"Bait & Switch.
First and last time purchasing from this company. After researching a specific product that was out of stock on many sites, I found it in stock at SimplyKidsToys.com with a very prominent "IN STOCK" notation above the "add to cart" button. I placed my order on the 24th, received confirmation of my order on the 27th.
This morning, I first received an email from the company with the subject of "Backorder Status." In it, SimplyKidsToys.com attempts to re-write history by saying:
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[Begin Email:]
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Thank you for your recent order. This is just a reminder that when you placed your order on 24-Dec-2010 the item(s) you ordered:
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QTY: 1 axge2004 Anatex Gyrobix Explorer Restock Date:
No Current Restock Date Available
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was currently, and still remains, out of stock. The expected restock date is listed above.
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[End Email]
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Notice how it acts as if it was always out of stock, despite the fact that when I checked that morning, it was still listed as "In stock" and "Ships in 1 to 3 business days."
Also in the e-mail, it encouraged me to check out substitutes for the model I ordered. I also received a phone call from Lindsey that let me know the item is discontinued, but there is a "cheaper one that is available," which she let me know I could switch to.
When I went back to check on the product page, it has since been changed to "Item Out of Stock - Order Now for immediate shipment when back in stock." Now, why wouldn't they just remove the product, since it is--in their own words--discontinued via the manufacturer? Because its bait. It lures someone in to buy a premium product at a low price, only to get a phone call that it is no longer available... but, hey! Guess what! You can totally switch your order to the lesser-wanted product that is sorta the same.
Glad to see others have had a nice experience with this company, but as far as I'm concerned they are completely untrustworthy (again... if I'm wrong, why do they still have it as anything but "discontinued" on their site?).
"