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 Then, just yesterday, I received a message from Schiit saying that the Freya had been replaced by two new models, and I could choose between them.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 2 responses by lowrider57

+1 @yogiboy . 
I had the same situation with one of our favourite vendors on Audiogon. I ordered an item, then was notified said item was replaced by an upgraded model. I was offered the new item at the original price.
The owner of the shop saved me $250. A real class act.


@dancole  Nothing wrong with your post. Maybe you don't have a lot of experience with direct sales in this crazy  business. Live and learn.
Schiit is a small company run by two partners and they may not be looking at the big picture such as updating their website or keeping track of discontinued models.
You should have been informed, but customer service did the right thing by crediting your account. 

Chalk this up to experience and order the new Freya. Schiit makes a quality product and they offer a trial period.