[Rant] Questionable - VisaCenter
Dec 21, 2010 | 4:03 pm
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: 45 North
Programs: AS Gold 75K, DL GM/MM
Posts: 10,205
If you are traveling to a country that requires visa and you receive email or link from Delta for VisaCenter.com service, beware. This company has extremely diceptive business practices that I have just experienced. Read every line on the "Visa Application Requirements" page and the Visa Center "ORDER FORM" that is generated after you have completed the application form.
I am traveling to China (Beijing) and followed the link provided by Delta to VisaCenter.com to apply for visa. It said 20% discount for Delta SkyMile customers plus 1K miles. VisaCenter.com site listed their Standard Service fee (8 or more days) as $40 and Rush Surcharge (4-7 days) as $43 and Emergency Surcharge (1-3 days) as $86. There is a $25 charge if you use the overnight shipping label they provide and another $25 when they return your passport/visa (or $5 handling if you use your own shipping label and another $5 if you provide a return shipping label). Also, there is an autimatically added insurance charge of $18. If you complete the application form and decide not to proceed/cancel you will be charged $50. The page indicates that your credit card will not be charged until they return your passport/visa, beware because you might be shocked at the charges, I was.
I mailed my passport and accompanying paperwork on Dec. 7 by overnight delivery to VisaCenter.com using my own shipping label and I enclosed a return shipping label. I indicated that I would like to have it back by Dec. 17 and that my travel date is Dec. 23, 2010. I received my passport and China visa on Dec. 17 and a credit card charge receipt for $318.
I called VisaCenter.com to get a breakdown of the $318 charge. They are:
Consular fee - $144.90 (multiple entry valid for 1 year)
VisaCenter Stanard Service fee - $40
Handling fee (for using my own overnight label) - $5
Insurance - $18
Emergency Surcharge - $86
Overnight return shipping -$25
I questioned the Emergency Surcharge ($86) since clearly this was not a 1-3 day order, I questioned the shipping charge ($25) since I provided a return shipping label and the insurance ($18) since I did not request it and the package was being shipped via overnight delivery. The $40 was their standard service fee, so where's the 20% discount? But, I did not question it.
For the surcharge they said they'll review it but that it was less than 8 business days. I asked why they did not notify me before the surcharge, they said their charges were clearly posted on their site. For the shipping they said my label did not indicate next day air. For the insurance they said it is automatic unless you check a box on the order form to decline coverage. Note that this order form is generated after you've completed the visa application form.
The credit card charge has posted on my account. BEWARE!
I am traveling to China (Beijing) and followed the link provided by Delta to VisaCenter.com to apply for visa. It said 20% discount for Delta SkyMile customers plus 1K miles. VisaCenter.com site listed their Standard Service fee (8 or more days) as $40 and Rush Surcharge (4-7 days) as $43 and Emergency Surcharge (1-3 days) as $86. There is a $25 charge if you use the overnight shipping label they provide and another $25 when they return your passport/visa (or $5 handling if you use your own shipping label and another $5 if you provide a return shipping label). Also, there is an autimatically added insurance charge of $18. If you complete the application form and decide not to proceed/cancel you will be charged $50. The page indicates that your credit card will not be charged until they return your passport/visa, beware because you might be shocked at the charges, I was.
I mailed my passport and accompanying paperwork on Dec. 7 by overnight delivery to VisaCenter.com using my own shipping label and I enclosed a return shipping label. I indicated that I would like to have it back by Dec. 17 and that my travel date is Dec. 23, 2010. I received my passport and China visa on Dec. 17 and a credit card charge receipt for $318.
I called VisaCenter.com to get a breakdown of the $318 charge. They are:
Consular fee - $144.90 (multiple entry valid for 1 year)
VisaCenter Stanard Service fee - $40
Handling fee (for using my own overnight label) - $5
Insurance - $18
Emergency Surcharge - $86
Overnight return shipping -$25
I questioned the Emergency Surcharge ($86) since clearly this was not a 1-3 day order, I questioned the shipping charge ($25) since I provided a return shipping label and the insurance ($18) since I did not request it and the package was being shipped via overnight delivery. The $40 was their standard service fee, so where's the 20% discount? But, I did not question it.
For the surcharge they said they'll review it but that it was less than 8 business days. I asked why they did not notify me before the surcharge, they said their charges were clearly posted on their site. For the shipping they said my label did not indicate next day air. For the insurance they said it is automatic unless you check a box on the order form to decline coverage. Note that this order form is generated after you've completed the visa application form.
The credit card charge has posted on my account. BEWARE!
For what it is worth I have had very good luck with www.mychinesevisa.com. They were very fast and billed what they said they would.
Dec 21, 2010 | 4:45 pm
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: MN
Programs: Lots of programs, dirt on all of them!
Posts: 11,943
I understand that if you click through a reputable site like delta.com you should arrive at another reputable site. But I think this is partly a case of "If I see it on the net, it has to be true/good/etc." I tend to do far too much research before I buy something vs. far too little. I guess there are both extremes.
Dec 22, 2010 | 4:16 am
#19
Join Date: May 2010
Location: BDL
Programs: DL PM, HHonors Silver
Posts: 440
I used Visa center.com for my visa to china in june and didn't have a problem with them charging me extra for things I didn't authorize. Their pricing system and charging system are a little odd if you ask me they should be clearer
Dec 22, 2010 | 6:38 am
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: BOS
Programs: DL DM 2MM, Marriott LT Titanium, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 17,194
There was another thread with multiple complaints about visacenter linked to delta.com
First, it almost looks like you're going to some official government site to obtain a visa, but this one has outrageous service charges as you noticed. Its extremely deceptive and the links should be removed from Delta. I for one will be sure to never use them.
First, it almost looks like you're going to some official government site to obtain a visa, but this one has outrageous service charges as you noticed. Its extremely deceptive and the links should be removed from Delta. I for one will be sure to never use them.
Dec 22, 2010 | 9:10 am
#22
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: South Carolina
Programs: Delta FO
Posts: 313
I used americanpassport.com as referred by delta.com for extra passport pages. I believe it is the same company as visacenter.com. I called the company instead of just filling out the online form. The rep explained the pricing components.
The rush service fee is based on when they schedule an appointment with the consulate not the date you request the passport returned. In my case i requested 7 business days on the return but elected to schedule the consulate appointment in 2 business days so i paid the higher fee. I could have scheduled the appointment for a later date, but decided to play it safe with the earlier date.
To the the op, what day was the consulate appointment? Did you have any choice in the matter?
The rush service fee is based on when they schedule an appointment with the consulate not the date you request the passport returned. In my case i requested 7 business days on the return but elected to schedule the consulate appointment in 2 business days so i paid the higher fee. I could have scheduled the appointment for a later date, but decided to play it safe with the earlier date.
To the the op, what day was the consulate appointment? Did you have any choice in the matter?
