Douglas S. Gordon Workshops

Review: On or about October **, 2012, I registered online for a workshop to be given by [redacted], photographer, in May, 2013. When I registered, I used a coupon code that [redacted] had advertised online, which permitted me 40% off the cost of the workshop. The regular price was $1450, but with the coupon, the price was $870 per registrant. I registered myself and a colleague at the discounted price and the site accepted my code and accepted my payment for both registrants for a total of $1740.00. No contract was indicated on the site and I did not have to accept any terms in order to register and pay. I paid $1740.00 via PayPal for two registrations. The site did say that a nonrefundable deposit of $600 was required to register and that the remainder of the cost of the workshop would be due thirty (30) days prior to the workshop. Because I used the discount code, I paid in full at the time of registration. Approximately one week later, I received a voicemail from [redacted]s business informing me that I could not use the discount code for the workshop and that I would be expected to pay the full price of the workshop. I was upset about this as I never intended to pay that much to attend the workshop. I subsequently contacted [redacted] and explained to him that I and my colleague would not be attending the workshop and requested my money back. [redacted] immediately sent me an email telling me that he would not give any refunds.[redacted] is currently holding $1740.00 of my money and is demanding that I pay another $1160 in order to attend the workshop that I registered for with the understanding that the total price for two registrations would be $1740.00. I feel that I am being taken advantage of and being forced to attend a workshop that I no longer wish to attend at a price that is much more than I anticipated paying. [redacted] has stated that he will not allow me to transfer or sell my seat to a third party and is refusing to refund my money. He is giving me no recourse other than to pursue legal action. Unfortunately, I live in Ohio and I do not have the means or the time to pursue legal action in New York courts. I am at a loss as to what to do. I cannot afford to lose $1740.00 on a workshop that I cannot attend and no longer wish to attend. I also cannot afford to hire an attorney in New York and sue [redacted] over $1740.00.Desired Settlement: Full refund of $1740.

Business

Response:

This complaint has been tried with who will ever listen at this point. [redacted] and her friends have attempted to soil my reputation wherever possible. I should be the one taking legal action considering she could be held liable for all of her slanderous comments on the web about me. She is correct we will not refund the money. It is clearly stated that this workshop will be held with a non refundable retainer. It is also clear that no discounts can be applied to the workshops. It is clear on the site and was made clear on the webcasts she speaks of. We made it know to her that within a 24 hour period and phone records to prove it. She chose to stay with her bookingWe also made it clear that her retainer could be used without penalty for any future workshop. She to this date has never sent a formal cancellation letter as we require and could be held to the balance if I so choose to pursue based on the terms of the agreement as well as NY sta te law. She has wasted lots of time and energy pursuing this and now has reached her final point. She has damaged a company along with her friends that has had no complaints over a 15 year period. You can let her know that that if this continues, I will pursue this legally for the balance and other punitive damages. She has wasted enough of my time at this point. I would like this complaint scratched from my record as it has no merit. A contract is a contract. Because of her cancellation we had 3 open seats. Her two and her friends. That is lost revenue of $4500

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# [redacted], and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

[Your Answer Here]