Triumphrat

Where was the fine print?
 

I've been eyeing the Garmin Zumo 450 and 550 models. I already own the Nuvi, but it wasn't made for bikes. I bought it before this new Zumo waterproof unit was made. The price for the 550 is around $980 and $780 for the 450.

Well, I found a site online sellling the 450 unit for $495! Cool. My x-mas present to myself. I spontaneously placed an order for one. As the order was placed, the online site asked me to call my credit card company to set up and alternate shipping address as I had asked for the package to be shipped to my company, not my billing address.

I'd never heard of this, but I called because the online site said there would be a long delay if I didn't do this. Well, I get the sweetest Indian woman who didn't understand what the heck I was trying to do. I wish I could speak a second language as well as she spoke English, but it wasn't good enough. We got nowhere.

So I called the online site. I asked why this procedure was necessary. To stop credit card fraud, I was told. I suggested I could fax them info that might help. (All this after waiting on hold for 1/2 hour.) Nope, I had to call my credit card company.

And then the guy from the online company says to me, "Oh, you do know you are getting the model made for Japan. Everything is written in Japanese. For the English version, the price is $695."

CANCEL my order, please. That info was nowhere on their site! Talk about fraud.

As they say, you get what you pay for. Lesson learned.

Whisperinsmith
I had a similar experience when buying Christmas presents online for family in NM and just wanting them delivered to their residence. Big hassle, but I guess with all of the fraud that is what it is coming to.
Amazon has the best deals now for the Garmin Zumo 550 @ $450. The 550 has the integrated Bluetooth which I don't use on the bike as I don't have a bluetooth helmet, but in the car I use it with the headset and it is fantastic. I think the 550 is well worth the extra $100 for this feature alone on long trips it is great speaking street names et all. I bought the 550 for a coast to coast trip this summer and it was fantastic.

MVP44,
So my ordeal and your post might be for the best. I'll check out Amazon right now! Thanks.

WS

Are you saying that for gentlemen like us, who have lost a bit of direction in life, that a Garmin is the answer?

;)

TBA,
I'm grasping at all straws! LOL!

No wonder I don't care for a GPS. I know exactly where I am going. Even if I am lost.

Of course you do. We all know where we are going. The hard part is figuring out how to get there. :D

I have no need for a GPS.

People are always telling me where to go. :p

Mr Smith: You might want to take a look at the TomTom Rider. Functionally it's basically identical to a Zumo (designed for motorcycle use), but it seems to be a little less expensive.

--mark

I don't need a GPS either. I am still trying to find what real good they are.

Anyway, I NEVER put credit card info on the internet. I call the company and if I do not get an American (as this is where I live), I simply hang up.

Call me stupid, but I use the local cable company instead of a satelite for the same reason. Same with my internet and cell phone. Just how I am......

I get 99% of all my needed motorcycle parts from Chaparell or Donnelsons. I can talk to a real person when I call and also get tracking numbers........