wjm@whuxk.UUCP (06/03/83)
I've done quite a bit of business with J & R Sound in New York, and have found
them to be cheap (especially on records and blank tape), reputable, and
reliable (they make good on defective products without any hassles).
Also, I thought the distance limit under Federal Law for stopping payment on
a credit card for defective mdse. was 100 miles or in your home state.
The limit doesn't apply if the mdse. was advertised or solicited by the
charge card company (e.g. your bank, American Express, or whoever).
WARNING .... BE SURE YOU USE A CREDIT CARD ... This protection under Federal law
does NOT apply if you use one of those DEBIT or EFT cards (some of which bear
the VISA or MASTERCARD name). While net.audio is not the place to go into
great detail about these beasties (you can find more in a recent issue of
"Consumer Reports" or in fa.human-nets), several facts should be known to
the audiophile who plans to use one to buy stereo equipment by mail.
Unlike a standard credit card, where the bank, Amex, or whoever LOANS you the
money for the charge - to be repaid when your bill comes in, these cards
IMMEDIATELY DEBIT your checking account. Thus, you have effectively paid CASH
for the merchandise and have just as much protection under the law - namely 0!
Unlike a check, you probably don't even have time to stop payment if you smell
a rat, since the transaction is sent electronically to your bank. At present,
the only legal liability the bank/merchant has is to reimburse you if, through
their error, a mistake was made in a transaction. You do NOT have the standard
credit card protections of refusing to pay for defective goods or a $50 limit
on liability if you lose your card. Needless to say, I've made sure my VISA
card is of the CREDIT variety.
Bill Mitchell (whuxk!wjm)