Complaint Review: CompuServ Office Supplies

We received a delivery of 144 rolls of scotch tape which we never ordered following a telephone solicitation from Compuservsupplies.com (Natalie). They offered an introductory package of leftover MP5 players but we were not obligated (to purchase/order) anything . . .. The representative asked me to do her a favor and accept a small box of tape to offset promotional fees. A few weeks later we received a delivery address verification call from CompuServ. The rep verified our mailing address and mentioned introductory package contents: business card, catalog (all sales in catalog final).

10/24 I answered a cakk from Compuserv requesting our fax number which was provided. Moments later we received a past due faxed invoice in the amount of $489.29 from CompuServ Office Supplies. We never expected an invoice and no original invoice was ever received - so past due was inaccurate. I immediately called CompuServ to inquire about the invoice and the rep replied the information had to be pulled and someone from CompuServ would call back.

The following morning, I called again and was told the order had been placed by myself, the barely audible recorded call was played whereby the delivery address was verified and rep stated you will receive an intro package containing the MP5 player, business card and catalog and that all promotional sales catalog items were final and non-refundable To offset promotional fees we would receive ONE box of tape.

I explained I would not have placed a net term payment order as we generally pay for products at the time of purchase. Further added, we have absolutely no use for 144 rolls of tape. I was offered options of a 40% discount or select other usable office items from the Compuservesupplies.com website! I explained that I never ordered 144 rolls of tape; felt that I had been scammed, was very upset, could not respond further and that I would call back.

After discussing this with a colleague, together we called again to allow another set of ears to hear the recorded message. Once again it was verified that the representative never mentioned 144 rolls of tape but before I could ask her to replay the recording, she hung up abruptly.

On 10/26 a Compuserv supervisor called and I went over the details of the calls and disputed the invoice received. At that time, the supervisor offered a 50% discount and an additional 5% if we used a credit card today. I requested a revised invoice which we received immediately.

The product arrived on 10/25/11. On 10/27/11 the entire shipment of 144 rolls of unopened tape, an MP4 player and their purple promotional pen was returned.

Compuserv's unethical business practices left us with 144 rolls of tape that we did not order and were never told there would be a hefty charge incurred. We have refused delivery of the product and returned it via the UPS. To date, we have not received a response of any type.