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Entrepreneurship:  HELP! How to handle a tough situation?  |
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gregs_lil_farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
219 Posts
birdi
hartford
me
USA
219 Posts |
 Posted - Feb 13 2007 : 3:27:02 PM
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Here is my situation. I ordered something a few weeks before Christmas, payment cleared, and I did not receive it. In good faith, figured it was overlooked, so I emailed the missed shipping in January. I was responded to with a very apologetic letter and promise of "oops" goodies and promised another date. That date came and went and I waited a week after that and sent another email. Again, the exact response. Well, I received an "oops" package but still not the items that I ordered. I have sent emails again...and am not getting response now at all. I do think that I have been quite patient and I am only now really irritated because I am getting NO response! What do you do in a situation like this? 
Birdi
-Simple pleasures make my heart smile- |
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kitchensqueen
True Blue Farmgirl
521 Posts
521 Posts |
Posted - Feb 13 2007 : 3:32:47 PM
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Make sure you keep records of all the emails you have, shipping info, the "oops" package and shipping slips, etc. Have you tried calling them? Sometimes speaking to a live person is more effective than email. Also, did you pay via credit card? If so, you can dispute the charge and file a complaint. And worse comes to worse, you can report them to the BBB. You might actually want to check them out with the BBB anyway, and see if other people have had similar experiences.
http://apartmentfarm.wordpress.com
Opening in March 2007:
http://shadetreestudios.etsy.com |
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abbasgurl
True Blue Farmgirl
1262 Posts
Rhonda
USA
1262 Posts |
Posted - Feb 13 2007 : 8:13:34 PM
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Birdi,
Sadly I just went through the same thing with an online seller. The "no response" reaction is the worst. After much frustration and research (and suggestions from farmgirls!), I contacted my states attorney for help. Typically, the BBB won't do anything, and most small businesses aren't registered with them anyway. The USPS will also get involved, as not delivering goods you paid for is considered mail fraud-a federal offence. You can pick up forms at your local PO. The FBI has a fraud division. There is also the Federal Trade Commission.
If you purchased using a credit card the CC company will get a refund for you. If you used Paypal they will also help you resolve the issue. Ebay will help you rsolve issues if you bought the items using their service.
The most effective thing in my case was to continue to call & email the company explaining what steps I was taking against them. I listed every agency I could find in an attempt to let them know I was serious. It may sound harsh, but if you are out a large amount of money it is worth pursuing. Usually when a seller gets a letter with all these actions listed they will take you seriously. I ended up receiving everthing I ordered with a few "sorry for your trouble" gifts thrown in.
Somewhere there is another thread about this subject. I think it is in "over the fence".
Good luck to you!
Rhonda
I'm a one girl revolution. |
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bramble
True Blue Farmgirl
2044 Posts
2044 Posts |
Posted - Feb 13 2007 : 8:35:44 PM
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You can also report them to the State Attorney General's office both by phone and writing. Send a copy of the letter to your vendor and it won't be long before you have some results. This office can pull their business license and /or shut them down at anytime they feel they are practicing business in a less than responsible manner. I had a situation with a towing company that was extorting money by charging astronomical fees once you were hooked up (365.00 CASH ONLY), threatening to impound the vehicle w/ additional charges, AND damaged my car on top of everything else! Within two days of this all happening and my reporting them a "representative" of the company showed up at my house with a cash refund. They also lost any chance of being awarded any state bids for up to 5 years. It's not fun to get tough, but when you have done nothing wrong, you need some back up to solve the problem. Good luck Birdi, I hope it works out for you too.
with a happy heart |
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Entrepreneurship: HELP! How to handle a tough situation? |
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HELP! How to handle a tough situation?
