Buyer(s) Beware

Buying online from any retailer is often a “pig-in-a-poke” kind of deal. Even if the seller is highly rated or has pictures ... there is always a chance of something going wrong and things not as represented. 

Even if the online store is a retail chain (Lowe’s; Walmart; Kohl’s) – there’s something inherently ... clandestine about buying online. You can’t try it on, touch it (texture), measure it, or inspect it for faults.

Then there are the “other” places such as eBay and Amazon’s Marketplace (third party sellers). We’ve all likely had horror stories from eBay and Amazon’s Marketplace. So, other lesser known retailers can cause some ... hesitation when it comes to ordering/buying.

A few sites I used to buy from and didn’t have many problems with were Listia (still around) and YardSellr (gone, but never forgotten). Listia got me some great bargains. Even a Darrell Waltrip car for just the cost of shipping ($11). Given the age of the item, it was quite worth it.

Moving on ...

There were some news articles and stories earlier this year revolving around the Facebook clothing scams. Some were RoseGal, RoseWe, SammyDress, DressLily ... the list could be endless.

“Disappointed customers expose cheap clothing 'scams' by sharing online shopping nightmares” (http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/news/disappointed-customers-expose-cheap-clothing-scams-by-sharing-online-shopping-nightmares-a6975201.html)

“These Trendy Clothing Retailers Are Scamming Thousands of People Online” (http://www.seventeen.com/fashion/news/a39447/online-retailers-are-scamming-people/)

And, here’s the YouTube link to one of my local stations regarding the retailers:

[Accessible here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0GVD0OEPOQ]

Why am I mentioning that?

Looks and pictures are not all what they seem. Nor are some “sellers”. Just because there is a picture ... doesn’t mean it is a great deal or what it seems. The photo may have been hijacked from somewhere else.

What some sellers do to drag in new customers is offer a “sign up bonus” such as $5 off a $5 or more purchase; $10 off for new sites. So, who wouldn’t sign up? You look around and find something ... buy and wait anxiously for our “prize” to arrive.

So, when I got sign up offer for TopHatter, I decided ... why not? They had live auction bidding and set-price formats.

I IMMEDIATELY fell in love with this super cute bracelet:

[TopHatter Seller Meghan offering a "Pink Love Heart Bracelet". Link: https://tophatter.com/lots/21014255]

The seller had a four (4) out of five (5) star rating, and offered a money-back guarantee. I won the item for $2 and shipping was $5. After the $5 promotional discount, I paid $2.. Can’t go wrong with that? Right?

WRONG?!

I anxiously awaited arrival of my super cute bracelet. When it arrived (despite the USPS ordeal I had to go through to get it) ...

I was DEEPLY disappointed. Really disappointed.

This is what I got:

[Uh, I don't think this looks like what I had "bought"]

[Still not seeing the resemblance]

Nothing like the seller’s picture, right?

So ... I tried to contact the seller. Not so easy. I knew I could contest through PayPal to get the $2 back. Wasn’t much, but it is the principal of it.

It’s actually a crime. According to the Department of Justice’s website, it’s called MASS MERCHANDISE FRAUD (https://www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/mass-marketing-fraud).

Here’s an excerpt:

“Auction and Retail Schemes. According to data from law enforcement and consumer protection organizations ,fraudulent schemes appearing on online auction websites are among the most frequently reported form of mass-marketing fraud. These schemes, and similar schemes involving online retail sites, typically purport to offer high-value items - ranging from high-priced watches to computers to collectibles- that are likely to attract many consumers. These schemes induce their victims to send money for the promised items, but then deliver nothing or only an item far less valuable than what was promised (e.g., counterfeit or altered goods).”

Sound and look familiar? Notice the “an item far less valuable than what was promised” part?

A day after receiving the bracelet I was sent a “review” reminder. Then I noticed I could initiate a refund through the merchant’s website. Which I did ... promptly.

[TopHatter's Buyer Protection Plan]

The great thing about the process at TopHatter? They asked for a PICTURE to verify the item I received. And, my refund was instant!! $5 promotional credit back to my account, and $2 back to PayPal. And, they said to keep the item. Well, that was nice. I can’t complain there, and I don’t think the seller would either. Not sure what I’ll do with the piece of junk though. I certainly won’t be wearing it.

I promptly found another item online. It cost the same amount as the “disappointment”, so I’m hoping it’ll be what it should be.

Here’s the deal on TopHatter ...

They are based in Palo Alto, Ca (according to the Better Business Bureau); and according to their website “Silicon Valley”. TopHatter is rated A+ by the BBB and an “accredited member” of the BBB (since July 2016 – last month).

[TopHatter's "About Us" website]

[BBB Information on TopHatter]

One should always be aware of what they’re getting – regardless of the website. Even BBB accredited business (and those with high ratings) have their issues. Keep that in mind.

Make sure to (as soon as you can or the site permits) contact the company and/or seller if there is an issue. Maintain all tracking information, emails ... those things. Don’t forget to take pictures. I can’t stress that enough. A lot of sellers couldn’t weasel out of complaints when I sent photos. Just like this one ↑

Despite how this new purchase goes, I probably wouldn’t buy from the website again. They really don’t have anything I truly “need” (things to sustain my life functions) – as far as wants (things that make me happy) ... nothing there either. I don’t think I would recommend it either.

I did it on a lark, so I wasn’t too upset. Others? They spend a lot of money and get taken.

The old adage “buyer beware” is for a reason ... even today.  

Please read up on MASS MERCHANDISE FRAUD. While some would excuse the actions by how much one pays ... it is NEVER okay. It is illegal.