awhipps

Anyone ever buy anything from avs-store.com aka advancedvideosystems.com ?? [I have since original post, talked to someone at RCA on the phone who verified that they are an RCA distributor and seem to do a lot of business with RCA. So, I'm not worried about this being a 'scam' but still don't like them taking my cash without first checking backorder status]

I find this "Buying" experience odd. What do you think? Today is October 20, 2003.

I've ordered an RCA Scenium DLP 61 inch TV. HPDLP61W151 and they acknowledged receipt of cash on 10/09/2003.

from www.advancedvideosystems.com aka avs-store.com

They offered a cash discount which saved $400, so I wired the money to their bank (a US bank). I wait and wait and then I ask what's up and get a response that they've, in turn, wired the money to RCA and that they'll send the shipping/tracking info when they get it. I waid and wait and ask what's up.

Oops! they say I 'didn't make the cut' and that the supplier was out of stock and that they'll send the shipping/tracking info when they get it. AND, if I want a refund, they would start the process but that the money would need to come from RCA which would take 4-6 weeks.

So, thinking that their bank is in their home town of Owego, NY and that they have a building (store?) in Owego, -- I am patiently waiting for word.

I don't like it that they took my money without having stock and if they are ordering that they didn't check their supplier. And I don't like that they will not offer a direct refund themselves.

Anyone deal with this company? I called BBB and they have dropped membership but had no complaints at all when they were (well one that was resolved to the customer's satifsaction).

Odd way to do business or am I wrong?

Here's text of the email I got Oct 16,

"Dear Sir,
Sorry for the message delay. Due to our sale pricing we've been overwhelmed
here with tons of emails. At any rate, I checked into your order and
unfortunately you didn't make the cut. Other clients had their monies in
before you and depleted all the stock. We have more units preordered and
coming in from the factory shortly. Your order is on the list to receive
one. If this is satisfactory, you're all set and there is nothing further
you need do. If this is not satisfactory, then I can submit paperwork to the
factory for a full refund. But please understand factories may take four to
six weeks to generate and return the refund to you. I am very sorry for the
delay, please make it a good day!
Sincerely,
Howard
AVS Sales Dept."

__________________
Allen