Like many during these unstable economic times , we're scaling back this Christmas…waaaay back. I really have been challenged by The Advent Conspiracy, but even before that, I was struggling with out-of-control consumerism and wanting something different for our family…something better.
I haven't determined what that "better" is, exactly, but I know it's not a bunch of stuff none of us need.
With that in mind, my husband and I decided to get each of our kids one nice Christmas gift this year. One.
One of these gifts–a high demand, low inventory electronic–was ordered week before last for our son; when it didn't hit our credit card, I called the company. They assured me it would be shipped out that day and I was provided a UPS tracking number; our credit card was charged the next day.
Yesterday I received an email stating they were refunding our money and it wouldn't be shipped after all. To say I was furious is like saying the Grand Tetons are a pretty bunch of hills.
I WANTED TO HURT SOMEBODY, maim and destroy, pull their hair and stick my fingers in their eyes! I had called around and found a few of these items within half an hour's driving distance, but after speaking with the customer service guy AND being given a tracking number, I thought I was fine.
I called the company in response to my email, and bless his heart, ripped the guy who answered the phone; alternately FORCEFULLY DEMANDING they do something to "make it right", and then apologizing to him and acknowledging it wasn't his fault.
Total bi-polar moment.
And get this, lol…I PULLED THE "I'M A BLOGGER AND SOCIAL MEDIA USER" card! OH YES I DID! I told this man I would do everything in my power to drive customers away from their site and I expected him to let his manager know.
s i g h
Lovely exhibit of the Christmas spirit (and worse, love of Christ), eh?
I know this, though…I won't be making any future purchases through buy.com and gamezfl.com. And if you're considering buying through either? Caveat emptor people…if only I had done the same :/.
Buy.com is notorious for this kind of thing – every year around the holidays I hear stories like this.
GOOD TO KNOW, thank you. I’m so sorry this has happened to you.
ha. and what did said customer service rep say to your boast? “I have a blog too.” – no doubt.
Wow – that stinks. Hope you can still get that for your son!
Very nice use of latin…
Were you a lawyer in your past life?
I had the same problem with Toys R Us. They showed that a certain Thomas the Train item that I desperately needed was in a store in Dallas. I sent my sister all the way across town to purchase this item and when she arrived at the store which showed that it had inventory of said item….it was closed. Gone.
I know this feeling you exhibited. I feel it quite often when dealing with incompetent people (mostly sales/service people).
Thanks for the heads-up!!! Definitely won’t be shopping there.
OUCH!
So, so sorry to hear that. I know it would completely stink. (My amazon order arrived at hubs’ office today – hoping it’s all there when he brings it home!!) 🙂
My best friend is having a similar issue finding the one nice thing she was going to buy for her almost 6 yr old son. (Only, she didn’t order it and then not get it, she just can’t find it right now.) She’s going to end up giving him a voucher and a promise for Christmas, promising they’ll be able to find them after Christmas. El stinko. I don’t know if this applies to you, but she plans to buy a game for the game system she is buying to put under the tree with the voucher, to make it a little more exciting for her son to open and to show that he really will get the rest of it in a few days.
Hi Robin, I hope that all works out for you. I admire your stance of making Christmas less about consumerism. In any event, I wish you a blessed Christmas and a wonderful holiday. Take care.
Oh bless your heart! That is frustrating. Thanks for being so vulnerable and open in this post, while being delightfully funny at the same time.
I got screwed for my 7 year old daughters big present this year by Amazon. They sent around $110 worth of Barbies to another state.
Then they made me wait till the 16th to get a refund. The guy promised I could get my items & if the price went up he would take care of. Well out of the entire order, after all that time I just wanted the one present. You guessed it, out of stock & the only guy with it wants 3 times the price. I am so furious with amazon!
Sorry you had issues, I will take the warning with buy.com! I truly feel for you here!!!
Thanks for letting us know. I did a lot more online shopping this year, and so far it’s worked out well…it’s nice to know the sites I should be avoiding for lack of customer service.
Oh, dear. Ummm…yeah. Your wrath was definitely justified. But it sort of spewed forth a bit harshly.
What rattles my cage every Christmas is getting a catalog in the mail, opening it up, racing to the phone to make a purchase and they’re out. Discontinued. In all colors and sizes.
WHY IS IT IN THE STINKIN’ CATALOG!?!?!??!??
I spew, too.
Awwww, Robin. I’m so sorry. I hope you can find a suitable alternative at this late date. My mom ordered gifts from Amazon and had a similar situation, but it has been rectified.
For the record, I would have pulled the blog card too. They don’t need to know I only have six readers. LOL
It has never occurred to me to threaten someone with my blog. It is so frustrating to not get good service, but especially at this time of year. You’d think they’d get a clue that being nice to your customers inspires repeat business, wouldn’t you? I hope you’re able to find what you need elsewhere.
For a moment there, I was afraid you were going to go all Christmas forgiveness-like and not tell us who to avoid. Whew!