Tiger Direct Uses False Advertising to Get Sales

So, last month I decided it was time for a new digital camera. I, like many people make sure to look around and research for the best product at the best price. Although I was aware of Tiger Direct's bad rebate practices, I decided to buy my camera from them becasue of the great deal I though I was getting, and this camera did not have a rebate to deal with.

The camera as advertised:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1778783&Tab=2&NoMapp=0

Sony Cybershot DSC-S600

While I found the camera about $20 cheaper everywhere else, (Circuit City, Best Buy, Staples, Office Depot, Wal-Mart, Newegg, and about every other online site, one even had it for about $160) I chose to buy from tigerdirect because of the advertised rechargable batteries and charger.

The specs clearly state that it comes with a charger and Rechargable InfoLithium Batteries.

When the Item arrived, I was surprised to see that the batteries were not rechargable and there was not a charger included. I emailed Tigerdirect the following day to find out what the problem was, or get a price match to Newegg.

Here is the response:

Upon calling the manufacturer, they informed me that they had never shipped that model camera with rechargable batteries or charger. I did not want an exchange since it would not be of any use, and I did not want to pay to ship it back for a refund, and I needed my camera for the week.

Are they serious in this email when they say "we are unable to provide you with that item as the the unit was packaged by the manufacturer"? It wasnt packaged as advertised in the first place.. LIES ! ! The email suggest they opened the package up and took parts out.

In my second email I made sure to let them know there was a mistake on the website.. and that has yet to be corrected. I also asked for a price match again since it was ignored the first time, and this is the response I recieved:

Off the website:

So, by their disclaimer, they are saying that they can advertise what ever product they want, and ship you what ever they feel like. They even made it sound like it was my fault it didnt come as advertised. If tigerdirect cared about their customers in the least bit, they would fix the error on the website. But, since they have ignored my requests it makes me wonder if it was done on purpose. Think about it.. a company charges a bit more then competitors but advertises extra features. People will pay more thinking they are getting more for their money. All the while, Tiger Direct can use their handy disclaimer against any argument, and at the same time not offer a price match to top it off.

I wonder how many other products they do this to.

(for the record.. I have nothing against Sony, and this camera is a great value, takes amazing pictures and I would reccomend it to anyone for any purpose... just buy it elsewhere.)

I have posted a review for the camera and gave it 4 stars, only taking one off for the battery issue. This was over a month ago, yet they still have not posted my review. Does tigerdirect do this for every product to make sure it sells?

If it is a mistake.. fine.. but its how the company deals with it that matters

I have gotten a bunch of emails from people since this was posted on DIGG last night.

Thanks for the support and thanks to anybody who has shared their stories as well.

DanaFrancey@gmail.com