Dillon is in college, and he tried to save money by buying a monthly pass on the Metrolink transit system in Southern California. The problem is that Metrolink does a terrible job of explaining how the monthly pass works, and their own staff gives out incorrect information to customers buying the pass for the first time. Now Dillon faces a $250 citation for fare evasion because it turns out he could only use his pass for the upcoming month.
confusing
Tropicana's Failed Packaging Design Was A Real Life Poochie
By 2.26.09
The Tropicana redesign disaster seemed strangely familiar to us, and we just now realized why: the Simpsons already did it.
This Complimentary Bottle Of Water From Best Western Costs $3. Huh?
By 2.21.09
Best Western knows that hotel customers hate trumped up fees for minor perks, which is why they kindly offer this complimentary bottle of Poland Spring for only $3.
This Dairy-Free Soyatoo Soy Whip May Contain Traces Of Dairy
By 2.8.09
Stephen’s wife is trying to be a good vegan, one who doesn’t eat dairy, so naturally she was surprised that her “Dairy Free” Soyatoo Soy Whip warned that it might “contain traces of dairy.”
Texas Family Sad That The Buyer Of All Their Possessions On eBay Will Pay But Not Take Their Stuff
By 2.1.09
Meet Gregg and Brittiny Peters. They’ve had a pretty terrible year. Two of their children were diagnosed with costly medical disorders, and as the bills began to mount, they decided to start over by selling all their worldly possessions on eBay. Enter Donnia and Keith Blair, who upon learning of the Peters’ plight, bid $20,000 and won the auction. Here’s the catch: the Blair’s are willing to pay, but they don’t want to take any of the Peters’ things. This has apparently infuriated the Peters.
Wal-Mart Taunts you with 200% Sale
By 1.6.09
that product you wanted? It was only one dollar. Back in the past. When you didn’t buy it. Are you ashamed? Do you harbor rage against it? Does it keep you up at night? Don’t let it get in your heads, Consumerists, or you’re letting the Wal-Mart win! Fight back, Consumers! Fight back against their mind games, and their awkward notion of sales, in one fell swoop; shop elsewhere. Thanks, Bryan!
Supermarket Chain Adds 10% At Register, But Only In Some Stores
By 10.10.08
The Nash Finch stores Avanza, Food Bonanza and Wholesale Food Outlets add the 10 percent charge to food at the register and specialize in serving Hispanics, according to store workers.
Apple: MacBooks Can't Handle GarageBand
By 9.13.08
Two Apple customer service representatives told reader Mark to blame his MacBook’s four hard drive crashes on GarageBand, professional-grade software that his puny consumer-grade laptop ‘can’t handle.’ Every MacBook comes with GarageBand pre-loaded as part of Apple’s iLife suite.
Confusing: Paint Mask Should Not Be Used With Paint?
By 7.8.08
Reader Mike is confused by this 3M Latex Paint and Odor Respirator with Valve. The front of the package lists “disposable aerosol spray paint cans” as something the mask “helps provide relief” from. However, the instructions seem to say that you shouldn’t use it with paint spray. What should he do?
Dell's Website Prices Are Based On Caprice And Whimsy
By 4.11.08
Reader Tom noticed something weird as he was checking out Dell’s online store: Dell’s website can’t seem to get its facts straight and keeps spitting out different prices for the same computer. So Tom ran a test in which he accessed Dell’s website with two separate computers, using the same browser, login info, and navigation process. He checked the prices for Dell’s Vostro system on their Small Business Desktops Dell Deals page, as well as their Vostro page. As you can see, there were some anomalies.
JCPenney Emails You To Let You Know You Requested They Not Email You
By 12.13.07
If you buy something from the JCPenney website and uncheck the box for receiving email from them, guess what they do? They promptly send you an email in which they point out that you have asked them not to send you an email. And then they ask you to click on a link in the email and participate in a survey. And then, just in case you’re not amused/annoyed yet, the comedy team in their marketing department points out that should you want to receive emails from them in the future, you can visit their site and sign up. They have a lot of emails they need to send to you, you see.
Blockbuster Cancels Your Plan? Or Does It?
By 9.6.07
Can someone tell us what the hell is going on with Blockbuster? Some readers are writing in saying that they’re being allowed to keep their plan but are warned that if they change it they’ll be kicked off and charged more. Other readers are saying that their plan has been completely canceled and they have to choose another one. Still other people are on the same plan but now are not receiving coupons. We’ve gotten about 20 emails about this issue, but are at a loss to understand it.
Pillsbury Offers Conflicting Biscuit-Baking Information
By 2.24.07
Aaron’s Pillsbury 12 Flaky Layer Biscuits say bake for 11-20 minutes and 20-28 minutes. Aaron, confused and hungry for flaky layer biscuits, tried calling for help.
When I called their customer support line, they were gone for the day. You’d think they’d have someone working when people are most likely to be using their products.
Should Aaron bake his biscuits for 11-20 minutes or 20-28 minutes? What other products offer conflicting information? Tell us about them in the comments. Send pictures to tips [at] consumerist [dot] com. — CAREY GREENBERG-BERGER
"Code Share": When Your Airline Isn't Your Airline
By 2.12.07
Ever go to check in for the next leg of your flight, only to find that there is no check-in for the airline you’re supposed to be on? That’s what happened to Michael and Joyce Ludmer.
Fake Vehicle Warranty Renewal Card Confuses Consumers
By 2.7.07
It was marked as an “IMPORTANT VEHICLE NOTIFICATION” and advised us to call a toll free number and have our current milage available. It warned that this was “DATED MATERIAL” and we needed to “RESPOND IMMEDIATELY”. The return address was from the “Warranty Notification Dept.”
Dell Math: $1710 – $386 = $1549
By 1.25.07
Reader Jonathan sends us a screenshot from Dell with the message, “Dell needs a new calculator.” The receipt from Dell lists the “unit price” of a laptop at $1710.00, then at the bottom shows a discount of $386 dollars…resulting in a “subtotal” of $1549. Either their math is wrong, or this is the worst receipt ever. Where did the extra $161 come from? Shouldn’t that sort of thing be clearly marked? —MEGHANN MARCO
Apple: Sorry About South Park
By 12.21.06
Apple is trying to set things right with customers who complained after they bought a “South Park Season Pass” that was only good for half the season. According to MacNN, “Comedy Central had decided to ‘split’ the season into two halves for $11.99 each, confusing many customers who thought they were purchasing the entire South Park season.” Apple changed the name of the download to reflect the two halfs of the season, and is offering customers who purchased the first half under the confusing title the opportunity to download part B for free. Let us know how that turns out. —MEGHANN MARCO
