It's happened yet again. I have been writing, posting, sharing and speaking to my customers, repeatedly, about the sneaky tactics of the Toner Pirate. I have suggested that they place a large sign in a prominent position on the receptionists' desk advising to never, NEVER order toner from someone over the phone. These pirates often call during lunch, when the regular staff is away, and say they are your regular supplier and wanted to save you money by sending you several cartridges, cases, whatever, before the upcoming price increase. The intern or mail room clerk who is manning the phones accepts this offer thinking they are doing the company a favor. Three weeks later a package arrives containing several knock-off, remand canisters of toner with an invoice for hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars.
I often wonder if the Pirates are in cahoots with the leasing companies as my clients who have just bought new machines seem to be the first ones hit. The poor unsuspecting employee doesn't realize that their company is paying a monthly service/supply fee which already includes ALL their toner. This is particularly problematic with my customers in the Bush who may not be as savvy as their citified cousins in Anchorage or Juneau.
A contract customer from Sitka called our office this morning furious that they had been charged for toner on top of their regular monthly invoice. Unfortunately, there is little we could do other than sympathize. If they signed for the package and opened it, I believe that they are liable. I have heard of businesses who have refused to pay until the Pirate could confirm who had originally authorized the purchase order. It is worth a try.
Better yet, never, ever order supplies from a call INTO your business. Tell them you will call your vendor back then find out who your vendor is and call that number. I bet you twenty gold doubloons that they never placed that call, Matey!
Kathie Anderson
Sales & Marketing Professional, Business Development Expert and Lifelong Learner
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