Wasn't going to publish a blog post today but something has really bloody rattled my cage this morning. I'm noticing more and more how online shopping companies take the money out of your account the moment you place an order, but it takes at least a week and often more, before they even dispatch the item. I recently placed an order with a company I've never shopped with before and the money was taken straight away, yet seven days later I still have no indication of a delivery date. Same happened with a large flower distributor - ordered two bouquets of flowers on separate occasions, money taken straight away even though the delivery date wasn't to be for another two weeks. I suppose I could have waited to place my order but I like to be organised, know that I have everything in place. I'm very scatty and live by lists and diaries and calendars filled to the brim. If I don't do something when I think about it, it most likely will get forgotten about.
There are some companies that wait until dispatch before taking money but it seems to be that more and more retailers seem to take their time with your orders, blame it on postage and in the meantime, are eating off the interest they're earning from your payment. Nice, huh? Well actually no, it's bloody annoying and I'm starting to give the companies who do business this way a wide berth. I use a debit card and occasionally a credit card, like most other people, but I'm not happy about parting with £50 or so one day, and not receive the items I've ordered for at least a week. I guess some think it's progress, online shopping being convenient and all, but I think it's out of order. I wouldn't go into a shop and buy a pair of jeans, pay for them at the counter then go back to collect them a week later. It's obvious when shopping online that we have to wait a few days perhaps (I'm talking about UK orders here), but is it really okay for companies, however big or small, to take your money then take their time in sending the goods? In my opinion, no, it isn't okay.
Rant over.
I had a similar problem with a radiator. OK the product wasn't manufactured by the person that I bought it from but it took over a month for them to get the radiator to me. They took the money within a couple of days, they didn't even have one in stock!
ReplyDeleteThat's not on, Kelly. To take the money when they don't even have one in stock should be illegal.
DeleteIt's sharp practice. If you use your credit card, instead of your debit card, then at least you dont have to pay for a month or so, and if you have problems the card company should take it up on your behalf. I dont use my debit card for online shopping for that very reason. Joy xx
ReplyDeleteThat's very true, Joy. I haven't used my credit card for a while as need to pay it off!
DeleteI have this issue with the Cotswold Company...I parted with almost £300 in October for something that I was hoping would arrive by Xmas..initially they stated 14-16 weeks (Jan) but then told me 7th December...it's now been put back until March..March I tell ya...5 months of interest sitting in their fat bank account! I've complained so many times but what's my options...cancel, & then I'm back to square one...they have you over a barrel & they know it!
ReplyDeletethat's disgraceful! I'd have just cancelled the order and gone elsewhere. Can't be doing with crap service like that.
DeleteNow a days online shopping is becoming more and more popular as it is one of the convenient shopping option.
ReplyDeletei guess in essence they want to have the money in hand to assure payment but you would think they could wait til ready to ship to ensure that....
ReplyDeleteThe thing is, if you are paying by card they are guaranteed the money aren't they, which is why I think they are very naughty in delaying shipment.
DeleteI always use a credit card that way they get their money but I don't have to pay for a month. ;)
ReplyDeleteIt's a good way to do it but I'm trying to get my cc paid off as won't go over a certain limit on it!
DeleteI agree CJ, this is so damned annoying and it seems to me, more and more, that these days the customer isn't always right, isn't always the person who should be treated well and with respect. Shall I tell you what gets my goat? Dealing with an online company who see my email address and then proceed to address me by my Christian name and not my married title? I would never have dreamt of calling someone I was dealing with on a business level by their christian name unless it had been agreed upon or I knew them. It shows a level of respect I think, to use a person's married title in my case. In fact, I got so fed up with it not long ago, that when I was talking to someone on the telephone and she called me by my Christian name, I pointed out to her that my name was Mrs ..... whatever, that we weren't friends, hadn't been introduced and would prefer it if she used my proper name. Now it may seem like I was making a fuss out of nothing, but it's all down to respect. There is little of it as there is in society today, youngsters for their elders, people for the police and so on. In this instance, I should perhaps say, she was trying to get on my good side (yes I do have one!) because of a major mess her company had made of an order I had placed, a special gift for a friends' special day, one I put a lot of thought and time into, and I had used this firm on special recommendation. I was not in a mood to be buttered up!
ReplyDeleteHere, here. I get inundated with emails from people who don't me from Adam and write 'Hi Kathryn' and it really annoys me. I call them jumped-up-little-nob-heads. The respect issue has become a huge problem but I can't see it getting any easier.
DeleteIts a bit of a cheek, isn't it? As long as you get the goods eventually, but maddening if you don't.
ReplyDeleteMaggie x
Nuts in May
I totally agree with you, its very annoying. I was having this conversation with the other half last week, after we had to return something.
ReplyDelete