MagicJack lied on "return postage paid"

[oregoncountry]

Here is the conversation I just had with them:

Please wait for a site operator to respond.

You are now chatting with 'Nash'

Nash: Hello, how may I help you?

Denise Evans: Hi, I was sent a link to get a "return" mailing label to put with package? But I forgot to make sure the postage is paid by MagicJack as promised?

Nash: Thank you for your patience. I will transfer you to a higher level of support. Please hold while I transfer you.

Please wait while I transfer the chat to the best suited site operator.

You are now chatting with 'Harold'

Denise Evans: Hi harold please see my question to Nash.

Harold: Hello, this is Harold. It's my pleasure to assist you today. Please hold on for a moment while I review the chat history.

Denise Evans: ty

Harold: Thank you for holding, Denise. You want to have an RMA number, right?

Denise Evans: I have it already, I got it earlier. I just want to know that this return slip I printed off will tell the post office that I do not have to pay any postage.

Harold: You're the one who pay for it, Denise.

Denise Evans: No, that is not what the offer said. It said return postage paid if not satisfied.

Denise Evans: It says right on the video on your site!

Harold: Have you read the Terms of Services yet?

Denise Evans: it doesn't matter, that is what the offer said and I want Magicjack to keep that promise.

Denise Evans: Use the magicJack free for 30 days, make all the free calls you please. 100% Risk FREE - you pay nothing.

Denise Evans: That is on your website.

Denise Evans: NOTHING MEANS NOTHING

Harold: That means free trial and we did not say that including shipping..

Denise Evans: too bad, you screwed up then didn't you.

Denise Evans: I won't argue another minute. I suggest you pay the postage on this return or there will be repercussions for MagicJack. Your reputation is not that good and I don't think you want it to get worse??

Please wait for a site operator to respond.

You are now chatting with 'Nash'

Nash: Hello, how may I help you?

Denise Evans: Hi, I was sent a link to get a "return" mailing label to put with package? But I forgot to make sure the postage is paid by MagicJack as promised?

Nash: Thank you for your patience. I will transfer you to a higher level of support. Please hold while I transfer you.

Please wait while I transfer the chat to the best suited site operator.

You are now chatting with 'Harold'

Denise Evans: Hi harold please see my question to Nash.

Harold: Hello, this is Harold. It's my pleasure to assist you today. Please hold on for a moment while I review the chat history.

Denise Evans: ty

Harold: Thank you for holding, Denise. You want to have an RMA number, right?

Denise Evans: I have it already, I got it earlier. I just want to know that this return slip I printed off will tell the post office that I do not have to pay any postage.

Harold: You're the one who pay for it, Denise.

Denise Evans: No, that is not what the offer said. It said return postage paid if not satisfied.

Denise Evans: It says right on the video on your site!

Harold: Have you read the Terms of Services yet?

Denise Evans: it doesn't matter, that is what the offer said and I want Magicjack to keep that promise.

Denise Evans: Use the magicJack free for 30 days, make all the free calls you please. 100% Risk FREE - you pay nothing.

Denise Evans: That is on your website.

Denise Evans: NOTHING MEANS NOTHING

Harold: That means free trial and we did not say that including shipping..

Denise Evans: too bad, you screwed up then didn't you.

Denise Evans: I won't argue another minute. I suggest you pay the postage on this return or there will be repercussions for MagicJack. Your reputation is not that good and I don't think you want it to get worse??

Harold: Please read the Terms of Services below....

I told him no at this point but I don't know where that sentence went, I then hung up.

[az2008]

Here is the conversation I just had with them:

I never understand people who post chat-session transcripts, like everyone in the world has nothing better to do than read an endless he said/she said. For crying out loud, Days of Our Lives is on. Do you expect me to miss that?

Regarding MJ paying the postage to return a 30-day trial. Did they say that they pay for this? Or, are you just reading into their marketing spiel about how you can "return it and pay nothing." I don't go for a lot of 30-day trials, but I believe it's customary that the buyer pays return postage to take advantage of the trial (and "pay nothing" in the sense of paying the seller nothing for the product).

IMO, the only time the seller could be obligated to reimburse a buyer for return postage is if the product was grossly misrepresented. I.e., it didn't power on, couldn't place calls, etc. MJ may fall into this category for some buyers. They could file a complaint with the BBB. But, for only $1-$2 in postage, someone would have to have a lot of free time on their hands to make that worthwhile.

Mark

[oregoncountry]

Don't sweat the conversation. You're a big boy and you can choose "not" to read it:) The promotional video says that MagicJack will also pay the return postage if the buyer is not satisfied. End of story. I want others to know what kind of crap they are handing out. If your service is good you have no reason to return an MJ but if it sucked like mine, you return it, and, silly me, expect them to honor their advertisment. Enjoy your soaps!



[/quote]

I never understand people who post chat-session transcripts, like everyone in the world has nothing better to do than read an endless he said/she said. For crying out loud, Days of Our Lives is on. Do you expect me to miss that?

Regarding MJ paying the postage to return a 30-day trial. Did they say that they pay for this? Or, are you just reading into their marketing spiel about how you can "return it and pay nothing." I don't go for a lot of 30-day trials, but I believe it's customary that the buyer pays return postage to take advantage of the trial (and "pay nothing" in the sense of paying the seller nothing for the product).

IMO, the only time the seller could be obligated to reimburse a buyer for return postage is if the product was grossly misrepresented. I.e., it didn't power on, couldn't place calls, etc. MJ may fall into this category for some buyers. They could file a complaint with the BBB. But, for only $1-$2 in postage, someone would have to have a lot of free time on their hands to make that worthwhile.

Mark[/quote]

[az2008]

The promotional video says that MagicJack will also pay the return postage if the buyer is not satisfied.

Tape the promotional video and upload it to YouTube (if you can't find it there already). Then file a BBB complaint (see the wiki "cons" section for links to the Southeast Florida BBB).

Personally, I'm doubting that the infomercial said they'll pay return postage. I've seen hundreds of people complain that an infomercial said MJ allows "unlimited" calls -- but nobody can produce a copy of an infomercial actually using that word.

I think this is a common phenomenon. We remember hearing what we wanted to hear, not what was actually said.

If you can really produce an informercial where MJ said they pay return postage, then you have a duty to file a complaint with the BBB to help others. I'd also like to see the infomercial uploaded to YouTube so the wiki can link to it as an example of MJ's business practices.

Mark

[2088bob]

Mark i hate to burst your bubble but i watched the MJ tv promotional today and they categorically state that if you are not satisfied they will pay the return postage

[az2008]

Mark i hate to burst your bubble but i watched the MJ tv promotional today and they categorically state that if you are not satisfied they will pay the return postage

You could be right. But, until I see it I'm not believing it. I've seen too many people over the past six months assert something said something when it didn't, or they can't produce a copy of whetever it is they claim they saw.

Six months ago I would be inclined to believe you.

If there is indeed an infomercial saying MJ will pay the return postage, find it (or put it) on You Tube.

Mark

[oregoncountry]

I make a lot of mistakes but I did see and hear it just as you did. Although I searched the web for the infomercial, I couldn't find it. My guess is that MagicJack removed it and replaced it with the one they are showing on the web.

Oh well, Im sending it back on my "dime" but they lost my respect. I am just a country bumpkin and no one cares that much about losing my business but it does add up if enough complaints come in. Like I said, if the MJ works for folks I am glad, it didn't work for me and my location. I don't think there is anything in this world more valuable than integrity and a good reputation. Those who don't have that will fail in the end.

denise in Sams Valley OR

[Don123]

Mark i hate to burst your bubble but i watched the MJ tv promotional today and they categorically state that if you are not satisfied they will pay the return postage

I seen it twice so far tonight, also what they say on the site now is 100% not what was there when i got my MJ, they have changed it.

[oregoncountry]

It helps to know that I have not lost my one remaining marble, LOL!!!

denise in Sams Valley OR

[az2008]

I seen it twice so far tonight,

Can you create a transcript of exactly what is said? My concern is (considering how many people reassured each other they all heard "unlimited" in infomercials) is that there is some interpretation occurring. Such as "return it and pay nothing" means "I shouldn't have to pay for return postage."

If someone could put it on You Tube it would be even better.

Mark

[Don123]

I seen it twice so far tonight,

Can you create a transcript of exactly what is said? My concern is (considering how many people reassured each other they all heard "unlimited" in infomercials) is that there is some interpretation occurring. Such as "return it and pay nothing" means "I shouldn't have to pay for return postage."

If someone could put it on You Tube it would be even better.

Mark

Will do my best now as for the return postage being paid on there end, we are on our second MJ and when we went to send the other one back they sent us an envelope and we didnt pay for the postage at all.

[az2008]

we are on our second MJ and when we went to send the other one back they sent us an envelope and we didn't pay for the postage at all.

As I said earlier, I can understand MJ paying return postage for a defective (replaced) unit. It sounds like that's what you experienced. I'm not questioning that.

I would be surprised if MJ promised to pay for return postage if someone just doesn't want it. If they are promising that, it would be very helpful to get it on You Tube. That would help MJ customers challenge MJ, and provide evidence for a BBB complaint. (Maybe embolden the occasional class-action advocate.).

Mark

[Don123]

Actually this was first said when we asked for a refund, i asked what did i need to do they said nothing they will send out an envelop and just put it in the mail.
Now in saying this at the same time this was told to me via the online chat and lets all be honest they have no idea half the time what is what in the first place, also this is back at least 9-10 months ago.
It was before we ended the chat that i was asked if i would like to try another one and i thought might as well try.
So in reply to it might have been because it was a replacement i have to say no.
May i also say that when we got ours the site said....'free unlimited calling' the hard part with proving this and many have said they saw the same thing, is who gets an image of a web site thinking they will need it later on, i think this is where folks are getting angry, they know full well what they seen but now its just gone, and how do you prove it.

[oregoncountry]

something to the effect that he would "even" pay return postage. I'd like to know which network the info C is being broadcast on. I don't watch tv enough to catch it. If it's still being broadcast on tv I am thinking it must be available online so I will give another look there.

It won't surprise me if it disappears soon though and is replaced with the commercial they have online. It's a lot different "appearance-wise". The video they have on their website is not like the infomercial at all. It's supposedly the "creator" and his little girl.

I seen it twice so far tonight,

Can you create a transcript of exactly what is said? My concern is (considering how many people reassured each other they all heard "unlimited" in infomercials) is that there is some interpretation occurring. Such as "return it and pay nothing" means "I shouldn't have to pay for return postage."

If someone could put it on You Tube it would be even better.

Mark

Will do my best now as for the return postage being paid on there end, we are on our second MJ and when we went to send the other one back they sent us an envelope and we didnt pay for the postage at all.

[az2008]

Now in saying this at the same time this was told to me via the online chat and lets all be honest they have no idea half the time what is what in the first place, also this is back at least 9-10 months ago.
It was before we ended the chat that i was asked if i would like to try another one and i thought might as well try.

I understand. Like you said, it was 9-10 months ago. I'm just skeptical because I've seen the same thing with claims MJ said "unlimited calling." There were a lot of people absolutely confident they heard that word. But, nobody could provide a reference.

I'm not saying they were lying. They were victims of very effective advertising (something that helps people hear what they want to hear).

May i also say that when we got ours the site said....'free unlimited calling'

I've watched the MJ site since it was a beta product (and this user forum was on the MJ site). I don't recall ever seeing the word "unlimited." Maybe I overlooked it because I tend to dismiss terms like that (because nothing can be truly unlimited).

Some people have referred to the Canadian distributor's web site saying "unlimited." That's true. But, that's not officially "MagicJack." Just a reseller who has an additional relationship with MJ to manage the Canadian reseller agreement.

Mark

[msiam]

some one might look through some of their old tivo'd shows and late night movies, that's where you'll find them.. Just a suggestion, I dont have any that I know of but, I do find a lot of commercials that I have to zip thru..

[Matt9876]

You Tube had/has several MJ commercials.

[az2008]

You Tube had/has several MJ commercials.

The question is whether it has any that say MJ will pay the return postage if the customer wishes to take advantage of the 30-day trial's offer to return the product.

I've been pretty critical of MJ. But, 1) I've never seen MJ offer this. And, 2) I have seen MJ customers believe they've heard something they didn't.

So, I'm questioning whether MJ made this promise until someone who feels violated by it can produce evidence.

If this was 4-5 months ago I'd be more inclined to believe the reports that MJ said they'd pay return postage. But, to me it was stunning how so many people claimed to hear (or read) the word "unlimited" and to this date still can't produce an infomercial or archived web image with that word. It seems like just the common human trait of hearing what we want to hear.

I suspect that's the case now. Someone heard "return it and pay nothing" and interpreted that to be "we'll pay return postage." It may be reasonable to interpret it that way. I'm sure that's why MJ carefully chooses its words to help people hear what they want to hear. But, that's not the same as saying they'll pay return postage.

Mark

[Don123]

I know this is still a he said she said but its another one who thought return postage paid was to happen.
From what i can tell this is for a return as well not a replacement.
If you go to around 1.15 minute of the clip this where you will hear what was said in regards to this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8U92Um3W2Ic

[az2008]

I know this is still a he said she said but its another one who thought return postage paid was to happen.
From what i can tell this is for a return as well not a replacement.
If you go to around 1.15 minute of the clip this where you will hear what was said in regards to this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8U92Um3W2Ic

Thanks. You're right that it's still more MJ users reinforcing each other about what they think they heard/read.

I hate to be a big poop. But, I was really stunned the way so many people thought they read/heard the word "unlimited" but could'nt produce an example. Just lots of other (disappointed) people. I'm inclined to give MJ the benefit of the doubt on what appears to be MJ's advertising having the desired effect (helping people hear what they want to hear).

Mark

[MOA]

Mark i hate to burst your bubble but i watched the MJ tv promotional today and they categorically state that if you are not satisfied they will pay the return postage

You could be right. But, until I see it I'm not believing it. I've seen too many people over the past six months assert something said something when it didn't, or they can't produce a copy of whetever it is they claim they saw.

Six months ago I would be inclined to believe you.

If there is indeed an infomercial saying MJ will pay the return postage, find it (or put it) on You Tube.

Mark

Mark,

You have been wrong for 6 months then ... even the bogus "shopping network" say the same thing ...

Good ole Mel says "we'll even pay the return shipping if not satisfied" ...


MARK ... u have a PM

[az2008]

You have been wrong for 6 months then ... even the bogus "shopping network" say the same thing ...

I'm not believing it until someone puts it on YouTube.

I've seen too many people reinforcing each other ("I heard it," "so did I") when all they heard was "talk as long as you want" or "totally free calls."

Good ole Mel says "we'll even pay the return shipping if not satisfied" ...

Again, get it on YouTube if it's so obvious. That would be a big help to those who believe they'd been lied to. Especially those who have talked about class-action lawsuits, or involving state attorneys generals.

Mark

[MOA]

If you have "Dish" you can catch the shopping network with mel author via the magicjack advertisement ...

I'm too lazy to record it and transfer it utube ... lol

You have been wrong for 6 months then ... even the bogus "shopping network" say the same thing ...

I'm not believing it until someone puts it on YouTube.

I've seen too many people reinforcing each other ("I heard it," "so did I") when all they heard was "talk as long as you want" or "totally free calls."

Good ole Mel says "we'll even pay the return shipping if not satisfied" ...

Again, get it on YouTube if it's so obvious. That would be a big help to those who believe they'd been lied to. Especially those who have talked about class-action lawsuits, or involving state attorneys generals.

Mark

[Kif Kroker]

If there was a 'return postage' promise made in an infomercial I think it was done in the 30 minute one that is one some channels late at night. I watched it once out of curiosity, and I thought he may have said something about it, but I can't be sure of the rhetoric used. I have not seen any internet copies of the 30 minute infomercial, but I think that is the one people are talking about, not the short commercials.

[az2008]

but I can't be sure of the rhetoric used. I have not seen any internet copies of the 30 minute infomercial, but I think that is the one people are talking about, not the short commercials.

I receive over-the-air teevee. It would be nice if someone could record it and upload it. Even if it's just the part about return postage.

MJ should be held accountable for the promises it makes. I wouldn't hold MJ harmless because an infomercial made the claim. I'm sure MJ screens the script and final result. At best it would be one more strike against MJ's reputation (due to association). It's not like MJ is pure as the driven snow, and the infomercial is an aberration.

But, without seeing the video, I'm reserving judgment because, like you said, people who reporting seeing it "can't be sure of the rhetoric used." I've seen too many examples of people remembering more than they heard of read. There have been people on this forum who said the MJ site said it was "unlimited calling" when they really meant that it said "free calls" which they interpreted to mean unlimited.

The fact that there's a growing number of people saying "I saw it too" doesn't persuade me either. There were a lot of people who claimed to hear/read "unlimited." All they could do is come up with "free calls" or "talk as long as you want" (infomercial).

Mark

[cdwaldron]

Is Mel Arthur on the Magic Jack infomercial or is he on the Shopping Network? Isn't the Shopping Network a separate entity like QVC? Maybe Shopping Network will pay your return postage but the MagicJack infomercial (sponsored by MJ) does not? Don't know, just asking.

[az2008]

Is Mel Arthur on the Magic Jack infomercial or is he on the Shopping Network? Isn't the Shopping Network a separate entity like QVC? Maybe Shopping Network will pay your return postage but the MagicJack infomercial (sponsored by MJ) does not? Don't know, just asking.

That's a good point. It could be like Best Buy's depiction of MJ coming with a 1-year parts & labor warranty. In such a case, who's responsible for fulfilling the promise?

If QVC or HSN say "we'll pay your return postage" that's even more clearly their promise than BB's depiction of what could be a manufacturer's warranty.

It's entirely possible QVC, HSN, BB, et. al. conspire with Dan. "You guys say this. And then when customers come to me, I'll deny the benefit. If they come to you, just tell them you were depicting what you thought my policy is. It will be great. Marketing shock and awe."

Dan (or the people he surrounds himself with) strikes me as completely capable of something like that.

Mark

[NormMontalvo]

Never mind the endless conversations I had with The infamous support CHAT (For the waste of life that would rather see a soap opera) but here's my story,
I started to order over the phone, once it got to the part about not being able to use a debit card (My bank card for the clueless) towards the great promotion I canceled the order, Next day $93.80 billed to my bank account,
I chat with MJ who then tells me sorry but send it back, I send it back and 3 months later I had to threaten them with legal action to get once again,
"Please expect you refund in 3 days".
I WILL GO ON EVERY FORUM JUST TO LET AS MANY PEOPLE AS I CAN THAT THIS COMPANY, THIS PRODUCT IS A SCAM,
ONE WOULD GUESS THAT WITH ALL THE MONEY THESE PEOPLE HAVE MADE THEY WOULD HAVE AN ACTUAL VOICE SUPPORT TEAM THAT KNEW WHAT THEY WERE DOING. That just shows that the people running this so called "company" would rather take the money and run like any other thief.

[MOA]

Is Mel Arthur on the Magic Jack infomercial or is he on the Shopping Network? Isn't the Shopping Network a separate entity like QVC? Maybe Shopping Network will pay your return postage but the MagicJack infomercial (sponsored by MJ) does not? Don't know, just asking.

Shopping Network is owned by mel arthur and is "currently" the front for MJ selling ...

The Shopping Network Value of the day ... lol

[Anne]

Does anyone know how much it would cost to return a MJ? Is it expensive and that's why people are so irate?

Thanks,
Anne

[msiam]

About $2, Ive sent some to family members in FL from WI

[mberlant]

Anne, my take is that people are upset by the sleaze and bait-and-switch shenanigans more than by the actual dollars involved. I'm firmly in the camp that MJ could sell just as many dongles as they do now if they would sell them honestly and honorably. Apparently, Dan does not see it that way.

[smalcom]

...I suspect that's the case now. Someone heard "return it and pay nothing" and interpreted that to be "we'll pay return postage." It may be reasonable to interpret it that way. I'm sure that's why MJ carefully chooses its words to help people hear what they want to hear. But, that's not the same as saying they'll pay return postage.

Mark

That's why they spend thousands of dollars on lawyers and advertising executives. They know how to say one thing and have you believe something entirely different.