Complaint Review: Richard Simmons (GT Direct)

I ordered by phone (800 number), in January, the Richard Simmons Move, Groove and Lose - a combination of videos and a plastic slotted item that keeps track of 'units' eaten (called a Food Mover). Cute concept. It's supposed to come with several booklets that explain its use: Cookbook,Instruction Booklet (I received this), A Food Exchange and Meal Plan Booklet and a Restaurant Food Exchange. Without the 'Food Exchange and Meal Plan Booklet, the whole thing is useless...

I did not receive the last 2 booklets.
I spent the better part of a day trying to reach the customer service number provided on the invoice - not an 800 number, but a 516 area code [516-937-7240]. Prior to regular business hours there WAS a tape that said what the hours were, but left no way to leave a message. During business hours, there was NO tape, no nothing; just a repeated busy signal. I tried on more than one day for long periods at a time...to let them know that I did not receive what I ordered.

I also tried to communicate on the web site (no luck) and by e-mail (all my e-mails have been returned).

Then a few days later, someone representing Richard Simmons' company called to hawk a vitamin supplement called "Life Charge", a sample of which had been included in the original program. I was so relieved to speak with someone -finally . I explained the problem and he said, "oh... don't use THAT customer service number, I'll give you a good one." (It was a 201 area code; still no 800 number). I was so appreciative that I ended up ordering 'on trial' the supplement -- which could be returned (half used if it didn't suit me, for full refund, he said).

Well I tried the 201 area code number[201- 985-8217] and after a bit finally got someone and explained that I had not received what I ordered.
I got a woman who wrote down my complaint. And that was that. No response. No fulfilling on my original order. And other e-mail efforts also were returned.

So, I would like to return the supplement (unused) for my money back (They've charged my credit card), but like the original package that was not fulfilled on nor responded to, I now don't trust that I'll get my money back and there seems to be no one to talk to...