The New Connection, TheNewConnection.com Bait-and-Switch false upgrade fraud Ripoff Midwood New York

I ordered a Canon ZR850 from TheNewConnection, along with an upgrade for a long-life battery. The item arrived with the standard battery--the BP-2L5. I called customer service, and they claimed that the BP-2L5 battery WAS an upgrade from the standard battery.

As you can see from the Canon website, the BP-2L5 is the standard battery with the camera I purchased:

http://estore.usa.canon.com/Specification.asp?ITEM_ID=36973

I called back and pointed this out, and the customer service rep (who was a complete moron) simply kept repeating what we both knew to be a blatant lie. It got old fast.

Later that day I had the following email exchange with a scumbag named Rodney:

--- rodney
> wrote:

Dear Mr. Thibault,

Thank you for making the purchase with our company. As I understand you are having difficulties with your order.

Please contact me so I may further discuss your concerns regarding this matter.

Thank you

Rodney


> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: Jon Thibault
> > > [mailto:jonthibault@yahoo.com]
> > > Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2007 5:29 PM
> > > To: rodney
> > > Subject: Re: Regarding your Order 287832

I just called and spoke to your customer service department. Your representative claimed that the BP-2L5 battery is an upgrade from the standard battery that comes with the Canon ZR850, and this is a blatant lie.

As you can see from the Canon website, the BP-2L5 comes standard with the camera:

http://estore.usa.canon.com/Specification.asp?ITEM_ID=36973

You are clearly lying to your customers by promising an upgrade that actually comes standard with the product. This is illegal. If I don't receive the four-hour battery I was promised, I will commence with my complaint to the New York Department of Consumer Affairs and have your company investigated.

Jon Thibault

--- Rodney wrote:

If you do not want the package please fill out the attached RMA form.
Thank you

Rodney

800-808-1675 ext 2042

-----Original Message-----
> > From: Jon Thibault
> > [mailto:jonthibault@yahoo.com]
> > Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2007 6:19 PM
> > To: Rodney
> > Subject: RE: Regarding your Order 287832

That was a very intelligent reply. I'll be sure to include it in my complaint.

Incidentally, it's interesting how many email addresses you people have--the clear mark of a sleazy organization.

I'm filling out a form on www.ripoffreport.com right now (I see that many people already have, and I'll provide links to them with my complaint to Consumer Affairs).

Have a nice day, numbnuts. It will be interesting to see how long your company survives after the shitstorm I'm about to drop on you.


--- Rodney wrote:

Your opinion matters sir go voice it


> -----Original Message-----
> From: Jon Thibault
> [mailto:jonthibault@yahoo.com]
> Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2007 6:25 PM
> To: Rodney
> Subject: RE: Regarding your Order 287832
>
That's big of you to say. Good luck in the unemployment lines.


--- Rodney wrote:

With smart shoppers like yourself we will strive to make you happy and for the record canon wants $399.99 for the camcorder you purchased for $299.99 with us.

> From: Jon Thibault
> [mailto:jonthibault@yahoo.com]
> Sent: Wednesday, June 27, 2007 6:25 PM
> To: Rodney
> Subject: RE: Regarding your Order 287832

Tell it to the judge.

Since you're clearly too stupid to know when to shut up, try explaining to me why you're charging for upgrades that you don't supply.

I say again:

As you can see from the Canon website, the BP-2L5 comes standard with the camera.

http://estore.usa.canon.com/Specification.asp?ITEM_ID=36973

Thanks for giving me your full name in the phone message, by the way. Makes my job easier.

[END]

Basically, they're promising an upgrade that actually comes standard with the product. This is illegal. I'm in the process of filing a complaint with the New York Department of Consumer Affairs. Here's the link:

http://www.nyc.gov/html/mail/html/maildca.html

Don't bother contacting the Better Business Bureau. It's useless.

Jon
Los Angeles, California
U.S.A.