Gevalia - paid for 2.5 lbs of coffee, but didn't receive "free" green coffee maker

# 19 for April 30, 2002

Complaints.com received the following consumer message on April 29, 2002:

From: The Greenes [Email User]

RE: Gevalia - paid for 2.5 lbs of coffee, but didn't receive "free" green coffee maker

Dear Sirs

In February 2002 I sent "Gevalia" company a $10 check for a "free" green coffee maker with the purchase of testing 2 1/2 lbs. of their coffee. The check was cashed in the latter part of February.

I wrote to Gevalia telling them about the situation and they wrote back saying they had the pots on backorder and that shipment was due 4/19/02. They never even sent me a notice they were on back order and I would not have known unless I inquired. In the interim I received 2 more e-mails for the promotion.

Tell me how a company could falsely advertise "free" something, when they knew there were none in stock. I received my e-mails again this week, and guess what, another advertisement for the same thing. I could see informing me of the backorder of the pot, it was free, but why did I never receive the coffee?

They had no problem cashing my check right away! Please help. Companies like this, falsely advertising should be stopped.

L Greene

Email User

Thank You.

PS the person sending the e-mails is C. Kirk