HCI Direct / Silkies - received free pair of pantyhose - then received and sent back second pair, with cancel written on package - now receiving threatening collection letters

Complaints.com received the following business reply on March 3, 2003:

From: CS - Comments [Email User]

RE: RE: HCI Direct Silkies Pantyhose

Good afternoon Ms. Zellmer,

Please accept our apologies for the misunderstanding. The introductory offer that you responded to called for a free pair of pantyhose later followed by

a 3-pair shipment unless the customer instructs otherwise. At Silkies our

products are fully guaranteed and you always have the option of returning any products that don't meet your needs.

As requested, I have closed this account. We thank you for returning the hose and be assured that there is nothing owing on the account. I have issued a refund in the amount of $1.75 for cost of returning the hose.

Our toll free number, 1-800-989-3695, is listed with directory assistance under both HCI Direct and Silkies Pantyhose, and can also be found on our website, Silkies.com. I am sorry if you were unable to locate it.

We apologize for any misunderstanding and we thank you for trying Silkies. Marilyn

Silkies Customer Service

Complaints.com received the following consumer message on February 25, 2003:

From: Emilia Z. [Email User]

RE: HCI Direct / Silkies - received free pair of pantyhose - then received and sent back second pair, with cancel written on package - now receiving threatening collection letters

Account #1005151954

Ms. Emilia Zellmer I responded to a postcard to receive a FREE pair of pantyhose. After getting the FREE pair, I then received a second shipment with an invoice and an order form for my next shipment. There was no mention of joining a pantyhose club on this postcard by receiving this FREE pair. I sent back the package with a written notice to CANCEL. Now I keep getting these threatening letters that I still owe $15.63 for something I returned. BULL! HCI makes it as difficult as possible to send back their package and to cancel. There is no phone # or website listed on their bill to you. Also, they don't provide an address to return shipments to. There were 2 different PO Boxes listed so I picked one and crossed my fingers. HCI, I do not owe you any money as I have returned my package. In fact, you owe me the $1.75 it cost for me to return them to you. I e-mailed your silkies website today (2-25-03) and had better get a response ASAP. The next letter I get from should state an account balance of $0 and that it has been canceled. I'm telling all my friends what a scam this is and am submitting all the complaints I can. Ms. Zellmer