SCAMTotal Essentials Reports & Reviews (11)
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Another toner scam.
There are WAY too many of these types of businesses out there trying to scam businesses knowing a receptionist might not know not to answer their questions. Please educate all your employees of this type of scam.
Be Careful, It Can Catch an Unexperienced Ear Off Guard
Now, I work in retail/wholesale and manage a warehouse, which includes funneling business calls and scam calls on a daily bases. I first got called yesterday by a gentleman named "Jerry" I believe, asking if we use printers quite a lot and what model the printer was. I immediately knew something was off since they were very quick and up front about wanting to take me on as a customer without much information as well as giving out promises left and right about how great there product was etc.
Luckily, I stopped them from shipping out to my location before doing some "research" on our printing supplies (really, just looking them up) and talking it over with the owner who handles all expenses. They seemed a little taken a back by this, but quickly recovered saying it was no problem and making sure I had their number so I could get back to them to let them know. I mainly just wanted to see if they would try to contact me back and how long it would take them.
They are quite a persistent bunch as I got a call from them this morning. He had all the same lines and pleasantries as if it was scripted. Also, they immediately offered to lower the price by a considerable amount without me trying to haggle. I was first quoted $109 and he told me right off the bat $89 which is just outrageous for anyone to do at the drop of a hat in business. They also made it clear that they want me to try the toner cartridge out to "let it speak for itself" and that they would leave an open invoice until I decided (I can only assume that they are trying to cover themselves for their last encounters with people that have posted previously).
Needless to say, I can tell that this is a scam from my experience and with the confirmation of everyone else's experiences with this company. Stop it as soon as you can, shut them down, try not even to confirm your address with them as that can lead to some issues down the line.
Unethical Business Practices
We had the toner for a few weeks before TE reached out. They were insistent on paying them for the toner, which confused me. The woman on the phone stated that I was wrong, and I did not understand what was explained to me. I told her there isn't much to understand about "free" it's either is or it isn't. Anyway, they began to harass us several times a day, every day via email and phone trying to collect on their "free trial" toner. What I noticed was that everyone who left a review here paid something different. Our toner was invoiced at $109 (which is actually more than what we normally pay).
Anyway, we got fed up with the harassment and forced them to only communicate via email so we could document the interactions. They are included below.
Email 1
"I'm so sorry to hear you used our cartridge but did not like it. The woman I spoke to wasn't sure of the reason but nonetheless it is unfortunate. We understand if you do not want to order anything else and there is no pressure of course. We would be happy to close your account as soon as we receive the payment. I attached your invoice which we have adjusted to 5% off and also waived the shipping and insurance. If you have any questions, please let us know. "
Email 2
"The rep told you this would be on open billing meaning you get to run the cartridge before paying. We do however expect payment once the cartridge has been used. If there is more, you can tell me about the performance of the cartridge as to why you didn't like it I am more than happy to work on a price for you that is fair and reasonable of course. We can start with trying to match the price with your usual vendor. What do you normally pay?"
Email 3
"Unfortunately, not everyone understands the same terms but believe me we have a lot more than 3 customers who ARE happy with our service and the way we do business, we are just not out there asking everyone to write a review to say so. We always try to keep our customers happy, and we did try with you as well. We were willing to adjust the price and make it worth your while to keep and try as agreed but you already had your mind set. With that being said, I have voided out your invoice and you CAN consider this a gift. We hope you like our cartridge and maybe in the future you will be willing to do more business with us. Either way I hope you have a great day. "
Needless to say, don't fall for the trap. If they are sending you product without prior payment and then they try to black mail you into paying, don't. They play on your wanting to be honest and decent. If you get caught in their trap. Play the long game. They have a cost of doing business too so make them pay for their lack of ethics. Stand up to fraudsters. You cannot be charged for things sent to you that you didn't order and especially without payment. It literally is a gift.
DECEPTIVE BUSINESS PRACTICES
Lo and behold, three more unrequested cartridges show up at our door a week later as well as invoices for three more (two invoices for six cartridges all together). I called their number and a lady tried to convince me that they are an honest business but when I brought up several example of the same behavior based on the other reviews, she became noticeably nervous and said that she will call me back after straightening out the issue. It is definitely a scam! Be on alert!
Total Scam!
Scam Alert
Inflated ego being shot down
Scam - Don't deal with them
Got a call asking for printer model. They said they can get me a better deal on toner and would send me one, and if I like it and it saves me money, to send them a check and order more. I specifically asked "If I don't like it, do I have to pay for it?" And he insisted that I would not. I received the toner in the mail, and have not used it. I got an invoice for over $127.33 today. I did not order anything.
Fake Invoice/Supplier Bill
Type of a scam Fake Invoice/Supplier Bill