Business Ethics in the Audio Industry


I wonder if anyone else has run into problems with audio manufacturer/retailers that raise ethical (if not legal) issues. In mid-April, I ordered a Schiit Freya on Schiit's website and authorized credit card payment. The website said that shipment would be delayed until April 30th. After that, I received another email message from Schiit saying shipment would be delayed until May 15. I made one further inquiry after that, and Schiit responded that I would have to wait a little longer. Then, just yesterday, I received a message from Schiit saying that the Freya had been replaced by two new models, and I could choose between them. Either way, I'd have to pay $100 to $200 more than for the Freya I had ordered in mid-April.

Before yesterday, there was no sign on Schiit's website or anywhere else that the Freya was being discontinued in favor of the new model (with two options). Nor did any of the email messages I received from Schiit indicate that the Freya was being discontinued and that I would have to pay more than previously agreed for what I had ordered. The messages only ever referred to shipping delays.

Do you consider this a fair business practice on the part of Schiit? I feel like it's a bait-and-switch, which they tried to justify by noting that my credit card charge was reimbursed three days after the initial order, as per company policy. But I assumed that was only because of the delay in shipping, and that the card would be charged once shipping occurred. I don't know whether this rises to fraudulent misrepresentation, but it certainly seems to amount to a dishonest business practice. I'd be interested to hear what others think about this.
dancole

Showing 1 response by emil

a couple of scenarios.

1) If they had a Freya in stock in April they would have sold it to you. Done.  In May they released the Freya Mk2 . That would have pissed me off but they have no obligation to tell anyone that although it would be a nice thing to do.
So now in a matter of 30 days, my original Freya would have depreciated a good 40% with the release of the Mk2

2) Schitt wasn't quite sure in April that the MK2 would be released in May so yes, they strung you along as they probably would need to order parts for yours and other orders in case the release of the Mk2 was delayed

Could it be that Schitt felt that they were  not only working in their own best interest but also the consumers?