I called this merchant because they were advertising the Alvin TT-499 tray for my drafting table which I needed as a replacement part. I called this merchant because Alvin has discontinued this part replacing it with something else, (the TT-599 that is not the same type of item and will not fit my needs) and Alvin suggested that I call some of their retailers as they might have the discontinued item yet in stock.
When I called nationwide, the sales person told me that if it was on the website, that they had it in stock - however, since I had already been through this with another online retailer, I insisted that the salesperson check before I placed my order, explaining to her that the item TT-499 was discontinued and Alvin's newer version, the TT-599, was not acceptable. The salesperson put me on hold and then returned to tell me that they definitely had the TT-499 in stock and I placed my order with her. A few minutes later, I got a confirmation email listing the TT-499.
When the item arrived today, it was the wrong item - they sent a TT-599 instead of what I had ordered. They made the substitution without contacting me and charge my credit card for this item which i did not order and did not want. i immediately called the company and requested a return authorization.
A very rude person by the name of Bud refused to tell me how to return the product - at first he said he would call me back and then when he called back he told me ""the problem is the item you wanted is discontinued"" - I reminded him that I had told him this - and the entire story of placing the order and he got extremely rude and wouldn't give me any information re how to effect the return. During the conversation, Bud let it slip that the company doesn't have anything ""in stock"" and that the manufacturer, Alvin in this case, ships the merchandise out. When I told him that his sales person had obviously lied to me, pretending to check stock, etc. he said, ""she probably didn't know."" I asked him how she could have ""checked stock"" if you don't keep any - and that made him very belligerent and he started screaming at me.
Stay away from this merchant!
more