Being Overly Patient

[Njardar]

I purchased goods from someone on this forum in early December and at first there were legitimate delays in not providing the goods. Finally I got part of the order and was told the rest was on the way. Yesterday I got what I thought was the remainder of the order, but again it was only a partial order and there was no packing slip or anything indicating it was a partial order. A week ago I sent another PayPal payment for another item, but I have not received any acknowledgement of that order, or of my emails. I’m being purposefully ambiguous because I want to give this person the benefit of the doubt, but the total lack of communication from someone who has an online business is frustrating. I don’t want to needlessly accuse someone of poor business practices, but how patient is being to patient? I have the PM of the offer and his acceptance of the offer. To me if someone has a good reputation on this forum and is legitimate, there is an obligation to delivery the merchandise, or risk ruining their reputation.

[ness]

That's a shame. Hope it's a legitimate deal, but the lack of communication makes me wonder. Inexcusable, really, given you've sent multiple e-mails. You may ultimately want to open a case with PayPal or your credit card company if that's how you paid PayPal. In my experience, PayPal is going to offer minimal help and what you do get will be via computer, and relatively hard to understand. Don't count on any human contact -- apparently none work there. After my issues with them, I just won't use them anymore. Credit card protections are better in my experience -- especially Discover.

If the merchant doesn't make good, I'd hope you'd tip us off so we can steer clear of them. (Now I'm off to see if I can figure out who it is)

Good luck.

[jdmidwest]

Did you try and contact that person by phone and see what is going on? I don't see in the post any effort from you to contact the person, only that you are waiting for them to contact you.

[bent]

That is unusual. Makes me wonder if illness of some kind has things delayed. Often people won't come right out and say If they are sick without anyone who can carry on in their stead . Been there . I found that it's better to Just not take any orders making sure your customers know why. You may loose some business for a while but the honesty will pay off in the end. However I haven't done business in a very long time . The rule is the same now as then. BE HONEST. Its the one thing will get you advertising money can't buy. WORD OF MOUTH .

[troutfiend1985]

I would cancel the second order, leave him a message that is explaining why you are doing so. Then I would be a little more aggressive with the person as to what is going on, ask him what is going on, when he expects shipment and so. . . Sometimes a little proding is not a bad thing. It could also be that the guy is legit, and is having problems either with health or supplies.

Just my .02

[FishinCricket]

(pure guess alert)

Sometimes online startup businesses take multiple orders (with an awesome value but a stated long turnaround) and then use that money to make a few short term deals in order to make enough profit to produce your goods.. Some are good at juggling, some aren't.. It's not the best business model (and again, I am guessing here) but it is a likely business model in this scenario..

Try sending PM's to the other folks whom you know have ordered from this vendor... See what develops?

[Njardar]

Did you try and contact that person by phone and see what is going on? I don't see in the post any effort from you to contact the person, only that you are waiting for them to contact you.

Thanks for pointing that out, I have tried calling.

[Njardar]

That is unusual. Makes me wonder if illness of some kind has things delayed. Often people won't come right out and say If they are sick without anyone who can carry on in their stead . Been there . I found that it's better to Just not take any orders making sure your customers know why. You may loose some business for a while but the honesty will pay off in the end. However I haven't done business in a very long time . The rule is the same now as then. BE HONEST. Its the one thing will get you advertising money can't buy. WORD OF MOUTH .

It's for these reasons that I want to give this person the benefit of the doubt and why I've tried reaching out to him through PMs and voice mail. What is for certain is that the lack of communication is a very poor business practice.

[jwpage]

I would certainly like to know who it is so I will steer clear of them. If you purchased something from this person/company it is there responsibility to contact you. You should not have to chase them down or give them the benefit of the doubt. Customer Service!

[Trout Commander]

I hope it isn't who I think it is. They have some great looking products at killer prices. Maybe it's a case of you get what you pay for, but instead of shotty products you get crappy service.