Seattle Coffee Direct review: Rip off! 683

I have been contacting this company since sept for 79.90 in refunds owed I have been promised this refund for over 3 months now every time I call I get the same story need to talk to a supervisor have done this 4 times now even talked to bank of america who refunded the money then took it back out still owed refund this place is a scam. I can kiss the money goodbuy never to order anything on line again this company gives Seattle best a bad name. Joy

just want to let people know this business wil be shutting down as of dec 31, 2009.if you r trying to get refund, u should cancel ur cc or dispute charges at ur bank. otherwise you wil not get your refund. just a friendly tip.

in the same boat. they owe me 102.50. have threatened every them with ill. attorney general to shut them down.

You guys got away cheap. Th Seattle Coffee Direct $79.00 a pop with no merchandise. I called and left messages with no call backs. Have resorted to cancelling my credit card. I've already send an email requesting a refund for the charges for merchandise not received. What a bunck of bull mess.

I am so disgusted with this company. My husband signed up for the one-time promotional offer, but then deliveries kept coming. He actually finally spoke to someone 10 weeks ago who said they had cancelled the "subscription, " but the shipments kept coming. We couldn't reach a person for TWO MONTHS! Finally he spoke to someone today who said the first person "made a mistake" and didn't finish imputting the cancellation. They swear they are going to refund the shipments since then, but I have zero confidence that will happen. I'm SO angry about this!

About a year, year and a half ago I have the same experience with this company. Now just a couple of weeks ago there was a chargo to my account from a richcafedirect.com for $79. I never received anything from them and have found out that they have the same numbers and same webpage setup as Seattle Coffee Direct and another site, Coffee Outlet Store. Stay away!

After not hearing from them since last February I suddenly have 2 charges for $79 dollars apiece one bag of coffee and a thermal mug in one package and a mystery box which I have not opened. When I called after the first charge/shipment I was told that it was an "auto-renewal" and that my account would be deleted and my money would be refunded. But obviously, that was not true.

I'd also like to add that their web site gives you options of different kinds of coffee, but all I ever got was the "breakfast blend" that is NOT high quality coffee.

I just received a package from Seattle Coffee Direct that I never ordered. The sender's address is in Evanston IL. There is an 877 phone number on the box, but when I dial it I get a message that says the number could not be dialed. Not sure what to do, any advise anyone?

I noticed a shipment in the mail containing a single bag of coffee and a tumbler along with a 79.00 charge on my credit card. This after having canceled my "trial membership" by phone 3 months prior.

I submitted a transaction dispute with my credit card company and also asked that they report the card lost so as to provide me with a new cc number. At least in the future I won't be charged by Seattle Coffee Direct or any of their (many) subsidiaries.

After calling for the better part of an hour I finally got in touch with a customer service rep and in short they said challenged that I had ever canceled my trial membership. After a bit of back and forth they advised that I can return the product to 990 grove st, Evanston IL 60202 (of course I’m on hook for shipping) and within 30-60 days the dispute would be processed. Based on their unethical practices I'm not optimistic about ever seeing my $79.00 (minus shipping) again.

No online cancelation or useful account management utility, ‘forgetting’ about my previous telephone cancelation, and charging $79.00 for a bag of so-so coffee and a 5$ tumbler. really? This organization should be ashamed.

Beware...they have since changed their name to get around some of the negative stuff that is appearing all over the internet about them. They are sending stuff out under the name of "Cafe Saporito." They are a HUGE scam company

Beware...they have changed their name now to Cafe Saporito. They keep sending stuff to me even though I canceled AGAIN after I got through on the phone to them and I have even canceled my credit card and they still send their crap out.

I too ordered what I thought was a $5 sample of their coffee. They charged me $25, they said it was $5 per item, something like that. A few days later they charged me $38.95 for 2 bags of coffee. Less than a week later they they sent me 2 more bags and charged me another $38.40. I had called when I received the 1st order that I had not ordered. They told me my next order was already in the mail and I think I had to send it back. That was over a year ago. Anyhow, with life being busy, I never checked to make sure it was credited until now, and reviewing my credit card... I don't see it. Today I received a 12 oz bag of coffee and a travel mug in the mail. I checked my credit card and saw that they charged me $79.00! I started calling them immediately, after about 45 min I did get through. The person I spoke with told me it was just a glitch in the system and they will refund my money and to just keep the coffee & mug. He was very polite. I have contacted my credit card and if they do not receive my credit in 15 days they will begin investigating.

Please be ware there are many scams out there and stay proactive in any situations where you are unfairly charged.

My husband was also scammed by these crooks. he ordered the 5.00 mug to get points for Mafia Wars on Facebook. He has had 4 39.00 charges for coffee he didn't order. We have called the bank and the coffee company numerous times. We are going in overdraft right now for 3 more 79.oo charges. The company promised to refund us in 30 days. Now, today we get more coffee sent to us. There should be a way fors them to be sued, with as many people they have done this to. I called them and got a voice mail. I told them, I wanted our money today ion our account or I would see an attorney. I have had it with these crooks. e-mail me at shaadia2007@hotmail.com if anyone has any ideas about what we can do to teach these thieves a lesson.

Scam! Paying them a visit since I live in Chicago with a few of my BOYS! I would like them to explain to me why my card is still being charged...they better have a good answer!

Can't believe after everything I have read that this is still happening! My husband purchased some product from the 2 years ago as a Valentines Gift. We weren't too impressed with the quality of the coffee for the price so we cancled the subscription. Two years later we receive a $79.00 debit to our checking account! I have been on the phone for 3 weeks trying to get ahold of these losers! I got the 90 day song and dance and am lucky we live in a small town where our bank was willing to work with us and return the money to our account and open a new one for us! I hope the thieves have a Merry Christmas and get to spend the New Year in Jail!

I have been charged $25.00 and $79.00 for product that I never ordered. It takes forever for them to answer the phone. They ask you to leave a voicemail and they will call you back, but ofcourse, they never do. It's been 4 months since I called and requested a refund. I have not received any type of refund as of yet. I highly DO NOT recommend this company to anyone! I never even knew who they were until I saw a charge on my credit card. Major Scam

If you gave them your credit card number, request your credit card number be cancelled, and you be issued a new number. Over a year ago I tried their "free offer", only to be charged immediatley for the next shipment. I called, and cancelled any future shipments. Guess what? A shipment turned up today! They have billed my credit card, and the credit card company said all they can do is "dispute" the charge. Now I on go on line and see Seattle Coffee has been doing this to many people. If this is the case, WHY ARE CREDIT CARD COMPANIES STILL EXCEPTING CHARGES FROM THEM? I will also mention, when I asked for a new credit card number, the customer service rep said I should give Seattle Coffee time to refund my credit card after they receive my shipment back. WELL, this company has shown itself to be LESS THAN REPUTABLE, and I'm trying to avoid any further shipments/charges. The cc rep also suggested I invest in credit card protection, for only $9.95 a month. Sorry, but this TICKS ME OFF!... Are credit card companies actually benefiting by fraudulent companies?

I was cheated by Seattle Coffee Direct also. They charged me for 4 shipments, then credited 2 back that had not been sent out yet; once I returned two of the three shipments that I had recieved (4 if you count the promotional shipment which was not to include a grinder), they refused to give me a refund even after I disputed the charges with Chase Bank. Chase initially refunded the charges a little over two months later (but only a few days after disputing them with Chase); however, Chase recently (12/10/2009) reversed those charges overdrawing the checking account (no fees were assessed the account for this overdraft).

They also got me for $40.00. I returned the product and got the "2 billing cycle" story...Rotten scam artists is what they are..They also go by the name of Tea Francais...

I never ordered any thing from seattle coffee. next thing i know i have 2 charges on my
credit card @ 79.00 each charge 11/27/09 -12/1/09 . after that i recieved on 2 seperate days i refused both shipments now i am letting visa take care of these fraudulent charges. this happened to me out of the clear blue sky also!

By the way, there is no point in calling their posted number, I've never reached a human being and they do not return calls.

With a sinking heart I've read all of these complaints which echo mine completely. I have just contacted my credit card company to ensure that they no longer have access to my account and am planning to take action against these thieves.

Having the same trouble as the rest of the customers, unable to get anywere by calling them direct as of three different rebillings. I am out $238.00

After dropping my membership with them a year ago, I noticed 2 days ago that they stole nearly $160 dollars out of my account. I contacted them and they informed me that last month they updated thier system and accidently re activated all of thier old customers, and are now giving refunds to the people that are calling in and complaining. THEY SHOULD BE SHUT DOWN! THIS IS ILLEGAL, AND I PLAN ON PRESSING CHARGES!

My story is worth than yours, this is the reason I took this action. I hope you do the same.

December 8, 2009 I open and send my complaint to the Consumer Response Center
(FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION) in Washington, DC
20580 Ref.NO.[protected]

December 9, 2009 Division of Consumer Services (DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
AND CONSUMER SERVICES)

They will give to you a OCN that will be your Online Complaint Number. in less than 24 hrs., you will receive a consumer complaint number in your email against the above-reference subject Seattle Coffee Direct for fraud. This will be by The Regulatory of Specialist III Meditation & Enforcement. Division of Consumer Services.

My next step will be the News and My Lawyer for fraud investigation and more. We have to work together.

I would like to respond to any/all of the above messages:

When you order a promo item like the 5 for $5, which they finally made clear by changing the Ad copy to 5 for $5 EACH, you need to call them immediately after receiving the merchandise and cancel your account OR they will use the purchase as an approval to add you to their Auto-ship list.

Read their Refund Policy, it states that you only get a store credit not a cash/credit card refund.

I don't know that they are a scam or not, they're policies are created to work in their favor and you should make it clear that you want your account canceled. Try, also, to get them to remove your credit card number from their system; just to ensure that no "accidents" happen in the future.

I finally had to cancel my credit card to stop the charges. Never do business with this company. It's best to never take advantage of "free trial" offers unless you first check for complaints.

This is a SCAM; file a complaint with the States Attorney in your Home State! I DID!
My mission is to bring these people DOWN! They use different names to take the money!
Close your card and get a new one. Go to your bank and file a complaint against them for fraud!
I sent back 3 shipments; never received a refund. I finally called early in the morning and someone answered. I didn't received any shipments for 2 months and now in the past week the taken $160.00. BEWARE THESE PEOPLE ARE THE ### OF THE EARTH!

This is happening to me as well. I will have my check card terminated tomorrow. I have filed a BBB complaint as well but haven't received a response. I'm angry with myself for ever doing something this stupid and allowing criminals access to a card number.

I dont believe that the company is really out of busines... as my mom just received an unauthorized withdrawl from her checking account on 12-04-09 from seattle coffee,
the unordered coffee arrived at her house today, with papers stating it was Cafe Saporito that was shipping her the coffee.
She has tried to call the customer service # today for 45 minutes and kept getting an all circuits are busy message. Right at 5pm the phone started ringing and she then received voice mail saying the customer service is only open until 5pm.

This company is a F'ing joke! I got their 5 for 5 deal, received it right away. Then days later we were charged 38.95. My husband called numerous times and FINALLY a customer service rep sent him and email with a cancelation number. 5 months later we were charged 79 bucks plus .63 cents for an "international fee"... WTF? I called several times and can not get a customer service rep on the phone. It actually says to leave your name and number which I've done 3 times now but no one has called me back. Weeks after our account was charged, we received 2 lbs of coffee which I swiftly sent back with the cancelation number on it... 2 months later we still can't get our money back. We did have to cancel our credit card so they can't charge us again. I'm also planning on calling the BBB as well.

I never ordered any coffee from Seattle Coffee Direct but did order from Euro Coffee, Los Angeles, CA. Evidently they are using various names as I have been charged $79.00 on 11/09 and $79.00 on 11/23 and another $79.00 on 11/30 by Seattle Coffee Direct, Evanston IL and The Valley, Alabama. My bank cannot reach anyone and neither can I. And here's another name I think they're using - Cafe Saporito PO Box 4004, Evanston, IL 60204. My bank is looking into this but is there a way the Federal Gov. could do something? CB

They have done the same thing to me.
Please contact the Postal Inspection Service. Possibly they can help!

https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/forms/MailFraudComplaint.aspx

to contact Postal Inspectors:

https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/forms/MailFraudComplaint.aspx

PLEASE DO THIS TODAY!

Chicago area Better Business Bureau helped me get my money back within days. I tried the route of calling every week or two to Peel's (the mother corporation of this scammer) since the beginning of July with little results.
I really, really recommend the BBB, they were swift.

I too was charged for coffee on my debit card...I had a total of $129.76 "STOLEN" out of my account within 5 days...to top it off I had overdraft fee's totaling $140.00, working with my bank over several months they did not charge me the overdraft fee's but it was very stressful trying to get that resolved.
Seattle Direct Coffee is nothing more than a scam..that causes a lot of grief for many people, and in these had times we all do not need this.
I had to get a new bank card so insure no further charges. These scammers don't answer there phone, and if your lucky enough to get a "human" they are extremely rude and hang up on you.
So sorry for everyone that has been through this.No one needs added stress especially with the holidays upon us.

My credit card got hit 3 times in one month by these crooks: $79 on 11/10 and 11/21, and $38.90 on 10/27. The two $79 charges were Seattle Direct. The $38.90 was Ultimate Bean and the description on the charge was "soft goods." Really?

Don't waste your time with them. File charges with the BBB, the Attorneys General in Illinois and your state of residence, and report your credit card lost to get a new number. They will NOT stop; they're making way too much money off us.

BTW those of us, myself included, who was suckered on Mafia Wars etc should complain to FB and to Zynga.

Same here. I was looking at my credit card bill and saw the $79 charge. I tried to call them and got an advertisement for a completly different product. I immediately disputed the charge. Let my bank's legal department handle it.

As I posted elsewhere, they shill a lot of BS. This company is the same as the one that I ordered from called "Tea Francais."

My wife ordered some sample tea from Tea Francais September 1, 2009 and immediately canceled after realizing she had inadvertently signed up to continue receiving shipments. We proceeded to get two charges of $38.95 each. We never even recieved any additional tea beyond the promotion samples, so I figured we were just duped for $80 and moved on ...

Until Yesterday! Dec. 2, 2009 (three months after cancel) we noticed we had been charged, not once - but twice, $79 from Seattle Coffee Direct. After spending an hour dialing them over and over until I reached a person, I was told that there computer crashed and they had to re-enter everyone's orders.

I'm supposed to believe that, after this "computer crash, " you (very conveniently!) still have my information AND CREDIT CARD NUMBER, but lost the note that said I wanted to cancel? BS.

BTW, the tea sucked. For those incredibly high prices, I can name half a dozen reputable companies with twice the quality.

They charged me $160 out of the blue, several months after my last dealing with them. I got the same story about a computer crash. Apparently a computer crash means they start everyone's orders up again?

So what they're trying to say is that they (conveniently) still have my information and credit card number, but lost the note that said I wanted to cancel everything? BS.

The tea kind of sucked, too. For the high cost they charge, there are lots of reputable dealers with a much better product.