International Retail Customer

Okay, let's call this what it really is - closet internet shopping junkie. First of all, I don't spend all day online, ordering crap I don't need like I'm in front of the home shopping channel (although they do have some really great stuff that I just know would make my life better...). We live in a very remote place, where the shopping is somewhat limited. Okay, it's limited to a $15 dollar jug of milk and a $9 frozen cake. Oh, and I think they sell socks. Anyway.

In order to get the regular, everyday things I need for my family, I order them online (the things, not my family). I have mixed feelings about shopping online. I like to see and touch what I'm buying (especially clothes and shoes), but on the other hand, it's like having a thousand stores right in front of your little nose to choose from. Fun times!

I have had pretty good luck ordering online, but have gotten stung by one company in West Virginia that is really pissing me off right now. Keep in mind that this is a great website for kids that sells sports merchandise and looks very professional. You'd never tell from their colorful and fun website that they are a bunch of parasitical ripoff artists. I ordered curtains (hard to find, very specific curtains) for my son's room, and they charged my credit card right away. I waited, and waited and waited some more. In fact, I waited so long that the 120 day chargeback policy on my credit card went by and I screwed myself into losing my money, never to see the curtains. I am a pretty civil person, can have a heated discussion every now and again, but always come out of it respectful of the other person. I have worked in retail, so I know how important it is to keep your cool in business. But this is different.

I decided that I was pissed. I sent them a scathing email telling them I know they've ripped me off and a few other choice words. Then, I went to the BBB and lodged a complaint against them. This is where I found that they have an "F" rating there and that there are 80 complaints against them right now. Shit. Shoulda checked that out before I ordered them. So, lesson learned, and I do feel much better lodging the complaint against them. I don't jolt out of being half asleep at night and seethe anymore.

By the way, that BBB site is awesome, you can find out the rating for any business or charity - pretty cool.

So, I'm going to kiss my $40 goodbye. Actually it's not the $40 I'm so upset at, it's the fact that I looked for these curtains for 2 months and finally found someone who would ship to Canada. I guess if it seems to good to be true...