[net.micro] JRT pascal and ordering by mail

vax2:kurt (12/10/82)

I am hearing a lot of people who think they have been stung by the JRT
pascal people (and others) and feel that they have seen the last of their
money.  I do wish to say that I hear of people who are indeed getting
their JRT pascal, so perhaps with patience yours will arrive too.  This
used to be a common situation in the hobby computer industry of about 5
years ago.  Today that situation has largely been relieved, and people have
come to expect prompt service.  But really, what did you expect for such
a rediculously low price.  You can't even get a game cartridge for that
proce.

But still, if you are really feeling nervous...

My experience with mail-ordering is that you should always use a credit
card.  The reason is this:  VISA will give you your money back if the
customer doesn't deliver in a reasonable time.

You write VISA a letter with your bill saying that such-and-such a
company has not delivered any merchandise after billing you via VISA.
VISA will insist that you have waited a reasonable period of time (90
days seems to be a reasonable time to VISA), then they refund your
money.  VISA then recovers your money from the firm by deducting the
amount from the next check they send to the firm.  VISA can withdraw
the firm's ability to do credit card sales (which gives the firm cash
faster than waiting for checks to clear).

If a firm screws you on a check or money order, it is just you against them,
if the firm screws you on a VISA order, it is you and some immense banks 
against the firm.  If the firm goes completely bankrupt, you may still get
ripped off, but otherwise you are safer on a credit card transaction.

vax1:witters (12/10/82)

I suggest that those who plan to order JRT pascal should do so COD.  This way,
if the company doesn't deliver, no one gets screwed.  Of course, if the product
delivered doesn't work, you may still have some recourse through VISA.

bernie (12/12/82)

Interesting (about VISA being willing to do the dirty
work of getting your money back for you).  Do MasterCard or American Express
offer a similar service?
                          --Bernie Roehl
                        (...!decvax!utzoo!watmath!watarts!bernie)