Thread: Frustrated with Audrena's - don't know what to do

I'm posting because I recently placed 2 orders with Audrena's, and I seem to have nothing but bad luck. She was having really good sales and I thought I would get a few nerw items. ..g.: The first order I placed on January 15 was for a hip scarf and a pair of bellydancer pants with "Bellydancer" down the leg in silver. The second order I placed the following week, for 2 silk veils, 2 tanks tops, and one more hip scarf.
I never received any sort of confirmation email or anything, so I emailed first to make sure everything had gone through ok, but I never got a response. So I called, and she told me the second hip scarf I ordered was on backorder, and she would have it the following week. I asked about the first order and she said some of it would ship from her, and some would ship from NY (Sharifwear). So then after a week, all I had received was the 2 veils, and I still had not heard anything about the other items, so I emailed again, and still no response. So I called, again. She told me she had my burgandy "choli" ready to go out. I told her I never oredered a choli. She seemed very confused. I told her I ordered a burgandy velvet hip scarf, but no choli. She said OK, I have that here. I asked about my first order, and told her that the only items I had received so far were the 2 silk veils. She then told me that the first hip scarf I ordered was out, and that she would have to order it. And that my other items would be sent directly from NY. ..c::

After I got off the phone with her, I sent her an email, and explained to her that I was concerned about getting my items, that everytime I talk to her, I found out about something new that she does not have, and it had been 3 weeks since I placed the first order, and to NOW be hearing that she does not have the first hip scarf I ordered was discouraging. I asked her to please just send me any color of hip scarf in the style I ordered, that I didn't care what it was. She wrote back and apologized, and told me that Sharifwear was down for inventory for a week, and that she thought she had sent me an email about it. I told her no, I had not received any such email. She told me she would send my items right away with a gift as an apology, and that she would have my Sharifwear sent directly to me (which I thougt was happening anyway). I got the items from Audrena, and the gift was thoughtful, although I'll never use it.

A week later, she contacted me and said that Sharifwear had sent my itmes to her, not to me, but that she would send them on right away. I got them yesterday, and one of my tanks is wrong, but I can live with that. The one I can't live with is she sent me the wrong pants. She sent me the ones with the Bellydancer written on the foldover waistband. I would never have chosen those. I called her and explained ther mix-up, and she told me I had said something about wanting those. I told her that we never discussed the pants I ordered. That I only saw that one style on her website in which TO order. She said it must be described wrong or something, and I told her that it wasn't, it seemed very clear to me, and that there was even a picture. She got upset and said it was all her fault. She told me to send the pants back to her, and she would have the correct pants sent directly to me. I don't think I should have to pay to return the item that was clearly her mistake. I kept all the copies of my receipts, and the pants I ordered match exactly the description of the same pants on Sharifwear's website, down to the style number. Audrena seemed so upset that i didn't say anything about not wanting to pay for the return shipping. I'm also scared to return these pants and never end up with any pants! Any suggestions? ..cr.:

I generally do not deal with Audrena any more for similar reasons. She says one thing and then changes her mind or forgets what she says. I know that she has been in and out of the hospital and is not in the best of health.

I've had issues returning things to her and also with custom orders and it's always someone else's fault, when really, the order was never placed.

I can only suggest to call first and then after speaking with her email to confirm the conversation. I think she tends to forget what she says on the phone but if you have it written down "as per our conversation" it's more likely to stick.

It's a shame because I've been too tempted by her sales and her phone calls to let me know about them...

I've only ordered one silk veil from her but it took almost 3 months of emails and phone calls. It was just a solid color 4 yard veil so shouldn't have taken anywhere near that long. She was always polite but trying to get info was about as frustrating as what it sounds like for you. She seems very sweet and I think you will get the right pants in the end if you keep emailing and calling. I don't think you should have to pay for the additional shipping costs though for her mistake. Hope you can get this worked out. I empathize with your frustration...

I just sent a follow-up email, so we'll see what happens. I'll keep the thread updated. I agree, she seems very sweet, but this can't be good for business...

I ordered two veils about a month ago. My credit card hasn't been charged yet, but I didn't have any confirmation of my order either...

I ordered from her once and probably won't do it again. It was a custom costume which took over 6 months to receive, even though she told me 4 weeks. When I got it, it was too short. I didn't even bother trying to send it back. What a hassle.

I know who is not going to get my business.....

Originally Posted by AngelaDiCaprio

I know who is not going to get my business.....

Angela, is that an expression?

I called Audrena to check in, and she told me she had not had time to place my order from Sharifwear, that she would do it by Monday so that it could be shipped on Monday. She said that it was too late by the time we spoke for them to mail it out today anyway. She also told me that she received my follow-up email, and yes, I had understood our conversation correctly.

My email stated that if Sharifwear was not able to ship me my pants today, that Audrena would call and tell me when they would be shipped. She had not yet called me and it's 4:20 PM my time. I first spoke to Audrena at 11:00AM this morning. Does anyone else see anything wrong with this scenario? Why would she tell me this morning that she would call her right away to get them shipped out to me today if she apparently already knew it was too late to ship them today anyway? And why was she waiting to call me? IF I've had so many troubles, why would she put me last on her list of things to do? I suddenly do not feel like the valued customer she wants me to believe that I am. ,m::

UGHHH! I am so sorry this is happening to you. She has called me when she's had sales to see if there's anything I need but I keep telling her no. Her customer service is just not what it should be.

Is it too late for you to order directly from Sharifwear and just get a refund from her? Although that may take even more work... ..c::

That's an idea... or i could just keep the pants she sent (and maybe someone here on Bhuz wants them...)and buy the pair I really want directly from them.

I went through something similar with her, as did a friend of mine. It took 9 months to get two veils that were supposedly in stock and on clearance. Every time I emailed her, there was some story as to why it wasn't in yet. A third veil never came. I've given up, as it's been a year, but I've learned my lesson.

ETA an update: My partner said she got a call from Audrena about the Pharonics and asked about the veils, getting yet another sob story and a promise that they're in the next shipment. It's so frustrating b/c we've been hearing that for a year now!!!

Hmmmm...this is not good at all. Its interesting though because I have sent numerous email to Audrena asking some questions about stock and NEVER had an email back at all. Dahlal has always responded to me and been most helpful-so they will be getting my business.

Perhaps Audrena is having some problems....???

That's what I'm thinking... and I'm surprised no one is helping her out more to prevent these things from happening.

Perhaps she's rich and she doesn't need to sell...

As I mentioned earlier Audrena has experienced some health issues over the years...about a year ago she was in the hospital for about 6 weeks or so and I'm not sure as of recent but I'm guessing it's not as good. She does genuinely want to please us but can be very defensive or even rude when you call her on an error.

Everything is "in the next shipment" or "pharaonics/amira this or that"

I waited for a skirt for over 9 months and then told her that there's no way I'm going to take it. Luckily I hadn't paid yet!

I'm hoping this gets resolved as best it can for you! <3

geez...so awful this happened to you, Talia! I appreciate the head's up. I probably will never buy from this seller! Hope it all works out for you!

I never had a problem with Audrena. I just received my new cossie. Beautiful. Although I ordered it in October at Raks East.( I did a payment plan it took be awhile to pay it off)But she was really nice to me. Sometimes she can get moody. But I never had an issue. But I hope your issue gets resolved.

Alrana

Originally Posted by ANA_bellydancer

Angela, is that an expression?

yes it is..... silly lady...

Yes, I noted the post that said she had some health concerns, and it's very unfortunate. I think I was being patient, but there definitely comes a point where enough is enough.... and maybe she should ask someone for assistance in keeping everything straight and timely. Today I'm debating just keeping the pants to avoid the hassle.

Thanks to everyone for your support and advice, I really appreciate it!

Originally Posted by Talia43212

That's what I'm thinking... and I'm surprised no one is helping her out more to prevent these things from happening.

Audrena is a one-woman show. Sweet lady, but she definitely does things her own way. ,f::

Originally Posted by AngelaDiCaprio

yes it is..... silly lady...

..cr.:

This exact same thing actually happened to a classmate of mine. Seems to happen a lot with her.

Originally Posted by ANA_bellydancer

..cr.:

Não grite, não está falando sobre você, eu sou certa :) Também não pode realizar que você é de Portugal e curiosa sobre a língua inglesa!


Khalida

Olá, Khalida! Eu sei... Não se preocupe. Ela está só a brincar comigo. Já nos conhecemos. Obrigada!
A Khalida aprendeu português?

Eu também estava só a brincar! Pode (e deve) continuar a escrever em inglês, que eu prefiro!

Originally Posted by ANA_bellydancer

Eu também estava só a brincar! Pode (e deve) continuar a escrever em inglês, que eu prefiro!

Sure!


Khalida

So, Khalida, did you study portuguese or are your parents portuguese?

Honestly, I think you're better off reselling the pants and ordering the correct ones directly from Sharifwear. It's absurd that you should have to resort to that, but it will probably save you some frustration!