Chicago, IL- February 16, 2009 – The Better Business Bureau is reporting an increase in the number of consumers who are filing complaints against “online pawnshops”. From coast to coast, consumers have been reporting that when selling their used DVDs and video game to a business known as Rerun Media. They are reporting what they have been promised does not match what they received.
Rerun Media is headquartered in Austin, TX and does business online as DVDPawn.com and GamePawn.com. The company’s Web sites say they pay their customers by check or through a PayPal account the same day the merchandise is received. However, complainants allege they are not getting paid what they were promised or they’re not getting paid at all. The complainants also charge that emails and phone calls to the company go unanswered.
The Austin, Texas Better Business Bureau reports that they have received 28 complaints from consumers in cities throughout the U.S. including northern Illinois. The report states the company did respond to some complaints but as of April 2008 Rerun Media stopped answering BBB complaints.
“This company is allegedly not providing people with payments. They have turned to them because of a need and are becoming victims at a time when they can least afford it,” said Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau of Chicago & Northern Illinois. “Consumers selling online should do some homework before they ship their possessions,” added Bernas. “Whenever possible, consumers selling their possessions for cash should deal with an established online business.”
"I sent my DVDs to Rerun Media.com, in October and am still waiting for my money… Don't be scanned… If you are going to sell something on the internet, check the company out before hand,” commented Dawn Kjeldsen Crest Hill, Illinois.
The BBB also recommends:
- To ensure they are getting the best price for the item or items they are selling consumers should ask for a price quote or estimate of how much the pieces may be worth and then comparison shop.
- Have the items appraised. Keep in mind that just because an item gets appraised for a certain amount, it is unlikely you will receive that exact amount for it.
- When selling items, make sure that all transactions are done in the open. If a buyer wants to take the item somewhere else or to a back room, don’t let that happen. This should not be necessary and should be considered suspect.
- Always look for the BBB logo or go to www.bbb.org to find businesses you can trust.
Many people often confuse pawn shops and secondhand stores, thinking they are the same. Although they may do the same thing in terms of buying or selling secondhand items, pawn shops are regulated, and have licensing requirements in Illinois. Secondhand stores are not regulated by the state.
For more information on online pawn shops, secondhand stores or to find businesses you can trust go to www.bbb.org.
