Sunday, December 21, 2008

BEWARE of Online Shopping

I consider myself to be a savvy shopper. I read reviews and often get the best deals out there. I often try to avoid the big companies and purchase from those with great service and good quality and prices.

So what happened that I didn't even think to check out feedback when I purchased from domeclimber.com?

Jeff and I actually thought ahead and ordered the gift from Santa back in November. It's the only thing we did ahead of time. We were so excited. How often can you find a gift that all three kids would love and benefit from? My credit card was charged December 1. I was feeling good about it. But I started emailing and calling them this past week when I never got shipping confirmation. We were cutting it close. I suddenly got a bad feeling when their voice mail wouldn't receive messages and I wasn't getting a response via email.

Then I did a little research online. UGH - this company is notorious for ripping people off. We're by no means the only family who's been swindled by this company. I can't believe I could've been so dumb. Not only am I out a whole bunch of money... my kids' big Christmas gift is not coming. I have a feeling pajamas and snowsuits for our drive to the snow aren't going to provide the same shock and awe.

I'm feeling a little stupid and heart broken. It's not like we can dish out that money again somewhere else. And yes, we can dispute the charges and will but there's a tiny piece of me that is hopeful I'm wrong about them and will receive the product. Because of that, I will hold off until Friday to call the bank.

The moral of the story: Beware of domeclimber.com and be sure to do your research before ordering from a small company. Unfortunately, there are people out there who don't care that children will be hurt by their illegal and immoral ways of doing business.

9 comments:

Eli said...

I'm so sorry to hear that! I used to work as a Program Manager for a prepaid debit card company and while I usually worked with clients and not customers, I came across an issue just like this last year. A customer purchased a watch for her husband from a website and used the google checkout feature. The card was charged almost immediately but no watch. The website customer service number was a voicemail that after a couple of phone calls was full. After several letters and emails the full amount was finally placed back on the card, but it took quite a bit of work. Anyway--I just always think it's sad when companies take advantage of customers in that way. Good Luck and I hope it turns out that you get the dome!

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear this happened to you! It just goes to show we have to be weary of shopping online. It just stinks for those of us who work online and sell online that are honest. I will be sure to tell everyone to watch out for this company!

Ramona said...

What a bummer! I'm in disbelief this company can still be advertising with such a bad history. Hopefully with your large following this company will be negatively impacted. You go, Oprah!

Nicole said...

Wow, scary story. So sorry this happened to you-looks like a neat gift too! :(
Tis the season-right! ugh!
nicole

The Family K. said...

Shaking my head in sorrow here. I hope you're able to recoup your money somehow.

Becky, Drew and Luci said...

Grrr! I HATE those kinds of people!!!

Expecting Good Things said...

Wow! That looks like it would have been a great gift. You should call the Better Business Bureau. What jerks!
Holli

Anonymous said...

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Me said...

Jack this EXACT thing happened to me. I bought one, heard nothing and then did a little digging to find out the owner is a total crook. All you have to do is call your credit card company, make a complaint and they'll refund your purchase price. Let them chase after this piece of garbage. BTW, I bought an AWESOME dome climber from Costco.com. It came super quick and Addy loves it.