Department store billing for delivery and restocking fees.

Probably, you could have fixed this thing in the initial stage and not allow it to reach this far. You will have to get this straightened with the dept. store. Can you talk with that person who examined the chair and acknowledged the defects? He should have given you a receipt after receiving the defective chair.

Don't most stores go ahead and do a credit right then and there and have the customer sign something stating there was a defect and item was returned? I would definitly be calling the store or better yet go back in in person and try to get the same person that you spoke to when you returned the chair. Also I have never heard of a restocking fee. Delivery fee, yes, but I would have thought that would have been included in the initial billing. Guess it shows you how often I have gone out and bought new furniture.

Thanks for your advice everybody, but I believed I had the matter resolved when I returned the chair. The person who inspected the chair with me acknowledged the defects, and said he would have my account credited. I thought everything was taken care of. I didn't receive a bill for the delivery and restocking for several months. My mistake for not getting something in writing. Last week I called the store manager, but he wasn't in. I gave all the details to his secretary. She said she would have the store manager locate the person who took the chair, and insptected it with me. She also said the manager of the store would call me back. It's been a week, and he hasn't called back. I think at this point I may have to sue them in Small Claims Court. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Before you sue,file a complaint with the better business bureau.Most companies can be brought out in the open using this dispute process.

And remember..Everyone has a boss!

Go over the store manager's head if you need to..And let them know you're planning to do it. I Bet that gets the plug out of his a$$ in a hurry.

Make a huge deal over this, with everyone. Tell them that you will start with the BBB, and then the Attorney Generals Office, it should not take much to have them correct your account.

Be sure to refer them to my site: anthonylemons.blogspot.com I have no mercy for corporations treating the consumers like dirt.

Cajun- I thought this might have been one of those instances where the FCBA (Fair Credit Billing Act) would come into play. Then I read some fine print:

Edit: Got this from http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/credit/fcb.htm

In this case, I believe you should send another letter to the store manager/district manager/corporate liason/and BBB that outlines your complaint. You should also send a dispute to the collection agency.

I would think they would take care of it at store level. If they don't go higher, now you have all this ammo to take with. Go gittem! Keep us updated.

"I would think they would take care of it at store level."

Agreed. While many retail chains will charge the delivery, restocking fees, it is typically written into the store policies that returns of defective merchandise waive any associated charges. P-poor customer service to begin with, and quite possibly an issue with FCBA as DC quoted.

Debtcruncher,
You are correct,so fcba does not apply. I agree to go over this particular person's head to next level management. If unsuccessful,then start the public complaint route.(bbb,ag,consumer prot.)

No matter what, keep on it. Don't allow them to make you feel that your efforts are pointless. They will hope that you lose the will to fight. As I stated before, refer them to my site:http://anthonylemons.blogspot.com Let them know that I DO use company names, even employees names when I write about the wrong-doings of establishments.