The Mixed Blessings Of Internet Shopping Options

[skylark]

I've been trying to buy a new music stand. I want a particular make/model which isn't available locally. I've already had two delivered which were substitute makes because it turned out the retailer didn't actually have the one which was advertised. My money was eventually refunded and the items returned, but not without quite a bit of inconvenience.

So the other day I ordered from a third retailer. The order confirmation stated the make/model correctly. It's just been delivered. No prizes for guessing that yet again it's a different make. I've emailed them and I'm awaiting their response.

I don't normally have a problem with internet shopping but I've had a run of things being delivered which aren't as described/ordered.

Just wanted to get it off my chest (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)




I feel better now! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[stevensfo]

That's really bad luck. I've always been an enthusiastic internet shopper. Taking into account the time needed to go to towns with good music/book shops, the hassle, the cost, the possibility of not finding the item etc, I find the internet much more convenient.

Steve

[Crotchetymum]

How infuriating (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mad.gif)

Do the sites that you have used have contact numbers? If the next site you try does have one, then before you order, ring them and get them to confirm that they have the make and model in stock and let them know that substitutions aren't acceptable.

[Alicia Ocean]

I can only offer sympathy & empathy.

We had similar problems with Tesco grocery delivery. I gave up in the end. If we accepted substitutions they would have none of the special offer wine we ordered and put a very expensive one in instead. If we didn't accept substitutions they would find they didn't have any four-pint bottles of milk and so deliver none at all rather than a different sized bottle. Grrrr.

[skylark]

How infuriating (IMG:style_emoticons/default/mad.gif)

Do the sites that you have used have contact numbers? If the next site you try does have one, then before you order, ring them and get them to confirm that they have the make and model in stock and let them know that substitutions aren't acceptable.

With the first two retailers, I sent them an email to check that it definitely had the features I wanted and they confirmed it did. When the stands were delivered, neither of them had the confirmed features.

With the third retailer, I did speak to them on the phone but only to check the date of delivery as the web site info was very specific - model number etc. I've just spoken to them again to make sure they had got my email telling them it was the wrong one, and he said that they're despatched from a central warehouse and they often do substitutes (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ohmy.gif) Apparently most people accept the substitutes, even though they haven't got the features of the correct one (IMG:style_emoticons/default/wacko.gif)

I've discovered that the manufacturer is just the other side of Leeds so I've emailed them to ask them whether under the circumstances they would be willing to sell to me direct if I go and collect.

Thanks for the sympathy all, and commiserations with you over Tesco, Alicia Ocean.

[skylark]

I've discovered that the manufacturer is just the other side of Leeds so I've emailed them to ask them whether under the circumstances they would be willing to sell to me direct if I go and collect.

Well full marks to the manufacturer for their prompt service - they put me in touch with a particular retailer and hopefully I'll get the right one in a couple of days' time. Still got to sort out sending this one back though (IMG:style_emoticons/default/ill.gif)

[SaxFan]

the biggest downside is when your computer is dodgy and maybe faulty and you want to get parts/spares online (IMG:style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

tricky that.
that's when other people's computers come in handy (IMG:style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif)

[mwl1]

My Grandad (with a relative from the generation below acting on his behalf) did a Tesco internet shop a month or so ago, and all the frozen goods had thawed out upon delivery...

[hello_cello]

my hairdresser ordered a bunch of bannanas, and got a single one from tescos delivery.

[lucky045]

my hairdresser ordered a bunch of bannanas, and got a single one from tescos delivery.

Oh I always used to do things like that! Then the next week I'd order what I thought were six apples, and get six bags. I think the pictures are misleading.

Alicia Ocean, if you click to accept substitutions, you're shown the at the top of the list when it comes, and you can just say if they're not ok, and they'll take stuff back with them.