Rent A Center Shady business practices, vauge threats, double speak Orlando Florida

I've been a customer of RAC for almost two years. I've been late and for the most part have had little issue with them (I've paid as needed, made arrangements, etc.). While they haven't been as strong armed with me as they have been with other customers (I'm sure this all depends on location, manager, etc.) they have started to get 'shady.'

First, I'll be honest and list the issues they've had with me; I've been late, no more than two weeks by fault of my own. Its not due to money as much as they don't offer automatic payments. No biggie but it happens. I have no problem paying the late fee and its more of a convience for me than anything.

I originally rented the items when I couldn't really afford to make one large purchase, I've since gained a new job and make much more money however the item is almost paid off so I figure I'd just pay it out. This is where it has started. I was late last week and they called (I was out of town). I called and stated my intent to pay off the item (to which the manager said that isn't possiable until I make a normal payment).

I told them to run my payment and I'll come in the store in the next few days to pay off the items, which they did. The next day one of their lackys showed up at my door stating that they wanted to reclaim the merchandice because I was late (I was not at that time). I called the manager and he spoke with his guy, a quick "well you shouldn't have been late in the first place and I wouldn't have had to show up" from him and he left.

I showed up in the store later that day and was approched by the manager stating that "I should rethink paying off the item" and "my what a nice beamer (its a 2000 330ci, not like its brand new) you haven't had any problems with hoodlums or anything, right?." At first I didn't think of it, figured it was because the store was on the edges of a rough area. we went into his office and he told me he would have to charge me a 14% early payment penality. I stated it was not in the contract to which he replied "what are you? Some type of lawyer?"

He shut up when I replied "No, but I do work for a lawfirm and know a lot of 'em." He grabbed the paperwork relunctantly and began scribbling down notes. The final pay-if-off price changed from $350 to $450 to $475 (I only owed about $325 on it). When I brought out my notes from each payment made, he said it was forgery (!?) and that the notes I made were false. He refused to look up my information on the computer (it was down, how convienent, yet they still did paperwork for new purchases).

At that point I just paid 2 weeks in advance and left (while promising a call to corporate). I'm stuck at this point now, I looked online and found (through SEC filings) the email addresses and direct lines to Mark --- (CEO), Mike ---- (COO) and their CFO (David something or other) and have left messages this evening and sent a few emails. I'm hoping to atleast be able to pay off my items, I'm looking into my options now.

At this point though, I want to make their lives a little harder, the corporate way. Mabey Mark (the CEO) will be able to stop their shady practices. I'm sure some RAC employees (like the old manager) are good as some locations. While I don't think some of these employess speak for the business as a whole, the business should be getting rid of them quickly. Expecially one so public like RAC. I'm sure the CEO won't be happy to be 'annoyed' (but in a very respectful, to the point way) by a customer over an issue such as mine.

I'll post if I get a response from the CEO, COO or CFO. Remember people; be nice, factual and respectful when dealing with corporate. They arn't always like the local RAC people. And do some research, getting corporate involved may benifit you. Don't sink to their level, its not worth it.

Cabe
Orlando, Florida
U.S.A.

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