Seattle Coffee Direct review: Rip off! 683

I also signed up for their promotional coffe deal. The one where you get two ugs, two cups and two bags of coffee for under $10, it seemed cheap and I was going to cancel after my first shipment.
After running their name through a search engine I came upon this site and immediately cancelled my order and my account. I asked how much I had been charged for and it was $25! What a scam!

my name is barbara underwood, i called and cancelled my membership, and you still shipped coffee, and ar billing me 38.00 or so .i mailed back the coffee to you please credit my acccount. you can contact me either at e-mail address barbsbrandy@hotmail.com or lady5960@hotmail.com

cancel and credit my account

to many orders coming in The cost is too much I'm paying almost $50.00 for 24oz of coffee what's the deal to much too soon call for shipment to come in once every two months hope is works can I get a coffee machine or cup for my purchase I need help here thank you in advance

I also answered a promotional offer advertising 2 tumblers, 2 coffee mugs and 2 bags of coffee. I did not agree to anymore, nor did I ask for more than the offer after recieving the initial shipment. I was charged $38.95 on 3 different occasions weeks for a total of $116.85 in a matter of 2 weeks! I too am very dissatisfied and cancelled any further shipments. If charges continue, I will also file a fraud complaint with my bank and the Better Business bureau! Be aware of this company!

I was duped by their marketing. In multiple places they say 5 for $5ea. The fine print says you get 2 bags of coffee, plus some cups. A day after my promotional order arrived, I got 2 more bags with nothing on the packing slip describing what's what. They had basically started shipping me 2 bags every week from the date of my original order.

After I figured out what was going on and canceled my account, I shipped them the bags I had for a refund. They have the bags according to UPS, delivered on 8/21/08. I called on 8/25/08 to find out the status of my refund only to be told they didn't have any info about my return. After giving them the UPS tracking number, they said they'd refund me, in 5-7 business days. I'm hoping there won't be any more issue with them.

I totally agree with everyone above! I received two charges, on for $25 and one for $38 and that is so not what was advertised. After reading these complaints, I emailed the head of this company (thanks for posting that information!) and I also notified my bank that this was a scam and that I have not authorized any further charges and I asked them to put an alert on my account so that no other charges to this company can go through. Im hoping this resolves my issues!

seattle coffee direct, SCD, is a rip off and after careful search i find that this company, PEEL, INC., is its parent company. The SCD has made unauthorized charges to my and hundreds of thousands of other consumers credit cards. I am here to say we will not tolerate it any longer, I am purposing that we file a group multi million dollar lawsuit against Peel, INC. and Seattle coffee direct. We all should also file a formal complaints with the federal trade commission and also with the chicago better business bureau. I'd advise PEEL INC and Seattle Coffee Direct company to make immediate refunds and stop any further unauthorized charges. Any person who has received supposed promotional offers and unauthorized credit card charges from these companies please contact my email, jmac83173@yahoo.com with subject line; multi party lawsuit/SCD/PEEL, INC. please be ready to supply 1) credit card charges from said company. 2) if any recordings of conversations with said companies. 3) emails or any other documented recordings of conversations stating refund or termination of subscriptions. this email is being sent to any and all persons who have made or voiced complaints of this company/companies. thank you and best wishes, we are as of September 01, 2008 11, 973 persons strong with lawsuit, after we reach 15, 000 we are to file an open lawsuit and demand a multi million dollar settlement!

I agree that their promotional tactics are less than pure. I did a promotional sign up for the coffee and travel mugs and other mugs. For the amount I paid it was the quality I expected in terms of the mugs; for the coffee it was quite good. However, this was a gift for my parents and they said while they liked the coffee they preferred another brand. I too have been subscribed to basically a coffee-of-the-month and in all honesty that is probably our own fault. The fine print probably has it there that for the promotional offer that if one didn't "cancel" the subscription they'd charge and send out the coffees. So while it's a bit underhanded on how they're getting their business known, it's still a buyers responsibility to read the fine print. And at the end of the day, don't bother with promotions. Which might be a sad thing for other companies who unlike this company might operate more honestly but are getting scrutinized or losing business because of the reputation of promotional offers or "monthly" subscriptions. So if anyone has the "terms" of service for ordering the coffees that would be the best bet as to "hidden fees" because more often than not, they're not hidden simply very fine print. I will complain about their lack of invoices when they send out a shipment. This is highly unethical. If it is not law then it should be law that all shipments that is going to be charged to a given person must include invoices. Sadly, I'm sure lawmakers never thought it necessary to have to make law what is very basic ethical means of running a business.

As I started reading all your stories the bottom fell out of my stomach. I to was duped by this unethical company. I have never been contacted back and everytime I call I get the recording. I was doing one of those stupid surveys as well and ordered a sample of 2 bags with 2 free mugs and 2 tumblers for $5, shipping was supposed to be $10. After checking my bank records the charge was $25. That was on 7-21-08. So far I have been sent 2 bags of coffee every week 8-11-08, 8-18-08, 8-25-08, and 9-2-08 @ $38.95 a pop that I did not want or order. I have repeatedly called and left messages stating that I did not sign up to be in any coffee club and could not possibly drink $200.00 of coffee a month. I am so pissed off. I'm all for the multi-million dollar class action suit and turning them in to the FTC!
I'll be contacting James M. he has the right idea. so far I have been credited $25, but they're still charging my bank card $38.95.

Good luck everyone,
Terry D.

I received an offer for 2 12 oz bags of coffee a month & to be charged once a month so far its been 2 to 3 shipments a month and $38.95 per shipment. I did not agree to pay almost 100.00 a month for coffee and can not get shipments to stop!

Seattle Coffee Direct was an offer I was linked to from another site. They advertised that for $5 I could try two of their coffee products and receive 2 coffee mugs and 2 travel mugs. Seemed cool and I'm a coffee lover so I purchased. Later when I was reviewing my credit card account summary, I found that they charged me $25, then two more installments of $38.99! I called the company and they asked me if I knew I had signed up for membership. "No, " I replied. He told me that if I wrote "return to sender" that they would refund me the charges. Later I read someone else's complaint that even AFTER returning the products they weren't refunded their money! So I called my credit card co. and reported it, and they told me I should report it as fraud and shut down my current account, so that they can't continue to charge me. They marked the 3 payments as fraud so it appears that I will be reimbursed.

I suggest anyone who gets stuck in this trap to do the same. Down with Seattle Coffee Direct!

I ordered coffee and so far I have been charged twice, ($25 + 35.95) already. the coffee is not that great...folgers taste a whole lot better than the nondescript coffee they sent me. Anyone out there who have some advice on how to get a refund for some of the charges would be appreciated.
This is some kind of scam and it should be stopped. How can we the consumer be protected.
Thanks for any advice.

I have a totally different issue with these people. I didn't order a thing from them, in fact I never even heard of them until I found a charge for $25.00 on my credit card along with a $0.20 International Processing Fee. I have no idea who they are. I am in the process of disputing the charge but I would love to call them myself does anyone have a phone number or address on these guys?

It seems I'm not the only person who has been ripped off by Seattle Coffee Direct. I only wanted to try their coffee out. The promotional was for a grinder and two one-pound bags of coffee for $14.95. I received the coffee for the promotional, not the grinder. They charged my account on August 30 for this. Then on Sept. 4 they charged my account $34.95 and I received two more one-pound bags of coffee in the mail again today. When I checked my account online tonight I see that they have charged me $34.95 again today, Sept. 15. That's more than Starbucks charges for a bag of their beans - and they are better.

This company is the biggest scam and charged my credit card 233.70 in just one month. $38.95 for just 2 packages of coffee?
What kind of scam gets away with this? Boycott this company now!

Sounds like mine is the same as everyone elses! I signed up to get 2 coffee mugs and 2 bags of coffee for $5. I was billed $25 on 9/5/08, on 9/10/08 I was billed $38.95, and then on 9/16/08 I was billed another $38.95. Thats $103 in 11 days! When I called the number to cancel my account it said I was billed every week (more like every 5 days!) because my account was set up for weekly shipments. I never signed up for weekly shipments. This place is just a ripoff. They said my account was cancelled, said they will accept any coffee unopened to be returned. Well, it also says on their website that the two bags of coffee are $25 with a small shipping fee. I don't think $14 for a shipping fee is small by any means. I will try and keep you updated if I ever receive a refund as the website promises it will do.

I accepted an introductory offer & did receive the coffee & 2 mugs however...I received 2 more bags of coffee 1 week later (9/18/08). I never asked for weekly shipments & was told this would be a monthly shipment. I called to cancel the account today (9/18/08) & was informed ANOTHER shipment of 2 more bags went out today!

Highly unethical business practices & quite frankly Gevalia is a better coffee & more reasonable priced.

Online offer claimed 5 varieities of cooffee, 2 ceramic coffee mugs, and coffee cups would be shipped for $25.00. Two shipments came. The first shipment had 2 varieities of coffee, 2 coffee cups, and 2 coffee mugs one of which failed by cracking due to thermal shock shock of pooring hot coffee into mug. The second shipment arrived with only two more bags of coffee (same variety as was received in first shipment). I was then billed four times over the next few weeks for amounts of $25 and three additional bills for $38.50. These guys are crooks and need to be thrown in jail!

I signed up for a monthly $25 subscription and somehow ended up with a $40.00 A WEEK! Who payes that much a week for coffee?

Customer service lady was OK. Since I had not received the shipment I was still able to return it, however once it is delivered there is no return. That is bogus. This company is horribly run.

WATCH OUT..

I signed up for a once a month shipment for coffee and within 3 weeks, I'd been sent 6 bags of coffee -after- the original 2 and billed on my credit card 4 times!
These people should be shut down! When you call to complain, they act like you're caller number [protected] and not important... A very bland "Just return to sender and when we get it we will refund your money." I'm not that stupid, however and intend to press charges against them for theft.

I did not sign up for the coffee shipments. My credit card has been charged over $100.00 for coffee I did not order.

My husband ordered this online. Their website said you get 5 coffees, 2 travel mugs and 2 regular mugs with your first order. We received 2 bags of coffee, 2 "very cheap" travel mugs, and 2 mugs (made in china), that you can purchase 10 of for 99 cents at the 99 cent store. They charged us 38.95 for this. I then received 2 more bags (even the same flavor), of coffee. Six days after the first charge, my account was charged another 38.95.
I called them this morning and was told: My husband got the first order for $25.oo which included the mugs. (She didn't explain why I paid 38.95, and only got 2 bags of coffee). Then she said that he ordered a "weekly" supply of coffee, which would be 2 bags for 12.50, which still doesn't explain why I was charged an additional 38.95. Long story short, I've paid almost $80.00 for 4 bags of coffee, and a few cheap mugs! What a ripoff!

i also went trough the same duping proccess and call ed to talk to a women and told her im not going to sit and get charged for products i didnt auth. she told me im on a weekly mailing for this crap i told her i did a 1 one time purchase and im going to call my bank to dipute charges she said to do what i need to and to mail the unopen stuff to them for a refund...
now i have to get a new bank card this is a pain

the company name is peel inc.

the company charged $125.00 to my Debit and told me they denied my card repeatly. They have not shipped any products at this time. These transactions occured on October 1, 2008

10/01/2008 PA-SEATTLECOFFEEDIRE -$25.00 $34, 804.98
10/01/2008 PA-SEATTLECOFFEEDIRE -$25.00 $34, 829.98
10/01/2008 PA-SEATTLECOFFEEDIRE -$25.00 $34, 854.98
10/01/2008 PA-SEATTLECOFFEEDIRE -$25.00 $34, 879.98
10/01/2008 PA-SEATTLECOFFEEDIRE -$25.00 $34, 904.98

These transactions have not been reversed at this time. Please help

Ordered on october 05 2008 thinking it was a great deal then I noticed the 25 dollar charge right away. then i cam across all of the reviews about this company. I'm now petrified about what will happen next because I can't afford to be debited continuously. I pray nobody else falls for this scam.

The coffee's good. The price rediculous. Not worth the trouble or money. DON'T DO IT!

They word everything to look great, and then they take way more out of your account than what you allow. I am contacting the Attorney general's office, and filing a complaint, and I'm also contacting the Better Business Bureau. My brotherin law is in a law firm, and he said I have a good suit.

Call this number for seattle coffee--[protected]. Demand action from them You are the consumer who is being ripped off.

if you want to get a refund from these thieves, here's some good info:

their corporate telephone number is: [protected]

their warehouse number is: [protected]

the customer service manager's name is Rebecca.

the vice president's name is Eric.

what may be the most helpful info of all:

they get their posters from Pyramid America (http://www.pyramidamerica.com/)

and they get their coffee from European Roasterie (http://76.164.129.95/ProductCart/pc/home.asp)

if you make a complaint to their suppliers then perhaps that will get some real results.

hope this helps.

I signed up for a promotional offer and was charged $25.00. I was fine with that, as I requested it. But then just 4 days later I was charged $38.96 for coffee I did not order. They will not answer my calls and have no email address. I called and had my credit card number changed in order to avoid further charges. It appears they will keep on charging you until you cancel-- but they don't answer their phone to let you do so! In addition to having my CC number changed I disputed the $38.96 charge but I doubt that will get anywhere. Ohh well, at least I avoided a third and fourth charge by changing my CC#! What a scam!

Call you CC compnay and have them change your CC number! That way Seattle Coffee will not be able to charge your card anymore. I know it seems drastic but it is pretty much the only option that will save you from being charged 3, 4, or maybe even 5 times!

OMG I guess I should of researched before I signed up. Big Mistake I am out $60 as of now.

I ordered two mugs, two stainless steel coffee mugs and two bags of coffee for 9.99. I got charged $25, then every week following that I was charged $38.95 for two bags of coffee! When I called I was told that it was $12.50 a bag for the coffee, which means they charge $13.95 to ship a $4 package! They received my return 3 weeks ago (I got signature confirmation!) and I have yet to see the money come back.

your charge me 25.---- and now you are charging me 38.95 and for what. please respond asap.
thank you i dont have the 38.95 so please put it back.

any questions [protected]
sheila sims

I totally agree, I signed up on line for 4 bags of coffee at $5.00 each, I was charged the $25.00 and only received 2 bags of coffee, then about 2 weeks later, I received 2 more bags of coffee, I assumed that this was the next two bags of coffeee I was missing, but, no I had a new charge of $38.95 on my credit card. I am disputing today with my credit card company and sending a letter to seattle coffee direct to stop this now.

I apologize for any problems you have encountered with our company. The prices of our coffee are clearly stated in the Details and Terms on our website. Please click here to see the Details and Terms of your Seattle Coffee Direct purchase.

Here at Seattle Coffee Direct, customer satisfaction is our priority. That is why we will happily refund any unopened bags of coffee as soon as we receive them. It will normally take from 7-10 business days for funds to be deposited back into your account. Again, I apologize for any inconvenience. Should you have any further questions or concerns, simply call us at 888-217-CAFÉ. Customer Service Representatives are on hand to assist you Monday through Friday, 10 am – 6 pm ET.

Sincerely,
Jeff Berman, Director of Customer Service
jberman@seattlecoffeedirect.com

i too have bought the 5 for 5 and was billed over $100! I called and they said the system was down to call back. i tired calling again and no one is picking up!

I agree! It is not good business. I also ordered on line and received the two cheap travel mugs and two coffee cups along with two bags of coffee. A week or so later I get another order of the same flavors. Yesterday another two bags of coffee and you guessed it...the same flavors. Today I called and cancelled. Those six bags of coffee cost me 102.90! I am NOT a happy customer! I believe you need to go on line to change your flavors when you want a change. I found that out on my own. I had NO idea I would be receiving shipments almost every week! What a rip off! Rich