Unsatisfactory Purchases With A Credit Card
Posted by: Staff Writer | Jul 15,2007
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People enjoy using credit cards because they don't like carrying cash, or they want something now but can't afford the full retail price, or because credit cards offer protection with purchases that don't turn out quite satisfactory. When you buy something, you assume the item will work and it will live up to expectations. However, if it's not what you wanted and you try to return it to the merchant and are told to hit the road, you can turn to your credit card.
Step No. 1: Communicate with the MerchantYou need to show that you did try to resolve this matter yourself first. If you talk to the merchant on the phone, try to take notes of the day and time you spoke and be sure to write down the names of everyone you speak to. If your communication is by email or regular mail, keep copies of everything that was exchanged. Federal law requires you to try to take care of things first and the credit card company won't intervene until you make an attempt. Step No. 2: Call the Credit Card CompanyCall your credit card company and explain to them what has happened. You will probably be asked to either fax or mail your complaint in writing and to include copies of communication attempts you made with the merchant. Make sure to keep copies for yourself. If you do send the credit card information by fax, follow up with a phone call to make sure the fax was received.
At this point, the credit card company will begin an investigation. Meanwhile, you don't have to pay for an item on your bill that you're disputing. You don't pay any interest or fees until everything is resolved.
Step No. 3: Wait for the DecisionWithin two months, you'll hear one of the two possible decisions the credit card company can make: one, you're right and you don't have to pay for the item in question or two, you're wrong and you're going to have to cough up the dough.
If you're not satisfied with the credit card company's decision, you can appeal it. Also, you can take the issue into your own hands and sue the merchant in small claims court.
When Paying with a Credit Card Won't HelpSometimes even a credit card can't offer you any protection. The company won't be able to help you if you've damaged the item or violated terms, such as a strict no-return policy. Then you have to deal with merchant yourself. Also if you sign a blank receipt - an authorization form - you can't later complain and ask for your money back. Generally, though, credit cards provide a lot more protection than debit, where funds are directly taken from your account in full. In a way, using a credit card is like "renting" an item until you're absolutely certain you want to keep the purchase.
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