Medlibbers:

We haven't had much of a problem with Faulkner & Gray (knock wood)
but have had a doozy of a run-around with International Business
Directories out of West Haven (CT).

Last October, one of their salespersons called our hospsital and
spoke with our Credit Manager, offering to send her their AT&T
Toll-Free National Directory 1997 & a Directory of Business &
Professional Associations.

She said no thanks.  They offered 30 day free preview.  Really, no
thanks, don't need them, don't want them.

You guessed it, a week later she gets a big box with the books,
followed by an invoice for $176.50.

I told her they were unsolicited materials, we could do what we want
with them.  She wanted to send them back, so I called about returns
(they weren't happy at the prospect) but gave instructions - and an
address - for UPS return.

Then I read the fine print.  No returns without prior authorization
(which we got) PLUS a 20% "restocking charge"!

No way were we going to pay a nickel for something we didn't want in
the first place, so after checking with higher-ups, we sat on it.  I
also filed a complaint with the Connecticut Department of COnsumer
Protection.

We started getting overdue account notices, which I duly stuck in the
IBD nuisance file.  Then, two weeks ago, our Credit Manager got what
she referred to as the nastiest phone call she'd ever had, from either
IBD or their collection agency.  I was graced the following Monday
with a call from the same barricuda, who - when I repeatedly informed
her that the Credit Manager did NOT place an order for the items -
said acidly, "And you believe her?"

After I picked my jaw up off the desk, I shot back, "I"ve known her for
seventeen years and you for all of five minutes - what do YOU think?"

Needless to say, this woman could drive up from Connecticut in person
to retrieve the books and I'd tell her to whistle for 'em.

So, unfortunately F&G aren't the only sharks in the water.  Watch
your backs.

Anne Tomlin
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