Most of us check around to get the lowest prices for things, as I did recently looking for the new software Adobe Photo Elements 5.0. If there's a small difference, I'll still choose a known internet supplier. I bought my copy from Amazon, not at the lowest price advertised 2 days later, but that's not really a big deal. I think mine was $69 less a $20 upgrade = $49. After I had bought one, I noticed that the $20 upgrade coupon was in the box and the "proof" was on the box flap.
Searching around a week or so later, I found that Software Surplus had the program advertised at $49.95. Thinking this would net $29.95, I ordered two more copies so that I could put them in Christmas stockings for Tami and Rob.
Lesson 1: don't assume the coupon is everywhere. ASK. There wasn't one. Nor was there a Getting Started Guide.
The software arrived in a timely fashion, days before Christmas. When I opened the bubble envelope (didn't really think or remember at the time that my one copy from amazon came in a box) out fell two circuit board strips. Hmmm, that's odd. Then I shook out 2 CDs of the software, each in a sealed envelope, but with the CDs marked "FOR BUNDLES ONLY. Not to be sold separately." Then there was a folded piece of paper on which was typed: "Thank you for your software purchase, we hope you enjoy your new program. You will notice that your program came wth a piece of computer hardware. This hardware has nothing to do with the program you purchased and can be thrown away or sent back to be recycled. We are required to sell these bundled with a piece of computer hardware for license reasons at our end. If you would like to have the piece of hardware recycled please send it to: Software Suplus, 3010 S Hennepin Ave, Suite 144, MinneapolisMN 55408"
I felt a mixture of emotions - ripped off, cheezy, an enabler to a scheme. This company may be totally within the rights of its licensing contract with Adobe, but it doesn't seem to meet the spirit of the licensing agreement. I'll be contacting adobe later today just to let them know. I would have liked for the company to tell me what it was selling before I bought it, just like relabelled parts or rebuilt computers should be labelled as such. So - the vendor got what they wanted, I didn't get what I wanted, and I don't think Adobe got what they wanted.
Lesson 2: if you're dealing with a vendor that you don't know, ask questions before you order. They didn't lie to me - I just didn't ask the right questions.
Customers think the same things when they're looking for real estate. They want to know the things they don't know to ask. They rely on our integrity, on our putting their interests above our own. We want them to feel good about their transaction and about their experience with us.
Looks like they sent you some (RAM), memory for a computer. Look at the sticker and look it up on ebay. I'd sell it before giving back to the company to do it again. :)
Caveat emptor my friend Sharon.
If the deal sounds incredible . . .
It still boggles my mind that there are so many of these rip-off companies out there. Before I bite on ANY good deal on-line, I always go to www.resellerratings.com. I encourage all here to do the same. Especially for photo gear. There must be an entire city in Jersey populated by these bait and switch scammers.
Here's the ratings for Software Surplus.
Happy holidays!
Sharon ~ how cheesy! Who would ever think to ask those questions!
kk
Sharon - That REALLY boarders on being criminal!!! I have purchased a lot of software on E-Bay, but am always sure it says 'new in original box' and I pay with Paypal, in-case there should ever be a problem. So far I have been lucky with the software I have purchased that way.
There are a couple of other things I purchased through E-Bay that were not what they seemed, but with Paypal getting the money back for me, it all was easily resolved.
I would suggest you check that avenue out next time!!!