PC Express (Katipunan): Strike Two?

Two posts ago, I listed PC Express (Katipunan) to be one of some stores that add a surcharge to credit card purchases. I don't remember very well if indeed they do, so correct me if I'm wrong.

Anyway, if so, here's their Strike Number Two.

They did not issue me a receipt for a purchase I made for a P110 item. Now I do not remember if the first time I purchased from them (when I used my credit card), if they issued an official receipt voluntarily or I had to ask them (I usually ask when the purchase is significant. I think my first purchase was... and that they added a surcharge because my bill amounted to an inexact amount... like P2067, which is 6% over P1950 - ah! I now remember buying a couple of things worth P1150 and P800.)

So I did not DEMAND a receipt. The thing is, THEY DID NOT PLAN TO ISSUE A RECEIPT IN THE FIRST PLACE.

Paging the Department of Trade and Industry!

But still, PC Express offers lower prices than that other company, Villman, which also adds a surcharge for credit card purchases. BUT STILL! Whether you're just a liar, or you're a murderer, you're still going to hell, baby!

Booming photo studio does not issue sales receipt

Many Filipinos apply for a Japanese VISA everyday. One of the requirements for a VISA application are two photos.

When I went to the Japanese Embassy on April 8, 2005, I asked the security guard what were the requirements. He told me that two photos are necessary. I asked, "that's all?" He said yes and he pointed me to this lady who will bring me to a photo studio nearby.

So the lady accompanied me... to inside the just-adjacent Hyatt Hotel building. There's a photo studio there and I think the name is "Jen-san's Photography"... Damn, I forgot!

Anyway, THEY DO NOT ISSUE A SALES RECEIPT. Not for me, and not for at least two other customers who were there (the one before me, and the one after me). They charged me P150 for four photos. Did I need four photos? Anyway, I guess that's standard.

I hope the Embassy security guard does not have a "slice" of my 150 peso-pie.

Companies that add a surcharge to credit card purchases

I heard from somewhere that the DTI does not allow companies to add a surcharge for credit card purchases... If that is true, these companies are in violation. These companies might claim: "Everybody's doing it!" Duh! When is that ever a justifiable justification?

Villman Computer Systems, Inc. (specifically, Katipunan Ave., Quezon City branch; 5 or 6% surcharge yata)
SOS (Save on Surplus) SM Centerpoint Branch (5 or 6% surcharge yata)
PC Express (specifically, Katipunan Ave., Quezon City branch; 5 or 6% surcharge yata)
Monakiki SM Centerpoint Branch (5% surcharge)
PhilScan Travel (a travel agency; they're offer one of the cheapest rates and if only for that, I'm still okay with them but... still, they are in violation! 3% surcharge lang naman)

If I'm mistaken, please correct me!

TopWin Telecom, SM Centerpoint

I brought my cellphone to this store for repair. So they repaired it. (This was in the 3rd quarter of 2004, maybe late August)

I paid and asked for a receipt. The repair guy gave me something like a "Service Order" slip.

I said, "This is not a receipt." The repair guy gave some lame excuses and asked me to talk to the store owner.

QUESTION ON MY MIND: ARE THERE VALID REASONS FOR NOT ISSUING A RECEIPT?

And then the store owner gave some more lame excuses! And she's even mad at me!

Attention, Department of Trade and Industry!

BY THE WAY: A few months after this incident, the same problem with my cellphone! Even worse!

ALTERNATIVE RECOMMENDATIONS:

IF COST IS NOT AN ISSUE and your cellphone warranty period is over, bring your cellphone to your cellular provider (e.g. Globe Telecom, where my mom got the phone unit)

IF COST IS AN ISSUE, bring your cellphone to FIX-IT, they repair cellphones and other electronics. In my one experience with these guys, they issued an official receipt, and my cellphone was repaired to the best they could, and I've had no problem with that cellphone until I re-sold it.

New BLOG!

Coach Potato goes about his life, and just like most human beings encounter NASTY businesses... Those who do not give complete change, those who do not know what customer service is, those who do not issue receipts (and do not pay proper taxes), and those whose employees feel uncomfortable serving you. Yes, some of them sleep on the job, in front of the Coach... who is like you, The Consumer, the ONE WHO PAYS for service. In many of these cases, money is not the only thing that the Coach pays... You have to pay respect, pay with your soul and dignity, pay homage, pay patience, and many more to these stupid businesses.  Watch out for Coach Potato's Consumer Watch articles on these restaurants, retail stores, and service providers.