I took my children to this play place and they advertise that they only charge $17 for 4 hours of play and they always pro-rate by hour. So..when I went to the cashier, I wanted them to play for two hours (that means $4.25 per hour/person..that would only cost me $17 in total)...but then she (cashier) told me that the owner decided to charge full price and if I pick them up after 2 hours, I get my money back. I reluctantly agreed and paid her $34. Then...the two hours later (it was 9:33pm), I went to the same cashier and told her that I am picking the kids up and I want my refund for those 2 hours that I didn't use. She proceeded to tell me that she couldn't give me refund because it was after 9:30!!! There was no written or verbal chage in this "refund policy". We used this place last night and there was no such policy and tonight they do!
I am furious! Are they allowed to change the refund policy as they pleases without notifying their customers
2007-10-20 17:13:40 · 30 answers · asked by Leigh TB 1 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Other - Pregnancy & Parenting
they will do anything to screw you over
2007-10-20 17:17:09 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I would speak the to manager (not the girl at the register without any authority).
But as I read this, the policy is $17 for four hours??? That sounds odd as most places have a flat hourly rate.
You did exceed 2 hours, even if only by 3 minutes, so yes, they can legally charge you (they could have to keep staff members over time when this happens) and while I think 3 minutes is a bit extreme, they are in their right legally.
Ethically is another story. Do they have a posted policy? Do they have a clearly stated listing of their prices? As the law is always on the side of what is posted....
Inconsistencies in the training of the employees could be part of the issue. The girl today may have been following policy, the girl lastnight might have been lenient.
ANd a business can legally change a policy any time they wish with or without notice. Their only legal obligation when they change a policy is to honor products and services purchased under the old policy.
i.e. you buy a tv and it has 90 days, next week they change the policy to 30 you tv can still be returned in 90
2007-10-20 17:22:12 · answer #2 · answered by Craig K 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Places are generally not allowed to 'change' their refund policy, and it should be posted somewhere for customers to see, but I'm sure there's some kind of loophole that says that during the week it's different from the weekend. If it's a company, call corporate and complain. If it's a little business run by maybe a family or just one person, call and speak to the manager. Make sure you mention exactly what the cashier told you, and about your previous visit. Most people are fairly understanding and will accomodate you, but if not, I would not suggest using this place again.
Also, the part about 'the owner decided to charge full price' is a little sketchy. How do owners arbitrarily 'decide' to charge full price on any given day? Make sure you mention that on the phone too.
2007-10-20 17:19:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would call and talk to the owner. You need to get it from their mouth what their policy is. It could be that the cashier was pocketing the extra money and just expects the parents to not say anything. I would tell the owner also that since you had such a bad experience that you will tell all of your friends not to use their services. Most likely they will either give you a refund or a free night.
2007-10-20 17:24:14 · answer #4 · answered by Ryan's mom 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Obviously, there is a problem here. Maybe the cashier is making up her own rules as she goes along. I would demand to see the manager and tell him/her what you told us. Even a parking garage gives a grace period, for gosh sakes.
If the manager or owner won't refund your money, go to the authorities. That might be your local consumer protection agency. Also, the Better Business Buereau should be contacted and told about this.
Maybe you won't get back your money, but you might help others who come along after you. With luck you will start to drive the thief out of business. (assuming they do not give you your money back and post a clear and written policy, like any self-respecting business would do.)
Fight them and good luck. I have won many times and know you will too.
2007-10-20 17:25:17 · answer #5 · answered by agreeableone 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sit down and write a letter to the owner when you are calmer . Your experience was bad business . The owner may not be aware of your circumstances . I wouldn't recommend returning unless you have an assurance this sort of this is not going to happen again ..and you should be refunded and comped . Good luck . But wait until you are able to be calm , because you will appear more rationale and you'll get your point across much better .
2007-10-20 17:21:01 · answer #6 · answered by missmayzie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are they "allowed"? Well, yes and no. Contact management/ownership and let your outrage be heard! Make it CLEAR to him/her/them that IF you don't get your refund of $17 that you are going to do the following:
1. Contact the media, specifically the consumer advocate reporters for your local TV stations AND write an editorial to your local newspaper. NO BUSINESS wants negative publicity.
2. That you are going to contact the Better Business Bureau and file a complaint. Did I mention that NO BUSINESS wants negative publicity?
3. That you are going to contact your state's attorney general's office. STILL, NO BUSINESS wants negative publicity!
4. That you are going to circulate this story on the web.
5. That you are going to tell everyone you know what they did to you.
6. And if all of THAT fails that you are going to sue them in small claims court.
IF your passion and your threats don't work then you have to follow through with your threats! If you don't, then they will have gotten away with it. They will have called your bluff and you folded your cards. At that point, you deserve what you got!
2007-10-20 17:22:23 · answer #7 · answered by Just_One_Man's_Opinion 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well to me that is false advertising and I would be doing something about it. Here in Australia we have consumer advice and if we phone them they are very helpful with what to do. so I guess you have something similar where ever you come from. First of all though i would get in touch with the owner or manager and see what they come up with. If it's not satisfactory tell them you are going to take the matter further as this matter simply is not fair. I know every dollar counts when bringing up a family so good Luck.
2007-10-20 17:29:21 · answer #8 · answered by jennifer h 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are any of the policies written down anywhere? If it is written that they will pro-rate or refund. Then this is false advertising and is illegal. However, most places say 'policies subject to change at managements request'.
2007-10-20 17:18:49 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would go talk to the manager tomorrow. Just try to remain calm when you explain exactly what happened and bring your receipt. There may have been a misunderstanding on the employee's part, and it may be easily rectified. If not, spread the word of how you were treated to all of your friends. Negative reviews by word of mouth can easily destroy a company if there are enough people willing to listen.
2007-10-20 17:22:37 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is certainly unethical, and for that reason alone you should deal with a different vendor. Get a written copy of their policies with respect to such things; it defines a contract, which can't be changed without the agreement of the parties.
2007-10-20 17:17:43 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋