DR Power Equipment Bait and Switch Vergennes Vermont

As I was researching garden tillers on-line I decided to purchase a reconditioned DR Pro Model Tiller (Tow Behind - Electirc Start) from DR Power Equipment that was advertised for $1,499 with free shipping.  After filling out the on-line customer purchase form, I held off from providing my credit card information and decided to call DR's 800 number and ask a few quesitons before continuing the purchase.  I called and spoke to a sales representative I believe was named Victoria.  I asked her questions about the quality of the refurbished tiller, and after she answered my quesitons, I said I wanted to purchase the Pro tiller.  Victoria then informed me, they do not have any refurbished tillers available at the time.  I finished the conversation and hung up. 

About 15 minutes later, I called back and politely mentioned DR should take their advertisement down or put a place holder on their site under the reconditioned tillers with the words "none available at this time".  Victoria said they would take the advertisment down, and that she would contact me when additional Pro Model tillers became available.  A week later, I decided to visit DR Power Equipment again - hoping that more tillers were available - assuming I would not get a call back.  While on DR's site, I noticed not only did they still avertise available reconditioned Pro Model tillers, but in fact they showed the DR Pro Model now at $1899 - an increase of 400 dollars.  After I reviewed the increase and availability of the same tiller, I called DR on its 800 number. 

I talked to a second sales representitative and she informed me that Victoria would call me back and work something out with me.  I did receive a call back from Victoria, and she informed me no tillers were available again, and the price increase of 400 dollars was due to the tiller was not on a special discount anymore.  I asked Victoria if she would honor my initial purchase request for the $1499 price which included free shipping  - she said no.  I ended the conversation and hung up.  About 30 minutes later, I recieved a call from Victoria again and she informed me DR took down the Pro Model reconditioned advertisment.  I asked her if she would still honor the $1499 price and free shipping when one became available - Victoria said no.

As a subject matter expert in business management (Doctorate of Management Degree), and fully understand both domestic and international corporate responsibility, it is my professional opinion that DR's advertisment is a classic example of fraud which shows a wrongful deception through advertisment intended for DR's financial or personal gain.  Furthermore, I consider Dr's online advertisment on the DR Pro Model reconditioned Tiller a tactic of "Bait and Switch" whereby advertising goods that are an apparent bargain which DR has no intent on honoring.

Whether Corporate DR is aware or not aware of the online issue, they still need to do the right thing.  As such, all I ask is DR honor its agreement based on its advertising for me to purchase the reconditioned DR Pro Model Tiller (Tow Behind - Electric Start) with free shipping for $1499.  Not only for me, but to all future customers, and for all products they list.  As far as Victoria and other salespersons, to include DR corporate, you might want to re-evaluate policy, procedures, and your online customer purchasing site.