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6.15.2011

the evils of online shopping

I don't know what is going on with me, but I have had the worst luck with online purchases this past week. 

Let me start off by saying that these are not even intentional purchases - they are a direct result of my not paying attention to what I am doing sometimes. 

It started off with Linkedin.com - are you familiar with this site?  It is a networking tool for professionals - or should I say, the professional Facebook.  I decided to try the "premium member" feature for a month, to see if it was worth the actual monthly membership.  

As I am looking through the different options, I see one for $7.95/month - OK not too bad.  I am going to try it for one month, and see how I like it.  Here we go, click, credit card info, boom - I'm a member!

I proceed to check my email to see if I have the typical confirmation email - and there it is: a charge for $240.  Ummm what!?  How did this happen?  Did linkedin just rip me off? 

Oh no - I just didn't realize that the $7.95 prices was for the PREPAID ONE YEAR membership.  After a moment of initial panic, and cursing at myself for 10 minutes, I Googled the issue, emailed customer service, and within 5 days, I had my money back. 

LinkedIn Response06/08/2011 06:09

Hi July,

I’m sorry for the misunderstanding. I’ve gone ahead and changed the billing on your account from an annual subscription to monthly and I’ve also issued a refund of $214.45 to cover the difference. Please know that refunds can take up to five business days to post to your credit card account.

To see a record of this refund, go to https://www.linkedin.com/secure/purchase?displayPurchaseHistory or you can:

1. Move your cursor over your name in the top right of your LinkedIn home page and click “Settings”.
2. Click the “View purchase history” link.

I would be happy to assist you with any additional questions you have regarding this matter.

Thank you for being a valued member of our LinkedIn community!

Kamilla
LinkedIn Customer Service


Michael and I laughed it off, him telling me I just have to be more careful when I make online purchases.  

Until last night.When it happened again. Twice in less than a week. 

This time it was Groupon.com, and this time, I did NOT intend to buy anything.  

This is where my continuous frustration with technology comes into place.  Don't get me wrong - I have an ipod, a laptop, an android touch phone, you name it - I'm up to date.  Do I like it? Ehh sometimes I feel like I can't keep up. 

As mentioned above, I have one of those touch android phones, with apps for anything and everything, including the Groupon app.  I usually browse through when I'm sitting on the couch, bored, just playing with my phone.  

I clearly remember pulling up the app yesterday while sitting at a red light on my way home.  The light turned green, and I went on, without looking at my phone again for while.  

I am house sitting my parents house this week while they are in France - so I get there, feed the dogs, put away groceries, make dinner; an hour later, I decide to go sit in the yard for a bit, while taking the dogs out, and enjoy the night time breeze. 

Of course, I grab my phone because I want to check Facebook and Twitter - and there it is again: PANIC. 

Oh no, this one is big, huge, crazy - and I immediately start crying.  

Thank you for purchasing the "Wellness Center Groupon" for 6 sessions of laser liposuction.

WTF?!

And there is it, THE confirmation email from Groupon - a $999 purchase!!!!!!!!!!

No no, you read correctly - A THOUSAND DOLLARS! 

I almost fainted.  I realized my card information was saved into the app, and while holding my phone as the app was still up, I somehow click purchase, AND submit - courtesy of the evil TOUCH screen. 

Needless to say, it ruined my night.  Of course, I sent about 10 emails to customer service, left voice mails, googled ways to cancel a Groupon, and 3 hours later - I had a response saying my purchase was canceled, and I would see the refund within the next 10 business days. 


Groupon
Hi July,
This email confirms that we have canceled your order of 1 Groupon for $999 for Six Sessions of Zerona Body Sculpting at Comprehensive Wellness Center in Suwanee ($2,000 Value) and submitted a $999 refund .
If you are receiving a refund to your credit card, please allow 5-7 business days for your credit to appear on your statement. If you are receiving a refund in Groupon Bucks, the credit should already be reflected in your account.
Thanks,
The Groupon Team
www.groupon.com
Need help? Have feedback? Feel free to Contact Groupon
Delivered by Groupon 600 W Chicago Ave., Suite 620, Chicago, IL 60654



Can you believe it?  Twice within the same week?  Because I can't, and because this has never happened to me before! 
Moral of the story!?  Touch phones are evil, and I STILL don't like online shopping!
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4 comments :

  1. OH MY GOD July! Now that you got your refund, I am kinda chuckling, but my initial reaction was $1,000 OH MY GOD!!!! I'm glad you got that all worked out!! Stupid touch screens!

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  2. hahahahahahahahahaha that's the funniest story i've ever heard! how scary! glad you got your money back :)

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  3. Hahahahaha ok, that is funny. Thank goodness they would allow refunds. Dang touch screen phones! But seriously, a $999 GROUPON?! How is that even considered to be deal?!

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  4. OH.MY.WORD. I would have completely dropped dead of a heartattack before i could even panic! Ive done that before with a train ticket and i thought i did it once with a plane ticket.nearly died.

    ReplyDelete

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