ward@ttidcc.UUCP (Don Ward) (03/15/85)
The following letter speaks for itself:
March 15, 1985
New York Better Business Bureau
257 Park Avenue South
New York, New York
Gentlemen:
I would like to register a complaint against Cambridge Camera
Exchange, Inc., 7th Avenue and 13th Street, New York 10011.
On January 21, 1985, I entered a telephone order for a Wein 1000
Flashmeter with Cambridge since the price in their advertisement
in the January, 1985 issue of Modern Photography was lower than
their competitors. At the time I placed the order, I was
assured by their order taker that the item was in stock and
would be shipped within days. After approximately three weeks
had elapsed (with no shipment received), I again contacted
Cambridge and was referred to their main store. The person I
talked to at their store informed me that the item was back-
ordered. He also told me that their ad in the next issue of
Modern Photography would show an increased price for the meter
but that they would honor my order at the January price. On
February 15, I cancelled the order and purchased the meter
elsewhere. Their February ads, incidentally, showed no increase
in price.
As of this date, four weeks after the order was cancelled,
Cambridge has not issued a credit to Visa although they managed
to issue their debit within two days after the original order
was entered.
As far as I am concerned, Cambridge operates their business in a
wholly unethical manner. Apparently their order takers are
instructed to always tell prospective customers that the items
being considered for purchase are in stock. By this ruse, they
get unsuspecting people like muself to enter orders with them;
we are then placed in the unwilling position of providing
interest-free loans to Cambridge.
At this point in time, I would categorize Cambridge's activities
as grossly unethical business practices. In the near future, if
I am not reimbursed for the money obtained from me by lies and
deception, the situation will become one of criminal fraud and I
will enter my complaints with the appropriate authorities.
In the meantime, I would appreciate any efforts your
organization might take on my behalf. I also hope that you are
in a position to warn other unsuspecting people not to be duped
by Cambridge.
Sincerely,
Donald Brian Ward
12321 Ocean Park Blvd. #2
Los Angeles, CA 90064
cc: Cambridge Camera Exchange, Inc.