Chris's Naughty Nugget

Caveat Emptor… Or…Let the buyer beware!

It is probably one of the most popular Latin terms today, and for very good reason. Unfortunately, there is no shortage of unscrupulous individuals peddling snake oils of the new millennium. In our industry, this negative integer is known as a 'toner pirate.' We feel it is our obligation to make our valued customers aware of them and the ways they operate.

Last week, one of our account managers contacted a prospective client to offer our services. The prospect was quick to point out he had just bought toner a few days previous and had gotten a 'great deal'. He had bought the toner from a caller who said the price was "going up soon" but there were still "a few cartridges left at the old price" being $223.50. He was given a "free" bonus cartridge if he bought four of them. Upon further review, the cartridges have a retail value of $129.95. On top of that, what he received was badly reconstructed with original worn parts. This reality can be harsh to an unsuspecting customer.

How can you make sure this doesn't happen to you?

1. Make all of your employees aware of the possibility of getting a phone call from someone pretending to be "your local supplier."
2. Tell your employees to ask for a local phone number and to verify the phone number (if a number is given) by calling back.
3. Never place a supply order with someone over the phone unless you are sure who the caller is.
4. Know the names of your current suppliers and circulate these names and phone numbers within your organization.

Six ways to recognize a phone scam and avoid becoming a victim of fraudulent telemarketers:

1. Firm's name intended to sound like the manufacturer or your regular supplier.
2. You must act on the offer that day.
3. Telemarketer acts like he/she has done business with you before. (Sometimes they say, "This is Joe calling from the warehouse.").
4. Unwilling to send written information on the offer, or references.
5. Unwilling to give you a telephone number.
6. Caller asks for serial number on your copier or other equipment.

Knowledge is power and by keeping our customers informed, we hope to prevent the possibility of anyone else being "bilked" out of hundreds of dollars by fraudulent telemarketers.
If you doubt the authenticity of someone calling and claiming to be from Envirolaser or "your local warehouse," call our Supply Department at 225-4726.

About the author:
Chris Shaver is theVice President of Sales with Envirolaser Technologies. He has worked in the servicing, support and sales of laser and ink technology printers for over 13 years.