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Office Depot Desktop Computer Scam

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Office Depot Desktop Computer Scam

Old 11-30-06, 07:26 PM
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Office Depot Desktop Computer Scam

So my mom saw this ad for a $99.99 after rebate tower/monitor/printer. It was $479.99 minus $380 in 4 rebates. So we decide to get it for my sister. We go into the store. Turns out they don't have any. They take your money NOW, then in three to four weeks you get the computer in the mail from HP (for $80 shipping, and the rebates are delayed 3-4 weeks while it gets to you). We walked out disgusted. So if you see ad, beware.
Old 11-30-06, 08:00 PM
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How many computers does your family need anyway?

http://forum.dvdtalk.com/showthread....11#post7460311

Are you guys running a porn site from home?
Old 11-30-06, 08:03 PM
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We got 3 computers on Black Friday, one for niece, one for mom, one for me. This one's for my sister.
Old 11-30-06, 08:09 PM
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Well, the ad does say this when you look it up online...

Minimum $75 Shipping and Handling. QUANTITIES LIMITED. WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.

*QUANTITIES LIMITED. WHILE SUPPLIES LAST. Limit one set of rebates per household. Offer valid in-store only. Changing configuration may change price & rebate eligibility. Shipping times may vary. Orders for configured computers must be placed at a U.S. Office DepotŪ retail store. Actual product available through shipping only.
Even the paper ad mentions the $75 minimum shipping cost.
Old 11-30-06, 08:14 PM
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I'd have to go see the ad again to make sure it states so in the paper.
Old 11-30-06, 08:21 PM
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Here's a link to the ad. I don't know if it ever really existed on paper, but it seems to be the original ad for the sale.

http://officedepot.shoplocal.com/off...Depot-061130-R
Old 11-30-06, 08:31 PM
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That's the AD. If you use the magnifying glass, you can magnify the ad (no clicking on it) and the terms that show online (order it in-store, shipping charge) are not in the ad.
Old 11-30-06, 08:51 PM
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I used their magnify function and blew up the ad, not using the very undetailed mouse over, rather the toolbar just above it, and saw the shipping disclaimer. And clicking the mouse over shows you the details that I quoted above.
Old 11-30-06, 09:08 PM
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I went back and did see the shipping, but nowhere in that ad states that you wait 3-4 weeks for the computer after paying right away. You shouldn't have to go online to get deal details like that. That should be included in the ad.
Old 11-30-06, 10:22 PM
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Well, clicking into the item shows "Shipping times may vary" so I guess it may really vary.
Old 12-05-06, 09:41 AM
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I've always seen the disclaimer in the ads for not just Office Depot and the build to order computers that they offer.

You order it in the store and it takes time to ship it out to you.

I saw this same deal in my paper and quickly saw the small print.

In no way is this a scam - ordering a build to order computer around Xmas will take time.

I bet the long lead time is given to cover their ass if they don't ship it out in the next week or two.

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