Adrienne of Clinton Township, MI, writes:
On June 6, 2000 I contracted with A Economy Auto Transporters to have a 2001 Ford Explorer shipped from Mt. Clemens, MI to Los Angeles, CA. I paid a deposit of $175 via personal check. The balance of $700 was to be paid upon vehicle pick-up.

I was advised that the shipping company would send a driver to pick up the vehicle in one week. After three or more weeks, the shipper still had not picked up the vehicle, so I cancelled the service on Monday, June 26, 2000. When I cancelled, Jim Whitemarsh advised that he would mail the deposit "right away".

When I called the shipper back one week later, Mr. Whitemarsh rudely advised that there was a 30-day wait to receive a refund. I called Mr. Whitemarsh on Monday, August 21 (56 days after my original cancellation) to request the refund. Mr. Whitemarsh advised that he will send $125 on that day, as there is a $50 cancellation fee. Mr. Whitemarsh advised if I keep "bugging" him about the payment, he will not reimburse me at all.

I am requesting full compensation for services that were never provided. The economic damage that resulted was a rental car expense which totalled more than $600 for the time in which I waited for the vehicle to be shipped.

Though it might be more trouble than it's worth, Adrienne should sue this company and Mr. Whitemarsh personally in Small Claims Court Assuming she wins, she can then hire a commercial collection agency to go after the company and Mr. Whitemarsh, which should afford some emotional satisfaction if nothing else.