#Mail Order Blues
I knew there must've been a reason some people are so put off by the prospect
of buying things by mail order, but up until this week I hadn't really
understood the headaches involved. I had ordered, and had no problems with,
several mail order houses when I purchaces an external disk drive, a digitizer,
and other assorted software packages for my Mac, and expected the same quick
and painless service with the Amiga. So, not knowing any better, I ordered an
external disk drive and a program or two from this place called "The Software
Shop" — they had an ad in the March/April issue of AmigaWorld. They also had
the best price on one of the programs I wanted. So, I used the trusty old Visa
and placed my order. Last monday.
Since I had ordered (and payed for — they already charged the card, I've
checked with the bank) overnight shipping, I expected the package no later than
Wednesday. Well, Wednesday came and went and Thursday morning I was on the
phone with the place. Turns out the person who took my order failed to mention
that the disk drives (which they didn't have) were due to come in that day, so
I should have it Friday if they got the shipment in time. This was upsetting,
but I let it pass. Friday evening I called to see where my stuff was; after
letting the phone ring for 10 minutes, someone finally picked up the phone and
I learned the disk drives had arrived Friday just as they were closing. They
would mail the package Monday first thing, and they were very sorry for the
delay.
Well, it's now Wednesday evening, and there is still no sign of my package. If
anyone is still at the mail order house, they are not picking up the phone;
perhaps they know it's me wanting to know where my money went! I could easily
accept a package getting lost — that happens — but the run-around they kept
handing me was just plain rude. I urge anyone thinking of buying anything via
mail order NOT to do so from The Software Shop.