MetaChat - I have a feeling I will be forced into battle

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06 July 2007

I have a feeling I will be forced into battle →[More:]

Update from yesterday.

I called the furniture store today to cancel my order. I spoke with a person named Donnie. Donnie assures me that my card will be credited the deposit I gave yesterday. He says, "either today or tomorrow, I have to speak to my manager Sean, and he won't be in until tomorrow." I asked, "why not today?" He then says, "yes, probably today." That was it. He said Sean will probably be contacting me tomorrow anyway.

I wrote down the name and times, and I followed up with an email to the specific store reconfirming that I spoke with Donnie at such and such a time to cancel.

I read another complaint today online and am freaking out. Ripoff report, concerning this particular store and manager. It's utterly ridiculous.

I have a very bad feeling about this. I think I will drive up there with my husband tomorrow and handle it in-person.

My sister says to not be so pessimistic, that I will probably get my refund. I'm not so trusting after all of the bad press I've read.

post by: LoriFLA at: 12:43 | 15 comments

I meant to say that the response from the manager to the customer is ridiculous.

posted by LoriFLA 06 July | 12:44

I say go up there, be firm, stand your ground, do the broken record thing, point out, if they're being difficult, where it says in the paperwork that you can cancel within seven days and make sure other customers see what's going on if they refuse to refund you.

posted by essexjan 06 July | 12:49

The Better Business Bureau is your friend, too, should it come to that.

posted by ThePinkSuperhero 06 July | 12:50

I agree with your sister: being pessimistic isn't going to help you, here. Being prepared will. So keep being persistent, keep documenting everything, and figure that you'll file a dispute with your credit card company if you keep getting the runaround.

But don't keep freaking yourself out with all the complaints online, bad press, etc. They don't serve any purpose but to worry you at this point. You've made your decision, now you just move ahead with it.

Good luck!

posted by scody 06 July | 12:50

So true scody.

Thanks friends.

I think I'm freaking because of the large sum of money that is on the line.

*counts to ten, takes many deep breaths, envisions walking on the beach in a gauzy white dress*

posted by LoriFLA 06 July | 12:54

The Better Business Bureau is your friend, too, should it come to that.

So is your state police fraud division.

posted by Hugh Janus 06 July | 12:55

Did you pay by credit card or debit card? If it was credit card, the credit card company can be your friend too if it comes down to it.

However, my guess is the furniture salesman's store has a policy to refer all the cancelations to the manger so the manager can try and talk you into keeping the order.

posted by birdherder 06 July | 13:19

Yes, you're probably right birdherder.

I paid with a credit card.

posted by LoriFLA 06 July | 13:21

I spent years and years as retail manager in one establishment or another. In all those shops, it was completely routine to refer anything remotely unusual to me, simply so all atypical transactions went through the most accountable person.

I understand why you're getting anxious, but I'd say you needn't be, at least not yet. Just be prepared, and take confidence from the policy, which is on your side.

posted by Elsa 06 July | 13:35

Thanks Elsa. You're absolutely right not to be anxious now. The policy is on my side.

posted by LoriFLA 06 July | 13:42

Might also want to take a look at your state's Atty General's website for your cancellation rights. In NC it's 7 days, so you probably have some breathing room if things get squirrely.

It sounds like if anyone should be freaking out (and probably is) it's the store.

posted by chewatadistance 06 July | 14:02

The Better Business Bureau is your friend, too

*sigh*

Just remember that the BBB has no enforcement capability, especially if the business is not a member. It's just a complaints aggregator.

If the place is as scary as you're making it out to be, LoriFLA, it's probably unperturbed by another complaint being filed.

The BBB is there so you can check out businesses before doing business with them.

posted by stilicho 06 July | 15:08

keep cool and present a professional front with the manager. If you get red in the face and threaten to sue he'll stop talking to you. That's almost always a bluff that people give up on and he knows it. If on the other hand you are persistent, professional, and you make it easier for him to deal with you than it would be to deal with the credit card companys fraud department... He may do just that. Remember that the asshole merchant's best bet is to tire you out so you give up. Yelling tires you out more than him:) good luck

posted by scarabic 06 July | 15:44

Thanks guys.

The BBB is there so you can check out businesses before doing business with them.

So true. I checked the BBB today and many Bo Concept stores have an unsatisfactory rating.

I'm sending my husband in. He remains calm under pressure, is very smart about these things, and tolerates zero bullshit in a kindly manner.

posted by LoriFLA 06 July | 15:50

I think getting refunded like that does take some time. I don't know why. I love how when it comes to taking it from your end it's nearly instantaneous, but it takes days to get money into your account.

posted by Hellbient 06 July | 16:02

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