The short version:
I bought a custom carseat cover on etsy two months ago and still haven't received it.
What would you do?
The long version:
Back in April when I first started "nesting" and acquiring the big ticket items for Jane (crib, mattress, wardrobe, etc) I decided I wanted a custom carseat cover made. I'm all about one-of-a-kind!
I bought a custom carseat cover on etsy two months ago and still haven't received it.
What would you do?
The long version:
Back in April when I first started "nesting" and acquiring the big ticket items for Jane (crib, mattress, wardrobe, etc) I decided I wanted a custom carseat cover made. I'm all about one-of-a-kind!
Where else to turn to for such an item than etsy?! After emailing several different shop owners I decided to work with Whimsical Pudding because they replied the fastest and let me have the most creative control. Over a period of a few days we emailed back and forth 15 times to get everything squared away, such as choosing the fabrics:
The main fabric:
The accent fabric:
We also decided whether I wanted a full replacement cover or slipcover (full replacement), and most importantly, my wallet was $92.00 lighter. I don't like paying for things before they're in my hands, but such is life sometimes. Bonus: they even emailed me to let me know the fabric I ordered had arrived just a few days later. I love updates!
Fast forward to May 23rd, 5.5 weeks after my initial purchase (the original turnaround time was supposed to be 22 business days or roughly 4 weeks), I was informed that my carseat cover wasn't completed yet due to a huge order they had to complete and as compensation I'd received free shipping plus $15 credit to their store. I replied and said no worries, I still have a couple months 'til baby Jane is due, and thanks for keeping me informed.
Fast forward another week, I hadn't heard anything so I emailed them and inquired the status.
No response.
Fast forward to yesterday, June 7th, 8 weeks since my purchase, I emailed them through etsy AND directly and inquired about my carseat cover.
Still no response.
So now I'm wondering, what should I do?
Do I wait a few more days and try emailing them again?
Do I start the process of filing a non-delivery report which can take up to 5 weeks?
Do I start the process of filing a non-delivery report which can take up to 5 weeks?
Do I say forget it and call my credit card company and get my money back (cuz I could sure use my $92 for something else!)? But I really want this carseat cover!
Do you think they've had some kind of emergency and aren't able to answer my emails?
Do I not worry about it and just hope it all works out?
Well, I just went to their Etsy and they're on vacation and haven't had an order through there since April. However, you can go to their website to order now (looks like all clothing & accessories) and they also have a FB page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Whimsical-Pudding/108927092525063
ReplyDeleteI would like to give them the benefit of the doubt, but 8 weeks? That far exceeds the "22 business day" time they give on their Etsy page. I would try to contact them on Facebook (privately AND on their Timeline). If you don't hear anything within 24 hours of that, we could all gather together & post on their FB page until they respond to you...
I haven't ever, personally, had a bad experience with Etsy sellers but I know it's happened. Life comes up and that's okay, but it doesn't look like that's the case based on their FB history ATM.
Good luck, Paige. If you don't hear back, update your blog for us to know and we can all go post on their page asking why they can't finish something they started. =D
I have had a handful of terrible etsy experiences, so much that Caleb is still wary of me using it at all.
ReplyDeleteBecause I was like you and let the seller make excuses and let time pass, I was unable to receive my money back from PayPal; they have a 90 day (or something like that) period, and after that, you have to start dealing with your bank or credit card. It's a lot of hassle.
You can report to etsy that your order was not filled; I have dealt with etsy through email and through Twitter, and they were awesome. A few of the shops that have screwed me over also screwed over many other people, which resulted in getting them closed down.
However, my goods and money were lost—I didn't receive any compensation except for the satisfaction of knowing that I was able to keep them from screwing over other people.
paige no way!!! that is such a bummer, I am sooo sorry to hear that. I've had all really good experiences with etsy, but I know it can be hard. I would email again, see if there's a phone number? if not file a complaint with etsy and then the cc company. that sounds way toooooo long to wait and much longer than the promised time:( sorry...
ReplyDeleteI would message them via all forms known to you that if you do not receive a response within 24 hours, you will start filings with both Etsy and your credit card company. As harsh as it sounds, them having an emergency and not being able to run their business is not your responsibility. Do not let your kind heart allow people to take advantage of you. If they respond telling you a woe story, then you can choose to accept it and make concessions, but they owe you the minimum of a response.
ReplyDeleteI'd start to document your attempts at reaching out to them. That, and give them the benefit of the doubt. Send another e-mail every single day and that way, when you file your report, you have a solid documented case. If not and they respond (maybe they had an emergency), then you don't feel like a complete jerk - just that you were protecting yourself. And, if you're nice and cordial with your persistent contacts, maybe you can get another discount. I'd also do whatever you need to to protect yourself though - and make sure there aren't already bad reviews out there for them. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteMaybe wait a few days, or like the Dawn suggested, try their fb page. I'd give them a week from today and if no response then file or contact your card company. What a bummer!! That car seat cover looks super cute.
ReplyDeleteI was checking out their FB page...looks like they were featured on Zulilly last week. Maybe they got totally swamped by them or something?? Hope you get it figured out.
ReplyDeleteThat is adorable and I've had nothing but good experience with Etsy stores but 8 weeks IS a long time to wait, especially if they aren't responding to your emails. I think I'd be calling my credit card company and then look for something else. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteGet your money back. ASAP!
ReplyDeleteUmm... I have no idea. I'm so sorry. :-(
ReplyDeleteBut I LOVE that fabric! Could you please share the name of it? I'd love to put some in Hattie's next room. LOL. :-p
I'm so sorry. That stinks. You were smart to put the order in early! Would you consider getting a refund and making it yourself? That's what I did. It's totally do-able, just take pictures of everything before you take a seam ripper to it.
ReplyDeleteGet money back and send it to me!
ReplyDeleteThe EXACT same thing happened to my friend with a carseat cover from Etsy. The lady kept saying she was busy with a huge order and that my friend's order was next. 3 months went by and she never heard from the seller and is STILL trying to get her money back. Her baby was born in November. I hope you have better luck with this seller!!! :/
ReplyDeletethis is really weird... I've never had a situation like this on Etsy. Maybe just wait one more week and then contact Etsy? I dont know!
ReplyDeletep.s. YES I made that diamond myself! My graphic design classes are so fantastic and I decided to goof off a bit :) I'm hoping one day if I get (a lot) better I can make headers for other peoples blogs as a tiny side job?!
Hi Paige! Just popped in to say hello, and here I find you in the middle of a dilemma! Not good! I'm so sorry for your quandary. I was going to suggest just emailing her through Etsy....but it sounds like you've done that multiple times. So strange. She was super responsive and quick, and now she's not......I think I'd give her one more message letting her know that since she hasn't been responding to your last several messages, that you are giving her just a couple more days and then you're going to contact Etsy......I don't know, maybe the threat of getting in trouble will spur her to respond. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteHi Paige! Just popped in to say hello, and here I find you in the middle of a dilemma! Not good! I'm so sorry for your quandary. I was going to suggest just emailing her through Etsy....but it sounds like you've done that multiple times. So strange. She was super responsive and quick, and now she's not......I think I'd give her one more message letting her know that since she hasn't been responding to your last several messages, that you are giving her just a couple more days and then you're going to contact Etsy......I don't know, maybe the threat of getting in trouble will spur her to respond. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI think they have like 2 months to get orders out. I had the same issue and my order eventually came and the seller never responded to my emails. Very frustrating.
ReplyDeleteI would send them an email telling them that you appreciate them following up with you, but you were under the assumption it would only be delayed another week or so and that you are very concerned now that you haven't heard from them. And then tell them if you don't hear from them in the next 48 hours you're going to start the process of filing a complaint with Etsy and your credit card company. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteBoooo! But ADORABLE fabric choices.. what a dilemna! :( I say stick it out, just because it's THAT cute! lol
ReplyDelete