Thanks for the helpful info OP! I even bookmarked this thread!

I haven't seen much in the way of results with the BBB . My best results have been with my state's Dept of Consumer Affairs ( Div of AG office ) and a call in to Clark Howard radio show ( www.clarkhoward.com ) that they decided to help me with . However I agree it is import to file complaints wherever possible to warn others . Thanks for the list .

BTW - I agree abouts Fry's - Beware !!!

Cool! Thanks TheDealMaker!

Down with Tiger Direct for messing up my order last month!

bump

cool, good work

What is RED?
The Visa U.S.A. Re-Engineering Disputes (RED) project is an evolving, forward-thinking plan for building a more effective way to resolve Visa transaction disputes. Over the last few years, RED has made great strides in helping card issuers, merchant banks, and merchants achieve simpler, faster, and more cost-efficient resolution actions. Since April 2002, a large number of RED changes have been implemented. Now all parties are gearing up for additional modifications scheduled for October 2004.

On this page
RED changes and merchant requirements

October 2004 RED changes

RED changes in brief

RED changes and merchant requirements
As RED moves forward, it is important for all merchants to clearly understand all operational changes and requirements, particularly in these areas:

Streamlined chargeback cycle—Under the new reduced chargeback cycle, merchants:
have only one opportunity to address disputed items prior to Arbitration.
must make every effort to answer all of the cardholder pertinent claims when responding to an initial chargeback request and supply all information the first time to protect your re-presentation rights.
must supply “compelling” information to prove the true cardholder participated in the transaction, received the goods or services, and benefited from the transaction.
Reduced documentation—With redesigned forms that supply all the information needed to adequately address disputes, merchants can now see more relevant dispute details captured during a card issuer’s first contact with a cardholder. In some situations (e.g., fraud), however, existing documentation requirements still apply. In addition, the information received in the initial chargeback request offers a more accurate and clearer picture of the customer’s concern(s). This means fewer circumstances under which paper documentation is required.
Reduced copy request requirements—The new process permits the use of substitute sales drafts in some circumstances and reduces the number of copy requests required. Merchants should fulfill copy requests at all times for any type of reason code, and be aware that they hold financial liability for the non-fulfillment or invalid fulfillment of transaction receipt copies related to Retrieval Request Code 33 - Request for Legal or Fraud Analysis.
Consolidated chargeback reason codes—In October of this year, a reduction in the number of chargeback reason codes (from 44 to 24) will be implemented. This should help eliminate the confusion that can arise when back-office staff are faced with an ambiguous dispute situation. Merchants who use Visa’s reason codes in their proprietary systems must adjust their processes and/or systems accordingly in advance of the consolidation. They should also revisit their own back-office training efforts so they are aligned with all RED changes and impending reason code consolidation.

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October 2004 RED changes
All Members must use Visa Resolve Online or a Visa-approved automated system to process dispute information/documentation.
All Members must use Visa Resolve Online to process their case filings, including Pre-Arbitration and Pre-Compliance attempts.
Chargeback reasons will be consolidated to 24 codes.
RED changes in brief

Was this: 44 Reason Codes (59 included sub-codes)
Changed to: 24 Reason Codes
Was this: 2-3 chargeback cycles
Changed to:
1 chargeback cycle
Was this: 315 days to resolution (maximum)
Changed to: 137 days to resolution (maximum)
Was this: Mail dependent
Changed to: Electronic transmission
Was this: Limited communication options
Changed to: Variety of communication options
Was this: Manual Pre-Arbitration/Pre-Compliance processing
Changed to: Electronic Pre-Arbitration/Pre-Compliance processing
Was this: Acquirer files Arbitration manually
Changed to: Issuer files Arbitration electronically

News

Visa USA Makes Cardholder Dispute Resolution Process Faster and Simpler
System Innovations Save Cardholders, Banks and Merchants Time and Money

SAN FRANCISCO, August 12, 2003

Visa USA announced today that they have begun implementing innovative system upgrades which will expedite the process for resolving cardholder purchase disputes by increasing automation and communication, streamlining rules and procedures, and using electronic transmission in place of paper documents and the mailbox.
The Visa initiative to speed and simplify the dispute resolution process has been dubbed Re-Engineering Disputes, or RED. Visa Resolve Online, a Web-based tool used by Visa's Member financial institutions, is a key component of the initiative and will play a major role in speeding the dispute resolution process. Most cardholder disputes will be resolved within just one billing cycle.

"All stakeholders will benefit from a dispute resolution process that provides them with better access to information, more options for communicating, and ultimately faster resolution of their disputes," said Dave Van Horn, vice president of Visa USA. "This transformation represents a win-win solution to dispute resolution issues."

According to Van Horn, initial system upgrades were a significant factor in the 21 percent decline of chargebacks in 2002, resulting in approximately $238 million in fewer losses, a significant savings for merchants. Issuing banks are also achieving a dramatic savings of time and money from the simplified process. RED is enabled by Direct Exchange, Visa's technology rearchitecture initiative that significantly upgrades its processing system with Internet-based technology.

Cardholders may now receive quick and accurate answers to questions regarding their purchases, which will help avert many disputes. In fact, initial changes implemented by various banks have already received positive feedback from their cardholders, according to Van Horn. "Reducing the number of chargebacks means happier customers and an even greater appreciation of the Visa brand," he said.

"RED is increasing our operational efficiency and ensuring that our backroom operations are much more cost-effective," said Linda Chumley of Wells Fargo. "Our cardholders will be extremely pleased by the consistency and speed with which their disputes are resolved."

Van Horn concluded, "While Visa is the world's most reliable payments network, we are committed to always looking at ways that new technologies can allow us to be even more efficient � and that translates into added value for our cardholders, Members and merchants."

About Visa

Visa is the world's leading payment brand and largest consumer payment system, enabling banks to provide their consumer and merchant customers with a wide variety of payment alternatives. Nearly 21,000 financial institutions worldwide rely on Visa's processing system, VisaNet, to facilitate $2.5 trillion in annual transaction volume with virtually 100 percent reliability. Consumers in more than 150 countries carry more than one billion Visa-branded cards, accepted at millions of locations worldwide. Within the U.S., nearly 14,000 financial institutions issue 396 million Visa cards, accounting for more than $1 trillion in annual transaction volume. Visa offers a trusted, reliable and convenient way to access and mobilize financial resources - anytime, anywhere, anyway.

GigaFast wireless devices rebates, around one year back, on PC Club. Never reeceived, rumors GigaFast ran out of money for the rebate. Contacted CA BBB. just received notification that they received no response and closing the file. Where I go now -

MN GA, where I lived at the time of the order,
AZ GA where I am now, or
CA GA, where GF makes business ?

Very nice compilation, I am going to try this to fight with Circuit City for my Laptop warranty, which they refused to honor...

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