The last time I posted a question regarding a situation with a vendor, I got flamed by a specific vendor's *loyal* customers ... none of whom offered any assistance with my question ... only for a moderator to give me a spanking. A few months later, the vendor bailed from CF.

I have made various other purchases (vendors and private individuals). Can someone tell me if the Forum requires vendors to have a *position* on returns? I purchased from two separate vendors, based upon the information posted by the vendor(s), in a thread originated by the vendor. In these cases, one vendor's description was not accurate (parts no good), and the second vendor's item arrived damaged.

SURPRISE TO ME ... BOTH told me the do NOT provide for returns. Is that possible? How can that be? I know they pay $x for the ability to be a vendor, but, shouldn't they at least have to have a written policy ... instead of buyer beware? If they have a ALL SALES FINAL policy ... shouldn't that be disclosed in advance? Without the abililty to return a defective or incorrect item ... what is the benefit from buying from a vendor?

No flames please ... I am not talking about vendor *X* or vendor *Y*. No need to spank me ... I'm just trying to figure out why I have to keep eating the cost of someone else's mistake ... and further ... wonder if I should "chance it" on future vendor purchases. Yes, I am sure most everyone else has had positive experiences ... but why spank the consumer when the merchant (vendor) ships a defective item?

 

I would have to say that the forum doesn't get involved with how a vendor handles returns or not, I would also have to ad that if the ad was wrong and if the vendor is a stand-up vendor they should want to make the buyer happy, and if this vendor did in deed mis-reperesent an item we all have a right to know who the vendor is, I believe CF says you should post who you have a beef with, I would have to agree that if they have a no return standing it has to be posted and known to the buyer, Now with all that said there is no way you can force a vendor to do the right thing.
Just my 2 cents.
Mr.Bill

 

 

I agree with everything stated above, and I might add to your knowledge from my years of 'trading' here. Not all vendors are equal, and by that I mean some have a full time staff, a brick and mortar place of business, and a state-of-the-art well written website. They represent a group on here that generally is the best to deal with, and from my own personal experience with almost all of them, the return policy is a decent one...you normally have to pay shipping back to them followed by a refund of full purchase price...no restocking fee either.

On the other hand, there is a handful of not so sophisticated so-called vendors here that basically run their "business" out of their basement or garage. This group by far yields the majority of problems for the forum members. They often will complain about what it costs them each month to stay afloat, not publicly of course, but here and there. Most eventually give up and disappear....thank the Lord for that.

So, the moral is deal with the more established shops and you can't go wrong...when you think about it they can't take the chance of crapping on someone and thereby risk losing their elevated status....their livelihood depends on it.

 

I'd read this and PM a moderator.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/foru...-disputes.html

You can post about problems if you follow the guidelines.

 

I had a vandor awhile back tell me they didnt warranty anything or accept returns...told me to take it up with the manuf..I told them I bought it from them...not the manuf.....they basically told me to go fly a kite..needless to say..I haven't nor will I ever buy another thing from this vendor....my money goes to summit racing from now on.

 

All I can say is that I have a clearly stated return policy that is on my web page -

Return items must be in new condition and in the original box. HRW Motorsports will not refund any payment for a part that has been installed or worn. HRW Motorsports will refund the payment, less actual outgoing shipping cost. Items can not be returned after 30 days. Customer must call for return authorization for items to be accepted. Items that are returned in less than new condition will not be accepted.

Items returned are subject to a 15% restocking fee. Items that have been installed or worn will not be able to be returned. Items labeled "Clearance" can only be returned for in store credit. If you have any questions about any of our policies please call us at 480-940-0416.

HRW Motorsports is not responsible for any labor costs, which occur as the result of the installation of wrong or defective parts.

I'll tell you about a recent return situation. It was on a pair of Piloti shoes that I special ordered for a customer (not from the forum). He also wanted it by a certain date, which required 3-day shipping.

After he received the shoes, he called to tell me that he didn't like the color and wanted to return them. I told him as long as the shoes were in the original box, with the tags still attached and unworn, I would issue a full refund minus shipping.

When I got the shoes back - it was clearly evident they had been worn. Also the tags were off but in the box. I called him and told him that I would issue a refund minus a 30% restocking fee. He insisted that he only wore them for an hour....

"Why did you have to remove the tags, wear them for an hour, get the shoe scuffed to decide that you didn't like the color?"- I asked.

He wasn't happy but it really wasn't a discussion point, I can't sell these shoes as new. So I'm out my cost on the shoes, not to mention the credit card charges on both ends of the transaction.

I just wanted you all to see the other side. I can't speak for any other vendors, but I have a bricks and mortar store and I spent a fair amount of money having my web site professionally created.

Anyone want to buy a pair of barely worn Piloti's that I'll sell at my cost?

 

LOL he didnt like the COLOR??? was they PINK?

 

He said they were ORANGE!

 

Internet forums are great for targeted audiences - you KNOW everyone on here has the same interest - it's the reason people join and participate.
Everyone has seen rants (justified and not) and a lot of people see these and they can influence people's opinions about a vendor.

If a vendor wants to make money from this crowd they need their reputation to be solid or word gets out and they will lose potential business.

I always try to give kudos on good transactions and I will certainly speak up (within forum rules) on a bad one.

I wouldn't think a vendor with poor customer service would last very long as the community will be vocal about it and that's the key: be vocal.

 

That certainly makes sense ... but I guess I was thinking ... wouldn't there be some sort of process in order to become a vendor? Is it just an ability to pay a monthly fee? If it IS just about paying a monthly fee ... I wonder how those of us online really know how well we know a vendor. I know there is a sticky about GOOD transactions ... I had a good transaction with vendor "A", before the 2nd transaction with vendor "B" who said NO RETURNS. Pot luck just doesn't seem right.

FWIW, I sent an email to one of the vendors ... asking them to reconsider their decision (as suggested).