Had it been me alone, I would have stopped right there, but my wife wanted it, so I decided to go online to see if I could just get the Scratch Aid and let them keep their BONUS.
Of course I went through the entire process, which included having OPT OUT of about a dozen different orders. I bet MANY of unsuspecting people order one or more those additional items without realizing it.
As I suspected, I had to enter all of my information, including credit card, before getting to the point where I found there was no way to refuse the BONUS. When I got to the point of the process before the final screen and confrimation, my $10 Scratch Aid was now up to about $29.
The thing that REALLY frosted me was that the BONUS was really a PENALTY, because you can buy the same items in any grocery store for less than 1/3 the price! $7.95 shipping for three sponges, when you can get a four pack of Mr. Clean Magic Erasers for $3.14, is hardly what I would call a bonus. BOGUS maybe, but not a bonus.
At this point, I said, "HELL NO!" and closed the browser WITHOUT finishing the order. Incidentally, I've been purchasing things online since about 1980, long before the Internet, and I know the ordering process. I did NOT complete it. If that had been the end of it, you would not be reading this.
WHAT HAPPENED NEXT IS WHAT PUSHED MY OUTRAGE BUTTON
The following day, I received a call from Scratch Aid wanting to ask me about my order to see if I was satisfied. WAIT! I just went to the website YESTERDAY and DID NOT ORDER ANYTHING. How could I be satisfied and WHY WERE THEY CALLING? I DIDN'T COMPLETED THE ORDER!
Remember, I had to give all of my information. Obviously, they were using that to try to get the sale one way or another. Red flags were waving wildly in my mind. At best what they were doing was shady and a violation of consumer rights.
I stopped her in mid-sentence, which wasn't easy, and told her in no uncertain terms that I did not order anything and my credit card should not be charged. She informed me that had to be handled by billing, who I could reach them on Monday during regular business hours, and gave me the number to call.
I called a little while ago and after a long hold, I got through.(No surprise there!) After confirming all of my personal information, the agent said I see you ordered... Again I stopped her in mid-sentence by saying, "NO! I did not order anything! I never completed that order and my card should not be charged!"
At that point she politely told me that she would cancel the order, which she did. However, that is a problem in itself, because I DID NOT COMPLETE THE ORDER. If they had processed it, I believe that would be ILLEGAL.
I bet hundreds, if not thousands of people, end up paying exorbitant costs in over priced products and inflated shipping charges. In the end, it is CAVAET EMPTOR! DON'T GET GOUGED BY SCRATCH AID!
Thank you for taking the time to post this, Art. I think you saved me a big problem.
ReplyDeleteHello the same thing happened to me, but let them send it to me because i thoght dutch glow i couldn't go wrong sorry to say i was wrong this product is a waste of time and money don't buy it you will be sorry.
ReplyDeleteThank you for that information, but did the product work as they stated?
DeleteExactly as I thought. Thank you all for posting. I've been stung before on an item seen on TV. BUT WAIT! Probably in the next few months you'll find it at the $10 price at bed, bath & beyond. No FREE BONUS, but then, who cares?
DeleteTHANK you I was ready to ask my daughter to get it Thank
DeleteThanks for your diligence.... if we all did the same a lot of these crooks would disappear.
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ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteYup... Not long ago, I went through this EXACT SAME nonsense, just with a different, "As seen on TV" product order. So nowadays, I automatically know the deal, the minute any of 'em requires my credit card information, up front... Not to mention that all too often the products are less than satisfying, anyhow. Besides, as the blogger stated, one can usually get this stuff much cheaper elsewhere. Even, in some local brick and mortar retailer. So do yourself a solid and don't fall for these legal but unethical TV, scams!
ReplyDeleteHello Snuffy Smif, I've a wooden table a friend gave me, it has lots of scratches on it. What brick & mortar place should I order from? Kind of doubt that Mr. Clean erasers would help this table though, any suggestions ? Thanks, L.B. :)
DeleteHello Snuffy Smif, I've a wooden table a friend gave me, it has lots of scratches on it. What brick & mortar place should I order from? Kind of doubt that Mr. Clean erasers would help this table though, any suggestions ? Thanks, L.B. :)
DeleteHello Snuffy Smif, I've a wooden table a friend gave me, it has lots of scratches on it. What brick & mortar place should I order from? Kind of doubt that Mr. Clean erasers would help this table though, any suggestions ? Thanks, L.B. :)
DeleteI see the same product is sold at Bed Bath and Beyond, but according to all of the posts, it sucks ... LOL
DeleteBefore ordering anything "as seen on TV" I always check reviews. Thanks to you and others for keeping us informed. I have yet to order anything I have seen in these TV promo's.
ReplyDeleteYou can't even trust most reviews these days. So many reviews are fake,especially with the as seen on TV products. Crazy what's legal these days.
DeleteThanks for letting us know I was about to order this product
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for taking the time to post this information, thus saving others from being duped by this merchant.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the information. I just saw the ad on TV and thought about a few scratches on nice pieces of furniture. I immediately typed in the name and saw the review. Not the information I expected - but thanks for saving me all the aggravation. That would have been worse than a less than adequate product.
ReplyDeleteScratch-Aide is a sham! If their ordering process isn't illegal, it should be! They make you enter your credit card information at the beginning of the process, before you think you've actually placed your order. I visited their site a few different times, since I wasn't sure if I wanted to purchase it. As a result, I was shipped 3 separate orders. When I contacted them about the return, I offered to pay return shipping, but asked that they wave the return processing/handling fees.I was denied. In addition, the multiple people I dealt with there were extremely rude. If I can save ONE person from using this company, it would be worth it! Also, this is the same company that makes/distributes Dutch Glow Amish Wood Milk. Beware!!
ReplyDeleteI thank you so much for this information. It saved me from making a huge mistake. I appreciate your time and effort in posting your experience with this merchant.
ReplyDeleteI had the same experience, except they told me that the order had already shipped, so they could not cancel it!
ReplyDeleteI could return the order for a full refund -- which of course meant that I have to ship it back, and pay for the shipping, and then hope that these same people would actually keep their word and refund my order.
To add insult to injury, there was a "Web surcharge fee" of $2 which appears somewhere in the fine print on their page. Really? Charge more for ordering on the Web??
Ordering from these people is navigating a minefield designed to extract money from you.
I just had this problem. I ordered it and said no about 10 other products INCLUDING the sponges. I wasn't allowed to see how much I owed until the last minute. It was only supposed to be $10 + $2 shipping and handling. BUT even though I said no to the sponges and they still ended up on there. I know for a fact that I can get a sixpack of magic erasers at walmart for $3. These sponges were free with $7.94 shipping and handling. That and the product that I wanted would come out to about $20. But the total was $37.99! No explaination of how that other $18 got there not to mention how the sponges I didn't want got on there. Don't buy from these guys they are scammers who false advertise over TV.
ReplyDeleteIf they called you the next day, they had your phone number. I never and I mean NEVER enter my real phone number. I also have a "junk" email address I use for stuff like this, not the one I use for friends and family.
ReplyDeleteIm the idiot - I went through the whole process as well, was sure I only wanted the Scratch Aide and Butter, ended up stuck with the 3 inferior quality "magic" sponges I said no to, along with a cheap micro fiber cloth. Cost - $30.38. I couldn't stop the order, received it in two days, no Butter included so I called and they supposedly will ship it out (not likely without more phone calls). Tried the junk today on 3 different tables with simple surface scratches and surprise!!!! It DOES NOT WORK! It leave a shiny finish that will wear off real soon and if you are basically blind you might not notice that the scratch is still there. So I decided to take them up on their "satisfaction guarantee" but noticed in the terms of such that I have to pay to return it and they will only refund the $10 for the scratch aide (not shipping or processing fees for all the "free" junk that they bought at the local Dollar Store and packed in the box. Im getting my IDIOT tattoo on my forehead later today. SCRATCH + AIDE is a scam!
ReplyDeleteSeriously Dude....don't interact. When the bill comes up on your CC call the CC Co, tell them it's bogus. They reverse the charges. Next move....Theirs !
ReplyDeleteThank you, thank you, for your review. That YOU had to call the billing dept. is infuriating. "Seriously Dude" above, makes a good point in re reversal of charges. My husband consults for brick and mortar / online small business, and through him I learned about "charge backs." The bank, Paypal, etc. shuts the seller's acct. down if there are too many. No doubt the thieves will create another one, but depending on their resources, your complaint could make it very difficult.
ReplyDeleteOMG!!! I went through the same Process last Frida and when I got to the same page, I stopped and went bak tot he search engine because I saw it was sold at Amazon. But, Below the Amazon listing I saw your site! I read it, went back to the last page (which luckily I left open) and there on the top it said, "Congratulation you order is confirmed" What? I never confirmed anything, didn't get a total until the age saying it was confirmed. Because I ready your post, I called them right away, had to ask for a supervisor but was finally told that they would cancel it...Today, they called my wife and not knowing what was happening, she verified the information they had!!! Another call back to talk to the supervisor and was told it has been canceled!!! I guess my next step is to call the credit card company!!! Is there a place these people can be reported!!!???
ReplyDeleteYou can report them to the Better Business Bureau. Good Luck!
DeleteI really should have known not to give my information until I had an invoice with the final total!!!!
ReplyDeleteLesson to remember!!!
I was intrigued by the TV ad, but Googled the product first.
ReplyDeleteFortunately, SEO brought up Amazon 1st and this 2nd. So first I found I could get it for a flat $19.95 from Amazon.
And then this web site saved me both the $$ and the bother of ordering!!
That "Dutch Glow" name is a bit misleading, implies a link to "Dutch Boy" paints....
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for letting me know this product is bogus. I always check the reviews anymore bs star I tend to believe things on TV. I just saw this tonight so obviously they have not been stopped from selling there bogus product and there bogus bonuses!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I saw the ad on TV last night and Googled it this morning. Thankfully this web site came up so I didn't have to go through what all of you are going through. Thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteThank you, you all saved me money and time.
ReplyDeleteWow, thank you so much for posting this, and thanks to other posters for also sharing their experiences. I Googled "Scratch Aide" to check it out after seeing the TV ad. Fortunately, your post at the top of the list caught my attention. Needless to say, I will not be visiting that site - I am yet another person whom you saved money and time!
ReplyDeleteI Thank you all for your past experience with the scratch aide....... No way I will order that product..........
ReplyDeleteThank you for alerting me to this. I will not order this product
ReplyDeleteSo, not having the foresight to google and read this post first I decided to order the product but I am from Canada and they could not process the credit card for some reason. The next thing I know I got a letter telling me that they could not process my credit card and to fill out the form and return it immediately. Thank goodness, I am now reading your posts and will be shredding their letter. Thank you all so very much.
ReplyDeleteWow, thanks for your advice. This was very helpful. I was going to buy this product, but will never buy anything from a company that acts like that. Someone should file a class action lawsuit against them.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know if the product works?
ReplyDeleteTOTAL SCAM!!! $33.63 for processing and handling on products returned un opened! Totally rude also! said they received the products when I called in May and that they received them May 17th, but when I called June 3rd about my refund of what was supposed to be $61.78 I was informed they just received the products on June 1st and I was only getting back $27.95 and $33.63 was processing and handling charges they were keeping, I also paid shipping back to them as well. I would not order any products from this company EVER and I am reporting them to the attorney for FRAUD because I was told I would get a FULL REFUND and its a good thing they aren't the only ones who records their phone calls! Surprise!!! I will be getting my other money back so the joke is on BOB!!! He was rude and not helpful and to be honest he was a real DICK!
ReplyDeleteAll of you that got burnt with this should remember that your credit card usually has a 'Dispute resolution process', This has mostly been positive in my experience and you will almost always get a full refund.
ReplyDeleteI had a similar problem with being overcharged for shipping. Customer service was of no help. I wouldn't have minded if the product worked but unfortunately for us it didn't work even a drop. Don't waste your money buying Scratch + Aide.
ReplyDeleteI never order TV items from their own site. Amazon is the best way to try any of these products out.
ReplyDeleteI order from Amazon too.
DeleteIf I want to try these as seen on TV items, I wait until they come out in the store....eventually they do.
ReplyDeleteThank you, reviewer! You win the internet for helping us become wiser consumers. I got leery when I read you had to scrape and wait for it to dry, unlike the tv ad.
ReplyDeleteWow, thank goodness I saw this site! I was almost going to buy this product. Phew! thanks to all of you awesome people for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone for letting me know how shitty this company is. I just saw Commercial, decided to check out reviews & saw this page.... Thank god I read this before going to their website.... I will not be ordering! Thanks again all!
ReplyDeleteI bought this product on-line and they charged my credit card two times. The product came after a month. I tried it and it was like rubbing the cooking oil on my furniture. I returned it right away and they denied the refund. In reality the day your place the order the clock starts ticking which means you are stuck to this cooking oil and they will not honor the 30 day trial period. The shipping is ridiculously expensive. This little bottle of cooking oil cost me a $100. They are very dishonest. I want to start the campaign against them. I will keep everyone posted.
ReplyDeleteI bought this product on-line and they charged my credit card two times. The product came after a month. I tried it and it was like rubbing the cooking oil on my furniture. I returned it right away and they denied the refund. In reality the day your place the order the clock starts ticking which means you are stuck to this cooking oil and they will not honor the 30 day trial period. The shipping is ridiculously expensive. This little bottle of cooking oil cost me a $100. They are very dishonest. I want to start the campaign against them. I will keep everyone posted.
ReplyDeletePlease add me to the list of victims...I just got ripped off by these jerks...After entering all my credit info. the $10.00 bargain was suddenly cost $$27.94. I did not complete the transaction (or so I thought) but I received an email shortly thereafter, thanking me for my order, which was being processed. Phone calls got me nowhere. I need to call on a weekday, during business hours. Of course, I expect a lot of wasted time on the phone and the usual run-around. I contacted my credit card bank to contest the fraudulent charge, and was told I would have to wait until it appeared on my credit statement. I am going to file a complaint with my state's attorney general (I believe all states have a consumer fraud department). Somehow I am going to try to shut these crooks down and put them out of business.......
ReplyDeleteUse olive oil it does the same thing
ReplyDeleteUse olive oil it does the same thing
ReplyDeleteApparently, "Finally, by placing your order on the Scratch + Aide website, you’ll be bound to the company’s arbitration agreement, which will limit your ability to become part of a class action lawsuit or any type of legal proceeding against the company."
ReplyDeleteHere's the link to the arbitration agreement: https://www.scratchaide.com/shared/arbitration-sas.html
These jerks really covered all the bases!
What a scam. I haven't even received the product and I've already been ripped off by charges on items they gave me for "free". Do not purchase this product. The people running this organization are criminals.
ReplyDeleteI have received a $25.94 bill for a $10 product of Scratch Aide plus shipping and processing of $7.95 (Shipping charge not disclosed) where I initiated contact from a tv ad. I refuse to be a victim with receiving only a partial credit on something that I did not order. In my opinion the ad I saw is false because it omitted shipping and processing charges of $15.95 not disclosed n the ad but billed on an invoice. This by the way is more than the product cost of a .5 ounce bottle of a $10 product. I have filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at 877.382.4357. I have also contacted the Television Advertising Bureau in an attempt to warn broadcast and cable companies about airing advertisements that omit charges where numerous consumers have become victims. I have also contacted the Connecticut Dept of Justice to investigate Scratch Aide's tv commercials further. I encourage you to write a letter or email advocating more transparency in advertising and halting order fulfillment of "free" items not ordered.
ReplyDeleteHow I wish I'd found your article before I fell for the same ad... I called them liars on the phone, and now, in addition to all the b.s. you've written about, they are also sending me a 2 year subscription to Parent Magazine (my kids are grown and gone), and if I want to opt out of that one, I have to do it by snail mail AND include my order form from this bogus, lying cheating, company!! Aaargh!
ReplyDeleteI had the same thing happen to me with the Parent Magazine. I just finished up with the Better Business Bureau and Meredith Corporation, I explained how this was fraud someone using my name and address to purchase something I didn't know about or sign up for. The first issue is complimentary than Meredith Corp. expects payment. Nope, not gonna pay for something I didn't sign up for. I first sent an email to and email address in the magazine telling them I didn't order it and to stop sending it or I would contact the BBB.
DeleteGood grief. Same thing happened to me. I entered my cc information to see how much things would cost, thinking that like every other company in the world that I would simply not make the order if it was too expensive. Once I saw all of the hidden fees, I closed my browser and did NOT place an order. The next day I got an e-mail saying my order was being processed. But I never placed an order! There was no information for the name of the company, and I couldn't even remember the name of the company, or the product for that matter because I decided not to purchase it. Therefore, I had no way of even contacting them to tell them I never ordered the product. The e-mail they sent was from a no-reply address. Then, this a.m. I got a call from a third party vendor telling me that they are sending me $100 in gas coupons. I insisted that I not only didn't want their gas coupons, but that I did not order the Scratch Aide and I wanted taken off of their list and no money charged because I never ordered anything. He got me over the customer service. After waiting 25 minutes on hold, "Art" employee #255 refused to cancel the order because it was "in shipping" and would be sent next week. That means that they hadn't even shipped it, but were unwilling to cancel an order that I never made. AAAAGHHH! After he got to the point where he was yelling over me, I finally got him to give me the number of corporate.
ReplyDeleteWhat a joke as I called "corporate' to talk to Glenda. From the get go, she was rude and raising her voice and insisting that I did place an order. She was utterly inept at having a civil conversation. Eventually, she hung up on me. Seriously? Someone at "Corporate" is going to hang up on a customer?! I called back, literally 20 times. The number obviously must go straight to Glenda. She hung up on me all 20 times. This is outrageous. It's a total sham. Really sad that an American would act this way. Where has our country gone?
This product is also available at Bed/Bath & Beyond for $5.99 and if you have a 20% coupon makes it even better. Did someone say this product doesn't work?
DeleteGod I wish I had read these before ordering but I had to learn the hard way!! It should be illegal to not have the option to get bonus sponge that they so gallantly charge additional shipping for (and then turn around and send it ALL in ONE box!! OMG WHAT A SCAM!! Thanks for making sure someone hold them accountable. I just didn't read it before!!
ReplyDeleteGod I wish I had read these before ordering but I had to learn the hard way!! It should be illegal to not have the option to get bonus sponge that they so gallantly charge additional shipping for (and then turn around and send it ALL in ONE box!! OMG WHAT A SCAM!! Thanks for making sure someone hold them accountable. I just didn't read it before!!
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to post this. I too came closed to buying this stuff. There is way too much of this type of scam around. Surely they continue to be successful at taking advantage of the trusting people who buy their product or they would no longer be in business. Shame on them & their probably illegal (certainly unethical) sales tactics.
ReplyDeleteWow. What a blessing to have found this before making the call or going to the website. I think you saved us all a lot of time, effort, and, especially, aggravation.
ReplyDeleteHere is an easy fix to all this. If your hear "But wait, if you aroin the next 10 minutes you will get XXX for free...just pay shipping and handling. There's your sign! Stay away from all of that tv crap. BTW, when was the last time you bought anything and was charged a "handling" charge! Shipping mean shipping. Handling means "we are going to screw you out of more money"!
ReplyDeleteSorry...that was "If you order now"....
DeleteIt must be a scam. I did do the order. Yes, I was charged $17.90 for shipping for a $10 product. I placed order on January 2nd. I have not received any product. today is March 13th. HaS ANYONE REPORTED THEM TO THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU?
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ReplyDeleteWhere did you find information about the positive site, this post? I just read some articles on your website, and I really like your style. Thank you for the millions and keep working effectively.and also found some intresting topic is gay test online
ReplyDelete