When a Mirror Vendor Vanishes

Ok, I’m starting to come to the end of my rope with a mirror vendor.

I purchased a 12.5” mirror one year ago (!) from a vendor (who shall remain anonymous) with a reputation of taking a little long to get out the final product. The mirror was initially promised in three months, but I knew it would take longer. I recognized the risk, and plunked down the money because I had some time before I was to begin the project.

Flash forward 10 months, and I start to become concerned because Mars is coming and I want to have the scope finished. The vendor and I decide to pull the plug on the order, and he says he will get a refund out to me ‘shortly.’

Since that time (two months ago), the vendor has refused to answer three e-mails over the past six weeks asking for the status of the refund. I know the vendor is actively receiving e-mail, because he posts on these forums.

I have run out of the friendly options for the refund and I need my money back to finish building my telescope. I figure I can go to the Better Business Bureau, but don’t know what other steps will shake a few coins out of this guy’s pockets. Any advice would be appreciated (yes, I know I should not have gone with a vendor with a bad rep).

-David

David Wasch said:

Ok, I’m starting to come to the end of my rope with a mirror vendor.
{SNIP]
Flash forward 10 months, and I start to become concerned because Mars is coming and I want to have the scope finished. The vendor and I decide to pull the plug on the order, and he says he will get a refund out to me ‘shortly.’

Since that time (two months ago), the vendor has refused to answer three e-mails over the past six weeks asking for the status of the refund. I know the vendor is actively receiving e-mail, because he posts on these forums.

I have run out of the friendly options for the refund and I need my money back to finish building my telescope. I figure I can go to the Better Business Bureau, but don’t know what other steps will shake a few coins out of this guy’s pockets. Any advice would be appreciated (yes, I know I should not have gone with a vendor with a bad rep).

-David

David,

Do you have a phone number for the vendor? If so, have you tried calling. Personally, I've never thought e-mail was a good way to try resolving such problems. For one thing, even through you see posts by the person here, it is no guarantee he actually got your e-mails.

Good luck - I hope you get your refund. If not, I don't think you should be shy about mentioning the person by name. It is hard for a company to complain if you say "I ordered a mirror on mm/dd/yy, I have asked x times for a refund over y weeks, and I have neither a mirror nor my money," as long as your report is accurate.

Clear skies, Alan