Morning Chaps.
I've told some of you about this but thought I'd let the forum know as a whole. I'm sure some of you are aware that my missus is into car and especially Audio. For Christmas I arranged with her parents to get her a new double din head unit for her Mk6.5 as she's been after one for a while.
I had a look on the web for various options and decided on the Pioneer AVH-3300BT. I've installed this in a Lexus IS before and a mate has a similar unit that was recommended. When I bought the unit for the Lexus, I went into the Nottingham branch and collected it. No problems at all. We where given the wrong ISO adapter lead as the IS wasn't an import and they assumed it would be (fair enough). Went back and it was changed without any issues.
Having decided on the same unit for the missus car, I ordered online as I was too busy to get into the centre of Nottingham and find parking (They where also out of stock in store). The online website stated it was in stock so I whacked my Visa number in and thought 'Sweet, Christmas done.'
Nope.
Firstly, I got an email stating my order had been unsuccessful and that I needed to call the head office. On an 0906 number. At this point alarm bells started ringing, as I can't see how a customer service line should be a premium rate number. I did a quick google search to see if similar had happened in the past. Turns out that they do this regularly - More on that later.
I spoke with CAC to see what the issue was. It was alleged that I had incorrectly entered my card number or details on it. In all fairness, I can't prove or disprove if I did but I order just about everything off the net and it's never occurred in the past. Due to the 0906 number, I had called off my work phone which has call recordings. The operater at this stage confirmed to me that the head unit was in stock. I said that I'd call back once I'd checked my bank to see if the transaction had gone through, which it hadn't.
Rang back and asked if I could pay over the phone. I ended up speaking to a different person. Just as I was about to pay, I was told that the head unit wasn't in stock after all and I had two options. I could either have a similar head unit sent out that they would select or I could pay extra and 'upgrade' to a Kenwood which I didn't want. At this point I walked away.
Back to the reviews. I found this page here REVIEWS where it seems similar instances have occured. The problem with the internet though is that people very rarely compliment on a job well done but are more than happy to bitch. I just see that link as the other half of the reviews as the CAC are happy to put the good ones on their website.
I ended up getting the headunit from a shop in Derby called Bass Junkies. Really nice bloke called Kevin sorted me out and we had an hour long chat about upgrading the ST and the Civic.
So to recap - Buying from in-store - Cool. Buying from the Web? AVOID!
still need them pics dude if you get time inbetween sorting your missus audio lol does she come with a mute facility? Lol :-D