices. As someone who runs an online retailer himself, I can vouch for the fact that Top Choice Digital employs an impressive set of horrible service practices.

They charged my credit card an additional $79.99 in handling fees -- on an item they prominently promoted as having "Free Shipping" -- without my consent although this amount was NOT reflected in my checkout total.

When I called to find out about the mystery charge, they had the audacity to put me on hold for 15 minutes only to hang up on me after a curt reply. This, incidentally, for an item with a nearly $1,500 price tag.

Understandably, I decided to take my business elsewhere. Getting them to cancel my order was like pulling teeth. After speaking briefly with a customer service rep at an outsourced call center, I was placed on hold while the call was transferred to their "cancellation department." Needless to say, after 15 minutes, no one had answered the phone.

But they now knew my account number, so when I called back, they immediately placed me on hold. I had to call back about six times, and the only way I avoided the immediate hold button was by pleading to not be placed on hold.

The rep who FINALLY refunded my order was downright hostile and insulting, and kept trying to change the subject away from the cancellation. When I explained that the company was infamous on the net for this sort of bait and switch, he claimed ignorance. Needless to say, my suggestion that he simply Google "Top Choice Digital" to see what I was talking about was not warmly received.

They also phoned both myself and my spouse at 8:00 am on the dot to try to upsell us on various accessories the day after our order placement. I had read about this practice of theirs prior to my purchase, but despite my protests that I did not need further accessories, the salesman brusquely continued offering item after unwanted item.

An awful experience from start to finish. I'll be surprised if they refund my order without my bank's intervention.

Don't make the same mistake I did--heed the overwhelming sentiment here and stay away from topchoicedigital.com. You're better off spending $50 more (although the price will be the same after they leverage their hidden fees) and buying goods from a reputable retailer who gives you bonafide manufacturer's warranties and cares about their customers.

It has also come to my attention (thanks to an investigation of the company's caller ID number), that this scam is perpetuated under a variety of names, including Wild Digital and Broadway Photo.


UPDATE: Another bad sign -- the only way to get them to talk to you is by posting an honest review here.
Today I received an email from a customer service rep stating "If you are willing to remove your negative complaint and instead post a positive one I am willing to ship the camera which you initially ordered at $1356.50 for a reduced cost price of $1275.00. That price would be final without any hidden charges."

Nice of them to acknowledge, in writing, their practice of including hidden charges, huh? And all I have to do is remove my review and replace it with a glowing one so that their next victim doesn't have the heads-up?

They can keep their special offer without "hidden charges," I'm taking my business elsewhere permanently. Now if they would like to stop harassing my wife and I with phone calls, I would take that as a peace offering.

"Broadway Photo" link: http://800notes.com/Phone.aspx/1-800-000-0005

"Wild Digital" link: http://www.epinions.com/pr-Online_Stores_Services-Wild_Digital

This review was modified by The-Truth on February 25 2009 10:52:37 AM

comment on review | report?

Is this review?… Helpful (1) Cool Share