Partstore.com Outrageous Ripoff Kingston New York

I recently purchased a part for a Samsung DVD player at the afore mentioned
web store (Partstore.com).
The part proved to be defective and I contacted the retailer regarding the procedure to obtain and RMA and shipping instructions.

I followed the company's return procedure and repacked the part in the original plastice sleeve and cardboard shipping box.
I affixed the label and took it to the local FedEx store for shipping on 01/16/08.

Much to my surprise I received the following e-mail this afternoon:

Tue, 5 Feb 2008 12:45:48 -0500
"Good Afternoon,

Thank you for your order with Partstore. We understand that you are awaiting your refund for part 'xxxxx.00000.zzzzz'.

Unfortunately, Partstore cannot accept this order back for a refund due to the fact that the part was no inside the box.

All parts and accessories must be returned in its original packaging and in re-sellable condition. Please note that this part will be held for 24 hours. Should you decide you'd like to have the part shipped back to you, please reply to this e-mail right away.

We apologize for not being able to accept this return.

If you require further assistance, or if you'd like to locate another part, please reply to this e-mail and I'd be happy to help you.

Again, our apologies for any inconvenience this problem might have caused. We do appreciate your business.

Have a great day!

Regina Frattarola
Customer Care Specialist
Resolution Team
Partstore.com"

This is the most absurd email I've ever received, but wait there's more.

I emailed a reply stating that I had in fact returned the part in good faith, as per their instructions, and do not understand how they can make such a claim.

This was the reply:

Tue, 5 Feb 2008 14:20:44 -0500
"Good Afternoon,

Thank you for your e-mail.

We confirm at the time of pick up with the shipper, the box had no weight. Also, there was no damage done to the box during shipment. So we confirm the part has not fallen out.

Thank you for your time!

Regina Frattarola
Supply Chain & Logistics Specialist
Resolution Team
Partsearch Technologies
Phone (845) 340-8948 Ext 2324
Fax (845) 340-8907"

What really tops the whole thing off is the part was defective in the first place! I was really disappoited to find that any company would ship defective merchandise from the beginning. This was the first time I have ordered from this company and needless to say it will be the last.

I have never heard of such an outrageous scam!!!!

I will be contacting the office of the Ohio Attorney General concerning this shady business practice.

Vic
Akron, Ohio
U.S.A.