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Software Company Takes a Bite out of My Wallet!

By
Managing Real Estate Broker with Flexit Realty "Flexible Home Selling Solutions"

Sometimes you can't win even when you go by the rules!

I own an A Design Suite (Premium), these programs help me create my advertising, brochures, pamphlets, flash, video and internet sites.

The cost for the software is 1299.00 dollars.  Not a cheap investment.  I recently upgraded my laptop to a new PC.  It created a nightmare of crashes.  So like any good consumer I went back and placed my defective PC on the counter of Best Buy and they cheerfully helped me upgrade to a MacBook Pro to the tune of another $1000.00 more than the PC by the time I bought the new software I needed.

It hasn't crashed once! :-)

Computer Software Problems?

My heart faltered a few times during the processing of my credit card and then

again when I had to reinstall all the programs, transfer files and update a blank laptop.

My final step was to upgrade my Design products. I went on line like a good guy and paid the fee to upgrade to a new processing system.  I really didn't think I should pay for changing from one platform to another since I had already bought the software.  All I figured I should do is delete the software from my old computer,

ask for a new disc for new new computer and be on my way.

I knew it would not be that simple.  So I purchased the new version (which is exactly what I already own) and have been using only a different platform.  PC versus Mac...the conversion or upgrade to the new operating system...$599.00 plus tax of course.

So after 3 days of phone tag...3 hours of waiting for customer service I get a very polite...SORRY!  Your have to buy the complete version all over again.

My response...So Sorry...never going to happen!  Give me my money back, I'll buy a comparable Mac Product...if there is such a thing?

Then comes the little hitch...they give me back my $599.00 but keep my tax money!  $35.94 to be exact.  So my brain says hey these guys are fleecing everyone that has a return and keeping the tax.  So tomorrow I will be contacting the attorney general with paperwork.

I was not expecting this situation to arise from one of the largest software manufacturers.  For one, I didn't think it would be a problem to upgrade since I was willing to pay the cost of changing platforms.  

For those of you that don't know anything about what I am talking about, I switch

ed cars and they want me to pay for both cars and only have one when I am done, even though both cars are new and from the same dealer!

To put it politely my shorts are in a bunch right now!

Gotta Go...Have to find a replacement Software!  Then I have to figure out how to use it.  I have 30 days on my free trial, I just loaded, until I find the replacement!

Add your woes of software issues, this one has me twisted right now.

Michael Kitsch
Coldwell Banker - Katy, TX

Gary, I know how you feel!  I hate it when that kind of thing happens.

Apr 14, 2011 01:26 PM
Gary White~Grand Rapids Home Selling Pro Call: 616-821-9375
Flexit Realty "Flexible Home Selling Solutions" - Grand Rapids, MI
Real Estate Services You can Trust!

Hi Cheryl, I have been working through the issues.  I like my new MackBook Pro but it has it's own language and I haven't owned one in 20 years!  Thanks for the comments Cheryl.

Apr 14, 2011 01:39 PM
David Harper
Florida Management and Consulting Group Inc. - Coral Springs, FL
Homes For Rent

Wow! Sounds like a horrible (and expensive) situation Gary. I will pray for you!

Hope it works out somehow.

Apr 16, 2011 12:19 PM
Gary L. Waters Broker Associate, Bucci Realty
Bucci Realty, Inc. - Melbourne, FL
Eighteen Years Experience in Brevard County

I can't believe they have a system that keeps the tax money. That really could add up for a company in their line of business.

Apr 17, 2011 01:05 AM