Local Computer Store Closes Without Notice, Leaves Customers Empty-Handed

Dozens of people have been trying to get their computers back from a local store that closed its doors about a week and a half ago, without warning.<br><br>Magipro Computers are a central part of one Tulsa

Wednesday, December 1st 1999, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Dozens of people have been trying to get their computers back from a local store that closed its doors about a week and a half ago, without warning.

Magipro Computers are a central part of one Tulsa doctor's office. Dixie Spears uses them to keep track of patient records. She even uses a Magipro computer at home. "I do some of the office work at home on my computer,â€ said Spears.

Two weeks ago, her home computer broke down and she left it at Magipro for servicing. The next day, the company closed its doors. Spears didn't find out until she went to pick up her computer. "I went by there Tuesday afternoon and there was a piece of brown paper on the door that read, â€˜Sorry, we're closed,â€™â€ she said. "I was quite concerned because thatâ€™s my computer. Our computers in the office were also purchased there. They did all the maintenance on our computers,â€ she explained.

Spears wasn't the only concerned customer. "Obviously with as many computers as an organization like Magipro sells and works on, our phones have been flooded with people,â€ said the Better Business Bureauâ€™s Rick Brinkley. Nearly fifty Magipro customers called the Better Business Bureau, looking for information and asking for help.

Magipro filed for bankruptcy last week. But they accepted computers for servicing until they shut their doors, without giving customers any warning. Afterwards, Magipro did not give customers any information on how to get their computers back. The bankruptcy court contacted customers and told them what they should do to recover their property.

The B-B-B says there are ways to avoid hassles like this. "You need to go to somebody you know personally that has an established reputation that you can believe in,â€ explained Brinkley. â€œsometimes you need to ask, 'do you have any indication that you may be going out of business before I get my item back?' Ask those questions."

The News on Six spoke talked to Magipro's lawyer and he said the company would return customers computers on Friday. Hoewver, all merchandise returned will not have a warranty on the repair work. Spears says with or without that warranty, she'll be glad to get her computer back.

Magipro customers can pick up their computers between 4:00pm and 6:00pm, Friday December 3rd at the store located at 61st and Memorial. Customers must show proof of ownership.