Life on the Road

I ordered a pair of HD Vision Wraparound sunglasses online after seeing a TV commercial.  I’m not typically an Infomercial shopper, but I have actually been looking for some sunglasses to fit over my prescription glasses for driving – regardless of the unavoidable “dorky” factor.

The order process was very confusing – and I don’t consider myself a stupid or gullible person.  There were multiple pop-ups, offering and/or explaining various “bonuses”: some that were free, some not; some which were mentioned on the commercial, some not; some I wasn’t sure I understood (was this an ADDITIONAL additional pair they were offering, or did I have to check there to get the “free additional pair” promised?).  And of course, no “back” button or clear summary (even on the payment screen!).  By the end I didn’t know which end was up!

After a LONG wait, they arrived. 

They are FLIMSY, POORLY DESIGNED and IMPROPERLY FITTING, and DO NOT WORK AS ADVERTISED.

I called the number on my credit card statement, and was referred to a different number. The address I was given for a return is different than the one on the invoice.  More confusion and misdirection?

The first representative I spoke to told me that $19.99 for the glasses and $6.99 for the warranty (I ordered a WARRANTY?!) would be refunded if I sent the glasses back, but not the shipping. 

And the shipping!  $12.98 is a truly usurious rate for shipping a tiny, light box containing sunglasses, no mater how you slice it.

I protested that I was not returning them because I changed my mind, or wanted to exchange them, but because they were MISREPRESENTED.  She didn’t understand, apparently, and she certainly didn’t care.

After being transferred to a “supervisor,” I was told that only the glasses cost would be refunded, not even the warranty! When I told her that the previous rep had agreed to refund the warranty, she conceded that she would put a note in the computer to do that – special, for me. 

But the shipping was nonrefundable.  Period.

Searching the Better Business Bureau database provided some very interesting insights.  Many, many complaints have been filed against this company, but few are seen in their official BBB Member profile.

Why?   Because most consumers used a product name. Among others, Idea Village is the purveyor of:

• Clever Clasp
• Spin Spa
• Finishing Touch / Micro Touch
• Handy Switch
• Purse Brite
• Laser Straight
• Pet Groom Pro
• Aqua Globes
• Strap Perfect
• Smooth Away

Further, there are a plethora of different addresses and phone numbers used on the website, marketing materials, and packaging.  Each different one used in a complaint leads that consumer to create a separate business record.

It could easily be construed that the entire system is set up as a scam.

They confuse you with the order process, then send you junk.  Most people return it, but the “shipping” fee is the true profit center, so that’s fine.

Complaints are spread out, so nobody notices how many there are…

So, buyer beware of Idea Village – in all their guises.

P.S.  The Better Business Bureau complaint did succeed in getting me a full refund, at least!