
John of Douglas, GA on May 9, 2008
On 041408, the WalMart.com website had a large icon in the middle of the page that offered free shipping to the store. However, the order process did not offer an option for shipping to the store. The shipping issue was still being examined when an option for BillMeLater appeared. While looking for more information, the order, #2677330860281, was made using "Bill Me Later". On 041408 at 1658 hrs. WalMart.com was emailed: "I wanted to have this shipped to the store to forgo the large shipping costs, but did not see the option? Can I get it shipped to the store now instead of my home?"
On 041408 at 1710 hrs., WalMart.com employees Sherry and Keyonna advised us that there was absolutely nothing we could do to stop this purchase, $299.00 plus $99.00 shipping. "Once it is in the computer, we can not stop the order." WalMart.com was advised that the order process was confusing, that their shipping charges were outrageous, and that the item would be purchased elsewhere. They refused, so I asked to speak with a manager, but was denied.
On 041408, Clarissa from BillMeLater advised me that the order was so new that there was a request for authorization but no charges were on the newly created account, and that a credit check was made by clicking a button on the WalMart website. Clarissa of BillMeLater voided the authorization with supervision approval (Confirmation # 046208), closed the account, and advised any further requests for authorization would be denied.
WalMart.com was of the stopped payment, but the shipment was still coming. On 041608, Walmart.com emailed stating that the item was shipped, and that payment was due through BillMeLater. On 041708, I replied to WalMart.com with that payment was cancelled, the order was not wanted, and I would decline any shipment. On 041808, WalMart.com replied that the item was shipped with BelkinsHome. On 041808 I told BelkinsHome that the item was not wanted, and was advised that the item would be stopped in Atlanta.
The trucking company was advised to stop shipment, and they stopped it in Atlanta, GA. WalMart.com emailed us advising that there was a problem with the shipment, and they wanted me to call someone to resolve the issue. WalMart.com used someone with a Rental Truck to attempt delivering the item. Last Friday after 1700 hrs, I sent them away from my property with your stuff WalMart.com. I filed a complaint with the BBB and WalMart.com sent email stating that they tried to contact VIA telephone. "We have received your complaint from our corporate office and have been unsuccessful contacting you via phone. Could you please contact us at 1-866- ext.1 and ask for Tabitha. We truly apologize about your situation and hope to hear from you very soon."
I replied to the email with a response. "The reason you are having difficulty reaching me at my home is that my family works. Your corporate resolution center opens after we go to work, and closes before we come home. Does it really matter anyway? The sincerity of any contact for resolution from WalMart.com is no longer believed by me or my wife. WalMart.com chose to ignore educated/successful customers. WalMart.com attempted to bully us with bait and switch sales tactics, deceitful advertising, and lies. We now expect nothing from WalMart.com beyond mindless answers from poorly trained employees.
We have already been told three times that once an order is put into the computer it cannot be stopped, and not even your management has the ability to stop an order. We have already been told that WalMart.com would ship and bill an item that we do not want. We have been told by WalMart.com that even though the payment was stopped, the account was closed, and WalMart.com had not shipped the item, it was still coming.
Even after shipment was stopped by calling WalMart.com's shipping company, WalMart.com sent two unknown men using a rental truck to deliver an unwanted item from Atlanta Georgia (five hours away). Just as you were advised, I stopped the WalMart.com delivery men from coming onto my property. They drove away with your stuff WalMart.com, but not before they both were recorded stating that WalMart.com attempts to force items on people all the time.
Did you know WalMart.com that I have chased shoplifters, who have stolen from WalMart into dark wooded areas, arrested, prosecuted the offenders, and returned merchandise for years? Do you know how many "banned" shoplifters that I have advised to stay out of your stores? Did you know that I helped the last few managers from WalMart keep the parking lots free from unwanted teenager troubles? Did you know WalMart that I have pulled shopping carts back to WalMart from all over my jurisdiction? Did you know that my family has shopped at WalMart for years, and literally spent three hundred dollars a week at WalMart? That is nothing to you is it WalMart.com?
The concept of integrity and customer loyalty has been abandoned by WalMart. The only thing your employees have seen through this experience has been a statistical number who through risk management would not matter if they were abused by WalMart.com. WalMart.com has forgotten how hard it is to earn trust. Do you know how easy it is to pursuade people to stop buying from WalMart.com? One person lost would not be felt, but what about a few major companies and a few hundred people? I have approximately 30 more years of life, and will take every opportunity to explain every part of this experience to as many people that I meet."
WalMart.com responded to the BBB by stating that I did not respond to their contact attempt and stated they considered the complaint closed. As stated on our site, Site to Store shipping is available for select items and some restrictions do apply. Unfortunately, the item Mr. J. purchased ships in multiple boxes, which is a restriction causing the item not to be available for Site to Store shipping. We called the carrier and confirmed the return of Waybill XB4633. We then issued a full refund in the amount of $532.86 and sent this information, electronically, to Bill Me Later. We attempted to call Mr. J. on 4/28 but no one answered nor did a machine pick up. Mr. J. did not list a telephone number with the BBB therefore we sent an email requesting he call for assistance. We tried reaching Mr. J. again on 4/30 with the same result. Therefore, we sent another email requesting he call for assistance. As Mr. J. has made no attempt to contact us, we consider this issue to be closed."
I forwarded a copy of my reply to the email address listed above. Walmart.com used a bait and switch tactic against my wife, belittled her, refused to listen to reason, and when contacted by me they punted to "internal policy." The BillMeLater option ran a credit history on my wife without her knowledge. WalMart.com, BillMeLater, BelkinsHome, and an independant trucking company have been involved in this ridiculous scenario. Considering their lack of integrity and poor communication abilities, we wonder how many companies will attempt to send us a bill. Time will tell what kind of chaos their "slippery" online presence will have cost me. I am totally disgusted with WalMart.com, and want someone to let them what what a traigic day it is when an international company tries to strong arm a constitutionally protected consumer.