credit card charge

ruthie · **credit card charge**

I always check my credit card balance on line, well yesterday a charge went on it from a company who is not shipping my product till July or August. I called them and they told me that it was their policy to go ahead and charge the account as soon as the order is place.

This sounds weird to me. What if the item never ships or I cancell it before it ships. They told me that they would credit my account back with no problem. Yea right, that saying is like the old "check is in the mail"!

Has anyone ever heard of a company doing this?

Denvergirlie · 06-10-2008, 10:12 AM

They are breaking the law.

You can not charge your credit card until it's ready to ship.

Talk to the attonrey generals office.

VikingMama · 06-10-2008, 10:27 AM

Never heard of that either. Everything I've ever bought that wasn't shipped immediately didn't get charged to my credit card until it did. I'd look into it.

freebiemom · 06-10-2008, 10:37 AM

Same here. I've never been charged until the item was shipped. I'd look further into it as well.

T-shell · 06-10-2008, 02:24 PM

My daughters ordered something earlier this year, and the company charged my CC. When the shipment was delayed, this company would automatically credit the purchase. I think this happened twice before the final charge was made and the product arrived.

LawDawg · 06-10-2008, 04:12 PM

I really think it depends on what the item is that you purchased. If it is a special order then generally the policy is to bill when the order is placed. That way the company is not left holding the bag if you change your mind after they made a special order for you.

If it is a matter of backordered merchandise than a charge now could "save your place" when the item comes in.

If its a regular order with a long shipment time -- again it could be their policy to bill now.

I don't think its against the law to charge for something when you place an order, but I do think you need to find out what trading terms you are agreeing to in full before you allow someone to charge your credit card.

If you do not get the product though you have up to a year to protest charges on a credit card -- the company would then do a charge back if the product you ordered was never sent. There is your protection. The risk is actually on the credit card company.