What would you do? (Problem with B&H)

[Aaaron]

This is a pretty long story, so bear with me. 

Purchased a Panasonic Projector from them on 12/2 (black Friday/cyber Monday weekend).  $2,349 - $550 Manufacturer MIR.
They tell me they have it in stock and I would have it shortly.
Turns out it was out of stock and I would get it the following week.
(MIR had to be mailed within 30 days of purchase)
The following week they tell me their shipment was delayed, but I would get it the following week.
Same thing the following week.  I ask for some sort of compensation for all the delays, and they're cutting it really close for the relatively large MIR.
They tell me they'll reduce it $200.
They email me new invoice reflecting the credit.




You know where this is going...
I get the item on 12/23 or 12/24 and immediately cut off the UPC and submit the rebate.
A few days later I notice 2 charges from B&H.  They charged me that $200 separate from the $2,149.
I call and they pretty much tell me too bad; dispute the charge.
So I do, and I include all the emails, etc.  The rep on the phone told me it should be quick and easy.
I then get an email from B&H with an RMA to return the item.  I call to confirm that I can since I removed the UPC.  They said I can't.
I lost the dispute.
They told AmEx that the $200 was for a manufacturer rebate and I should've returned the item.
I reopen the dispute.
Just got a letter today that I lost again.
At this point I'm pretty miffed and thinking about suing them in local small claims just to piss them off. 

Am I overeacting?  Should I let it go?  Try with AmEx again?

[churnbabychurn]

I wouldnt give up if you think you are justified..

Ask your LOR before considering a secular small claims.

[Aaaron]

I wouldnt give up if you think you are justified..

Ask your LOR before considering a secular small claims.

I would ask first.  My blood was boiling just writing that post, so I don't think I'm going to give up unless I'm really convinced that I'm somehow wrong.

[notanonymous]

From your description it sounds like you are right.  But why did they say they were charging you the $200 when the updated invoice says otherwise?

Did you get the MIR?

If so, even if you are a right, is it worth the tircha?

[PlatinumGuy]

Can you try getting the MIR with this history?

[Aaaron]

I did get the MIR.  I'm just pissed that they agreed to comp me $200 and then reversed it.  The tircha is definitely not worth $200 to me; I just don't like "losing."

At my office I have the chat transcript where they told me that the rep should never have agreed to that credit.  Not my problem.

[ilherman]

I did get the MIR.  I'm just pissed that they agreed to comp me $200 and then reversed it.  The tircha is definitely not worth $200 to me; I just don't like "losing."

At my office I have the chat transcript where they told me that the rep should never have agreed to that credit.  Not my problem.

What did they tell AmEx, why did they charge you the $200?

[Aaaron]

That I ordered $2,349 worth of merchandise and I received $2,349 worth of merchandise.  And that I didn't return it when offered.  They both keep ignoring the fact that I was issued a credit and told I can't return it.  Hence my frustration.

[ilherman]

That I ordered $2,349 worth of merchandise and I received $2,349 worth of merchandise.  And that I didn't return it when offered.  They both keep ignoring the fact that I was issued a credit and told I can't return it.  Hence my frustration.

Did you SPEAK to AmEx? I mean if the story is as simple as you claim, why can't AmEx understand that you have a email from them showing a credit of $200 and that's it, they can't just decide not to honor a credit by offering you to return the item.

I totally understand what you mean about the ....feeling...

[Aaaron]

I speak to standard reps who keep telling me that the dispute team doesn't speak to customers.  (Also frustrating).  They only let you submit paperwork, which I have.

[Saver2000]

I speak to standard reps who keep telling me that the dispute team doesn't speak to customers.  (Also frustrating).  They only let you submit paperwork, which I have.

Standard reps? People still talk to those?    Ask for a supervisor,  and explain why it's important that you get in touch with the dispute team.
It may be possible for the supervisor to email the dispute dept with your contact info and request a call back for you,   But I'm not sure. 


As far as the b&h side if the story -  who were you speaking to over there? A regular salesman with absolutely no power,  or the lead salesman (or whatever you wanna call him)?

Do you have the email with the name and ID number of the rep that promised - and issued you the credit?
If yes,  I would suggest you follow up with that rep.  Make them live up to their word. 

Keep us posted,  and good luck. 

[churnbabychurn]

FWIU A rep is an agent of the owner and has the power to make contracts that are binding. Even if the owner is unhappy, the reps words should be binding.

[Aaaron]

FWIU A rep is an agent of the owner and has the power to make contracts that are binding. Even if the owner is unhappy, the reps words should be binding.

I'm an attorney 
Although they may argue that the contract was already in place and the agents amendment isn't binding as there was no consideration.

I'm going to try to forget it over the weekend and then pursue it again on Monday.