One thing I have learned to separate the good from the bad business

[pro17]

Just browse their website. Look for grammatical or spelling errors. If there are quite a lot, then it is a good sign that "kids" (or adults with little supervision) run the company. That, or a horrible QA department. Companies that actually care about their customers will, at the very least, make sure that their emails and webpages are legible. Also, instead of ordering via the website, give them a call to order. That way you know that someone will actually answer the phone if you have any questions later down the road.

[pro17]

Another tip is to give the merchant a timeframe or due dates, especially if they are not nice enough to do for you.
For example, I was in the market for CFL lightbulbs a year ago (before the latest energy bill was passed). I found some on the internet (better quality that what you could buy at home depot, lowes, etc). I ordered about $300 dollars worth of bulbs (to completely fill 2 houses). After ordering, I was emailed a receipt - they immediately charged my debit card. It wasnt until 3 days later that I finally emailed the company, asking if it had been shipped and for a tracking number. They said that they will ship it out ASAP and will get my a tracking number the next day. Well I waited 3 more days, still no email. I wrote back, they said give them one more day. I waited 2 more days, no response.
So after all that, I wrote them back, saying that I have been given the run-around and expect the bulbs to be at my door step within 7 days. If not done so, I will inform my bank, get my money back, and go elsewhere. Needless to say, the next day I got a tracking number and it was delivered 3 days later.

I came across the same problem again. I went thru the same steps mentioned above, only this time, the company never came thru, never heard from them. So I emailed them that even though I have heard nothing from them, it is 10 days later, and I have no products or emailed responses, and that I was officially contacting my bank to get my money back. My bank reversed the funds. That same day, the company asked why I did so (the first email I got from them).

So even though it may take a little extra time, especially if you have to cancel an order and go elsewhere, it is all you can do. Hopefully it will wake the company up, and they will realize they will lose customers/income unless they give their customers more respect.

[Steve R Jones]

I always advise Not buying from companies you've never heard of before. And or Only buying from companies that you are certain are reliable. And you are ceratin cause friends/family members/co-workers etc recommended them.

[frostbitetwice]

Originally Posted by Steve R Jones

I always advise Not buying from companies you've never heard of before. And or Only buying from companies that you are certain are reliable. And you are ceratin cause friends/family members/co-workers etc recommended them.

The best advice I have read hear in quite sometime, SRJ.

Originally Posted by pro17

Just browse their website. Look for grammatical or spelling errors. If there are quite a lot, then it is a good sign that "kids" (or adults with little supervision) run the company. That, or a horrible QA department. Companies that actually care about their customers will, at the very least, make sure that their emails and webpages are legible. Also, instead of ordering via the website, give them a call to order. That way you know that someone will actually answer the phone if you have any questions later down the road.

Good point!! Pal