questions & answers

Question: I am being charged a fee of $480.00 by a satellite company for cancellation of TV after only 2 weeks of use. I cannot pay $480 and they will not accept $200, nor any kind of monthly payment. I was not aware of any cancellation fee nor did they mention it when ordering. They have been intractable and uncooperative in aiding me. What can I do? I have talked to multiple reps.All have been totally unresponsive.

Answer: You most likely signed a contract that stated that there would be a cancellation fee if you canceled early. Sometimes the fee is not readily apparent in the contract.  Review the contract again to see if it mentions anything about early cancellation fees.

The laws regarding obligations and construction of contracts in Arizona can be found at A.R.S. 47-2301 through 47-2328. 

In particular Arizona law states:
“47-2302. Unconscionable contract or clause
A. If the court as a matter of law finds the contract or any clause of the contract to have been unconscionable at the time it was made the court may refuse to enforce the contract, or it may enforce the remainder of the contract without the unconscionable clause, or it may so limit the application of any unconscionable clause as to avoid any unconscionable result.

B. When it is claimed or appears to the court that the contract or any clause thereof may be unconscionable the parties shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to present evidence as to its commercial setting, purpose and effect to aid the court in making the determination.”
http://www.azleg.gov/FormatDocument.asp?inDoc=/ars/47/02302.htm&Title=47&DocType=ARS

Whether or not your contract is unconscionable will depend on several factors. You should speak with an attorney for advice specific to your situation.