Distributed Energy Co Onsitepowergenerators.com Failure to provide service and false advertising Williamsburg, Virginia

On 2/8/2010, I ordered a Generac portable generator from this internet seller based upon 2 claims made on its website: (1) Free freight, including liftgate service, on all generators purchased and (2) the seller was an accredited member of the BBB. The free freight and liftgate service was also annotated on the purchase order.

On 2/12, I was contacted by a local freight company who advised that they would deliver the generator on 2/15.  Since the generator weighs apprx 200 lbs, I asked if they were going to provide liftgate service.  They answered no because they were not instructed to provide this service and if I wanted it, an additional $225 charge will have to be paid by me.  I requested that the delivery be put on hold until I contact the seller because I could not help the driver lift the generator off the truck due to medical conditions.

I phoned and emailed the seller on 2/12 and reported the problem.  He replied by email during the evening of 2/12 and said that this was "crap" and would contact the freight co on 2/15 and straighten the matter out.

On 2/16, I called the freight co and asked them if they have been contacted by the seller.  They said no.  They also advised that one day storage fees of $85 had accrued and will continue to accrue until delivery.  They informed me that the storage fees will be waved if I pick up the generator at the freight co werehouse that day.  So I went, at my expense, and picked it up.

Inquiry of the BBB in Virginia disclosed that the seller was not an accredited member of the BBB.