Ok so this is a question for one, any, and all. Am I completely irrational in being aggitated? Yes all I know I am a bit light flying off the handle, and I flame around a lot but... oh WAIT... You want to know WHY??? Well here is the deal:
So Interweave had a Hurt Book Sale. I went in and was stoked. I saw 3 books I wanted at a nice discount. WOOT. I ordered them and paid via Paypal. They took my money. And then... silence.
First no responses to my emails trying to verify that the books had in fact been sent and to what address (I was forced to put a US address in with Paypal but I entered my address in France where I wanted things sent in their order form so I wondered which address they were sent to).
Three emails later, and money out of my account... I am persistent, I call. And today they tell me that my order was voided. UMMM WHAT THE.... they say that first of all one of my books wasn't even going to be sent because it ran out (Hey... then why did you CHARGE me and TAKE MY MONEY for it??), but before sending things the whole order was voided.
Now I made this order well over a month ago. I got no email saying "hey that book is no longer available." No email saying "hey we voided your order". And most notably NO MONEY BACK. They still HAVE MY MONEY, and if I hadn't called I am quite positive that they would have said NADA. And no books would have been sent.
I call up, I can see the money out of my account but they can't find it. Do you see that- it is my trust in Interweave flushing down a toilet. You would think after all these fuck ups they would be all like hey let us send you all three books and send them to you NOW where you are.
Nope. They say well we can give you a refund or send your books to somewhere in the US and for the record the email is vague about whether you will get that third book or not (I ordered the Handy Pattern Book, the Handy Sweater Pattern Book, and Knitting on the Road)... But I just got an email and on the "bright side" they will be sending new books.
I know I am sitting on the ledge of insanity and over reaction jackson thanks to work being shit and me wanting to cry on a Monday morning about going back to it (serious... not a good sign) but this, this is ick... I am in a state of enraged disappointment. Which really is funky. I am pissed that they took my money said nothing and aren't really making good on their end of the deal. Nor is there any legendary US customer service. I get this crap from the French enough as it is. And I am disappointed that I am not going to get my books anytime soon (as if I do have them sent I still have to find a US middle man).
So what do you all think? Buck up and get over it, it is only a book after all. Or dude finish the Rage Salina and Rage all over their asses??
One thing is for sure. I doubt I will ever buy directly from Interweave again nor will I list them as a link to buy from again on this blog again. No suggestions to Mama Mao about spending the inheritance with Interweave. She can fatten up Amazon or a LYS's coffers. Not going to kill their sales or anything but protest however you can... and all that. Now I am off to pout and try to figure out this short row stuff.
Posted by Stinkerbell at March 1, 2006 04:25 PM | TrackBackIf you need a middle man, I would be willing and able and I have people to vouch for my good standing.
Posted by: Christine at March 1, 2006 05:12 PMSounds like they're working hard to be like the French. ;) You are not the only one to complain about their customer service. Looks like they still don't get their mags to their subscribers on time, which is one reason I don't subscribe.
Now wipe that little pout off your pucker and go attack that short row sucker!
Posted by: Kerstin at March 1, 2006 05:50 PMI'd say rage all over 'em! Maybe it's the new owners, maybe they're just growing too big for what they are but for sure, that is crappy service. At the least it should be sent to you the quickest way - to France, w/o additional costs on your part. Threaten to report them to the Better Buisness Bureau and Pay Pal too? Hope it works out in your favor.
Posted by: Terry at March 1, 2006 07:16 PMWow, that just plain sucks.
Does a 1-800 number work from France? If so, I'd call them and harangue someone on the phone until they agreed to send the books to France. (I have a feeling you'd be a good haranguer.)
And, I'm happy to be a middleman for you if you like.
Posted by: Ann at March 1, 2006 07:25 PMBastards! Let me know if you need a middle (wo)man...I'm here for you.
It's like when places charge you extra for using your Visa card. I HATE that!
Posted by: Rebecca at March 1, 2006 07:32 PMOk girl, breathe now...in, out...good. I say rage on them, but you must mellow out a bit first. We all know the benefits of waiting a few days so you can hone your sarcasm skills and get your witty retorts down to a T!
Posted by: Stephanie at March 1, 2006 10:40 PMFar be it from me to give IK the benefit of the doubt, but is the issue right now that they say they voided the order, but you still have money out of your account? Have you contacted PayPal? There's a reason there are eight million paypalsucks.com websites. ;-) I agree, too, that before you go at them, you should wait a day or two. As much as I love biting the head off the next customer service rep, it doesn't work usually (and I'm surprised that the reputation is that the US has good customer service - especially since these days most of that customer service isn't even IN the US. It's always seemed pretty crappy to me.)
Of course, even though you've had a lot of volunteers, middle (wo)man here if you need it.
Posted by: Cara at March 1, 2006 10:56 PMoh, interweave. so disorganized, so nonchalant about it. if you ask me they're the victim of serving a group of customers that tend toward too-nice. i say give it to 'em.
you know, i owe you an international favor - you could have them sent to me. just sayin'. e-mail if you're interested.
Posted by: jess at March 2, 2006 01:49 AMheh Looks like you've had enough offers to help. If they were in Kansas I'd go pick it up for you. :)
Posted by: Laura at March 2, 2006 03:25 AMOkay, I work for a catalog so I KNOW, they CAN'T charge you UNTIL they ship the goods! That's the law baby. Call/write Paypal if Interweave is giving you the run around. They can rag their asses in your good name. Fight on sister!
Posted by: Sil at March 2, 2006 06:59 PM