DEAR SUN SPOTS: On June 23 I purchased a queen-sized, double-pillow-top mattress set and frame for delivery from a local store. While paying for the purchase, the cashier asked me to sign a delivery agreement form. I told her I didn’t have my glasses and asked her to read the form to me.

She said it basically says that I need to inspect the items being delivered prior to accepting them from the delivery driver. I was not provided a copy of the form. I scheduled the delivery for the next day. I would be working, but my daughter would be home.

I received a call at work the following day from the delivery driver saying he could not get the queen-size box spring into the room where it was to go. I said that was odd, as I had one in there previously. I told him to return the merchandise for a refund, and I would pay for the delivery charge.

Total purchase with delivery and taxes came to $502.48.

I repeatedly called the store throughout the day asking to speak to the manager to process the refund. After five attempts to speak with the manager, I was informed by the associate answering the phone he would not refund my purchase and would only exchange the merchandise.

I informed him I would dispute the charge with my credit card company and contact the Better Business Bureau, which I have done.

To date I have not received a refund of my money and would like the public to be aware of these dishonest and unprofessional business practices. — Robby, Norway

ANSWER: Sun Spots finally got a hold of the owner of the store, who said he would contact Robby. As far as Sun Spots knows, he did not do so. That does not mean he won’t or that Robby has no options.

The Better Business Bureau is probably not one of them. You can check its website before you buy something to see if there have been a lot of complaints, but they won’t really help you after the fact. They don’t even have an office in Maine.

Fortunately, Maine has very strong consumer protection laws (as the next reader attests). Robby can contact the Consumer Protection Service of the Maine Attorney General’s Office at 800-436-2131 (9 a.m. to noon Monday through Thursday), consumer.mediation@maine.gov, Attorney General’s Consumer Division, 6 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333.

His credit card company should also be of help if he filed a dispute. Sun Spots has gone that route more than once and always gotten satisfaction.

All of this requires patience, however, and Robby was in a hurry, so he accepted an exchange.

Final lesson: NEVER sign something without reading it first.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: In April I received a nice gift bag of travel goods from the Delta Kappa Gamma Society, Mu Chapter. There was no address given, only  a card, which said: “In appreciation of your dedication to education, we are remembering you today. Thank you!”

I would like to extend my appreciation to that group and tell them that the five years I spent teaching computer literacy with Auburn Adult Education were wonderful years.

In regards to a warranty protection question you answered recently, Maine has the toughest warranty law in the United States. Despite the manufacturer’s warranty on any appliance purchased in Maine, the state says the warranty on that appliance must be for the entire average lifetime of that appliance.

The Attorney General’s Office will provide information on the actual implied warranty of any purchase made in Maine beyond the so-called guarantee on the tag. Every business in Maine is aware of this law, but they won’t voluntarily tell you about it. However, when you know the law and say so, they will back down. 

The Sun Journal published a lengthy article on this law a few short years ago. — Fred Goldrup, Auburn

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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