Problem with vendor - advice requested

[luvnafctn]

Hi all, I need some help...

At this point, I don't want to mention names, but I'll give you a breakdown of my situation.

Either October 9th, 10th, or 11th, I ordered a skirt pattern for part of my Halloween costume. I received a confirmation email of my order on the 11th, and on the 12th the funds were taken out of my account. This was not a vendor that I had used previously, but the pattern was a little less expensive there than anywhere else. I assumed (I know... never assume... lesson learned) that I would get the pattern in about a week to 10 days, which would give me enough time to complete the skirt for a Halloween party I was going to on the 27th.

On the 18th I sent the following email:

"Hi xxxxx,

I ordered a x skirt pattern sometime last week (the funds came out of my account on the 12th, so I'm guessing I put the order in on Monday or Tuesday). I was just wondering about how long shipping takes as I had it delivered to my workplace, and I want to make sure the mail room delivers to the correct suite number. The pattern is coming to Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Thanks so much!"

I never got a response. So on the 22nd (I think) I called and left a message. I still have not gotten a response. I actually ended up having to order the pattern from another vendor on the 24th who was nice enough to overnight it to me.

So my question is... how much longer should I wait to get the pattern before having my credit union return the funds for product that I never received? I understand that some things take awhile to ship, but this is basically a bunch of tissue paper for crying out loud. And this vendor is out of California, so it's not like it has to go through customs or anything. I don't know if this has anything to do with the fires, and I don't want to sound heartless, but I'm starting to get a little irratated.

Thanks for your help!

[Azeeza]

Hi luvnafctn:

It's been past a week to 10 days since you ordered the pattern. I'd get the funds reversed.

Azeeza

[Rosette]

I'd take back the funds - and send the vendor a polite e-mail that you needed the item by Oct 31; thus it is no longer something you want or need so you're cancelling your order and charging back the $$. Of course the next aggravation you can expect is that right after you do this, the item will be delivered! In that event, you could print a copy of your e-mail about canceling the order, enclose it with the item and send it back. At least it sounds like something it wouldn't cost you much to ship.
Internet shopping! 95% of it is GREAT! The other 5% is like stepping in something smelly that you can't got off your shoe.
Good luck . . . well, I should say, hope your luck improves!
Rosette

[scn1188]

Hi luvnafctn,
I experienced a similar situation that I will share with all:

I placed an online order with vendor X on Sept 5. My credit card was charged immediately (of course!). I did not need this item in a hurry. According to their website, purchases will ship in 3 weeks.

On Sept 10, I received an email from vendor stating that the item I purchased was on "back order and will be available soon."

On Sept 15, I emailed vendor and asked, when would it be available? No response.

On Oct 5, I emailed again to ask about the status of my order, and stated that I may need to cancel my order if this is not going to be available anytime soon. I also left a voice message. No response.

On Nov 7, I emailed an order cancellation and requested a prompt refund, and left a voice message as well. No response.

On Nov 15, I called my credit card company and explained the situation. They considered this a dispute-charge case and gave me "conditional credit" and will pursue the case with the vendor.

luvnafctn: I hope your case worked out in your favor.

[s1dur1_sab1tu]

Actually as someone who used to take credit cards, you're not allowed to do the charge till the item is shipped. Merchants can do a hold on the account for the amount, but not the charge. That was how it was when I took cards anyway...best of luck to you!

[kina]

I had a very similar experience with a vendor on ebay, ordered the item on 10/12, shipping policy stated shipped within 2 days. Emailed an inquiry on October 27, was told 4 to 6 weeks, from date of order. By November 6, I had not received the item and requested a refund by November 10th. No response. Filed dispute with Paypal on November 10th, vendor responded by saying s/he had shipped item on November 9th. Recieved item on November 16, postmarked recieved by UPS on November 13.


I wasn't home at the time, or I would have sent the stupid thing back.

[nimah]

Originally Posted by kina

I had a very similar experience with a vendor on ebay, ordered the item on 10/12....Recieved item on November 16, postmarked recieved by UPS on November 13.

I wasn't home at the time, or I would have sent the stupid thing back.

Kina, would you mind sharing what eBay seller you had the bad experience with? It'd really be helpful to other dancers who wish to avoid the same hassle!