I bought a piece of music gear a couple months back. The site had a ton of unique items, so I knew that chances were… they probably didn’t actually have a lot of them in stock, even though they made it sound like they did. The site looked professional though, and I didn’t see any major red flags anywhere. Even if it took a week or something, that wouldn't be bad.
So I made the purchase, and being busy, some time went by. 10 days later I realized nothing had happened. I sent them an email. Two days later the guy answers, and in a roundabout way, made it sound like the item was being made, but then said it will go out the next day… which made no sense. Big surprise, it didn’t go out. So I actually contacted the manufacturer, who is another one man operation. He tells me that he’s waiting on parts, but will send it directly to me to save time. A month after that I finally get it. It’s terrible... Doesn’t function right and looks like crap. This is a $250 item.
I’ve had enough at this point. I email the retailer and politely tell him I’m sending it back to him. His site didn’t have any specific instructions on returns, but did say they were OK. I get no response. By now I had done a search on the guy and found a list a mile long of negative comments. This guy has been doing this for years.
So I see the item made it back to him. A week goes by… No refund. I email him asking when the refund will be put through. No answer. Another week goes by. Today I email again and take the sob story approach, trying to make him feel guilty. I figured I’d try that before I go into war mode. I know how these people's minds work... You start yelling, and they use that as an excuse to blow you off forever. A half hour later I get an automated notice that the refund has been processed. I’ll check the account for a credit tomorrow, but I’m not holding my breath. I looked on BBB and they have a bunch of complaints. He answered most of them, but had excuses that were laughable for most of the incidents. He’s one of those people that cares so little, that he doesn't even bother to come up with a decent excuse.
So I guess this is what it feels like on the other side of the fence. I am amazed how people can get up every day and treat people like this. I would never even come close to doing this kind stuff to my customers. And I have no idea how people like this stay in business. Makes me think there must be a lot of room for competition in the music gear biz.
