crunchtimeonline.com

Andrea of Palo Alto, CA, writes (6/5/01):
I received a watch as a gift, ordered via the crunchtimeonline.com Website, run by the Timeworks watch shop in Philadelphia, PA. It was ordered as a gift from my fiance as a birthday present. Until the watch was opened on my birthday, he thought a black leather watch was being sent. What I received was a pale purple watch, that will never be worn.

The credit card receipt said that returns should be recieved in 14 days, however, it was shipped UPS ground, taking approximately half of that time. As it was ordered as a gift, it was not opened immediately, but a week later, taking all of the 14 days.

The problem is not actually with the return policy. The intended purchase was a BLACK watch. The picture no longer appears on the website, as it is out of stock. There is no way to show what might have been listed that day. I looked as soon as I realized there was an error, and was unable to find a this particular watch in any color. Because of the wide difference in colors, it seems as though the watch may have initially been listed as coming in other colors, or the picture was unclear as to what color was being ordered.

When I called the business to speak with them about replacing it, I was treated rudely and told there was absolutely no way I could exchange or return the watch. He said that the item was taken off the website since the order was placed and there is now no way for me to look at what the page might have depicted. He was not willing to talk about any options regarding this issue. It has still been less than a month since the original transaction.

Again, my problem is not with the actual return policy, although it does seem inconvenient to internet buyers. I purchase things weekly from the internet, and have never had a problem such as this. My issue is that the merchandise may have been misrepresented, and that the owner turned very defensive and rude when trying to speak about the matter. I would like to return this watch, or exchange it for a black one. I want my money back, including shipping charges and to be reimbursed for the phone calls I have placed to Philadelphia.

Andrea's fiance should immediately notify his credit card company in writing that he wishes to dispute the charge. Regardless of the store's policy, it is not too late to take this step. However, Andrea will not able to recover shipping costs or the cost of her telephone calls.

October 11 2008

FREE CONSUMER NEWSLETTERS

The Daily Consumer
Afternoons M-F
Sign up now!

Consumer News & Alerts
Every Sunday
Sign up now!

Back to the top |

Consumer Affairs.Com is provided by ConsumerAffairs.com, Inc. in association with Joan E. Lisante LLC, licensed to practice in Virginia and the District of Columbia and the Law Offices of Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, Ltd., licensed to practice in Illinois. ConsumerAffairs.com is an independent service not affiliated with any government agency. For more information see the FAQ and privacy policy. The information on this Web site is general in nature and is not intended as a substitute for competent legal advice. ConsumerAffairs.com Inc. makes no representation as to the accuracy of the information herein provided and assumes no liability for any damages or loss arising from the use thereof.