Jewelry Box Direct.com - Vent - pretty long.

[arjunajane]

So, long story (kinda) short - I would really like a jewelry box for Chissie this year. At the moment I don''t own one at all, and my stuff is just in draws etc.

The ones in the shops in my city are either ugly, or waaay over priced.
So, as you do I turned to the net to find something.
Well, I found http://www.jewelryboxdirect.com/

After some emails back and forth, I decided on a box and placed an order. They do not have an international shipping option on their site, but the rep I was in contact with said it was no problem - after I placed my order, she would contact me with shipping costs and I would make the payment for the box and shipping together. I was told I wouldn''t be charged for the box until the shipping had been worked out, and I had been emailed and ok''d the order.

Well, two days later my Credit Card had been charged, and I had no response to two emails requesting shipping costs/info on delivery status.
This is an internet-based company with only email contact - and we all know how it feels when you are waiting for an important email that doesn''t come...

I started to get worried. I tried to research JBD - wouldn''t you know, they have an "F" rating on the BBB

I got more worried.

I sent an email to CS, advising I was concerned that I had been charged for the box and not contacted at all about shipping. I also mentioned the 2 unanswered emails. I advised them that if I didn''t get a prompt response to this email, I would have to dispute the credit card charge and cancel the order (understandably I thought)...as I didn''t know what else to do.
To put things in perspective, the CS rep had been very responsive to emails up to this point, replying almost immediately to everything. So two days silence was, well, kinda deafening..

I also made sure that I said in my email, and I quote "If there has been some kind of honest mistake or explanation for this, then I apologize in advance for making a presumption. Please understand this is not how I would like to proceed, so I hope to hear from you asap."

So a couple hours later I get a reply - in summation "it was a system error that you were charged automatically, you should trust me, I was just preparing your order, this is the expense for shipping, and here is a discount. Let us know how you wish to proceed".

But also, a second email - before I had even had time to respond to the first, quote: "I just cancelled the order and refunded you. I am very confused concerning this email. Go back and read all 20+ emails back and forth".

WTF??!! They cancelled my order, without waiting for any response from me, presumably because....I dunno, they were offended I was worried about the unsolicited CC charge..?

I thought I had been very diplomatic, esp. with putting that disclaimer in my email.
This whole thing really has me upset, and I really needed to vent!

I have replied, expressing distress that they cancelled the order without giving me a chance to reply to their email and discuss the issue. That was a couple hours ago and I''ve not heard back...


Honestly, was I too hasty? Would you guys have acted differently..?

Now I am out the money, and no idea where to buy a jewellery box before Christmas..*grumble*....

 

[Maisie]

What a pain! I can understand your feelings of disappointment and frustration. Did she not say in the second email that she has refunded you? Can you check with your CC company to see if this is the case?

If its not been refunded I would not be happy. They can''t just keep your money!

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 12/4/2008 7:51:54 AM
Author: Maisie
What a pain! I can understand your feelings of disappointment and frustration. Did she not say in the second email that she has refunded you? Can you check with your CC company to see if this is the case?

If its not been refunded I would not be happy. They can''t just keep your money!

Hi Maisie,
the second email was an automatically generated cancellation/refund notice from the company, with the one sentence from her..

At this point, I don''t know if or when I will get the money back - it has definately not reached my CC yet.
But to be honest, I am just p***sed that she didn''t give a chance to resolve it - at the end of the day, as long as its not a scam, I still would like the box. It was the nicest and bets price I can find, which is why I''m frustrated.

I''ve sent her 2 emails since the cancellation and no response..


This is what the BBB has to say about them, trading name Ecom Alliance:

Company Rating F . Our opinion of what this rating means:
We strongly question the company’s reliability for reasons such as that they have failed to respond to complaints, their advertising is grossly misleading, they are not in compliance with the law’s licensing or registration requirements, their complaints contain especially serious allegations, or the company’s industry is known for its fraudulent business practices.


There are 22 complaints from the last 36 months

I don''t know how much bearing this stuff has on their day-to-day trading, but it definately added to my concerns..

 

[misysu2]

Geez, that''s scary and frustrating. I''m sorry you''re having such issues with them. I took a look at their website and they have a BBB Reliability stamp at the bottom of their first page, but it''s not a link to anything. Usually these stamps, when clicked, take you to their BBB page where you can see their rating. Very fishy to me.

If the box doesn''t work out, I saw some nice ones at Redenvelope.com and pottery barn (teens?)

 

[Ellen]

I''m really sorry aj! At this point, I would write off the money, and totally forget this place. If you get the money back in the end, great. But I personally wouldn''t consider working with them anymore.

 

[Italiahaircolor]

Well, I hate to be the one to say this...but you did a few things wrong, in my opinon.

First, you should never ever give your credit card number out before getting the whole purchase price, including shipping. I don''t understand why this SA had your number before you even had the final totalto begin with?

Secondly, in the e-mail quote you shared, you made it sound like you were very interested in canceling your order and were even seeking out ways to get your money refunded. I think the SA was probably trying to be proactive and avoid any further misunderstandings or complications. Yes, she cancelled your order--but its not like you couldn''t reorder it once everything was sorted out. I actually think the SA did the right thing by bringing the situation back to the beginning and starting over.

Lastly, did you order this box from the United States? If so, please keep in mind that we recently celebrated a national holiday and business ceased for a good 2 days here.

Yes, your situation is frusterating and confusing, and I''m sorry you''ve been caught up while trying to do such a nice thing...but everything happens for a reason, and the holiday season tends to be a madhouse for customer service, prehaps now that things have been wiped clean, you can revisit the order.

 

[~*Alexis*~]

Well sorry this went all wrong for you!!

What kind of jewelry box are you looking for? An armiore of sorts or a sit alone jewelry box? We can help you find one!!

 

[misysu2]

And if you ever come across another web store that looks a little "home made", check their BBB ratings first!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 12/4/2008 11:49:44 AM
Author: Ellen
I''m really sorry aj! At this point, I would write off the money, and totally forget this place. If you get the money back in the end, great. But I personally wouldn''t consider working with them anymore.

Ditto. I am really sorry AJ.

 

[arjunajane]

Hi everyone,
just an update - I have not heard one peep from them, despite another 2 emails asking why they cancelled the order, and what they wanted to do about it etc..She has all had about a work day and a half to reply (there), so I would think thats plenty..


thankyou misysu2 for your thoughts and suggestions - unfortunately both those places ca only ship to US/UK - I am in Australia

Thankyou aswell Ellen, Lorelei and Alexis. Alexis, I would love that. I just want a pretty plain wooden onem with the felt/suede lining. I''d like to have some hangers for necklaces, a ring roll (of course), and then some draws for other things. Price range up to ~$100 US. But thats the hanger - they need to be able to ship to Australia. I couldn''t find any Aus companies selling decent ones - I was even going to have one commissioned hand made, thats why this deal falling through is so disappointing!

here is a link to the one I had ordered, so you can get an idea.. http://www.jewelryboxdirect.com/productdetails.asp?cat_id=64&ProductID=1975&ProcessType=1

Thankyou for the offer, I would really love anyones'' help and suggestions at this stage!

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 12/4/2008 11:54:59 AM
Author: Italiahaircolor
Well, I hate to be the one to say this...but you did a few things wrong, in my opinon.

First, you should never ever give your credit card number out before getting the whole purchase price, including shipping. I don't understand why this SA had your number before you even had the final totalto begin with?

Secondly, in the e-mail quote you shared, you made it sound like you were very interested in canceling your order and were even seeking out ways to get your money refunded. I think the SA was probably trying to be proactive and avoid any further misunderstandings or complications. Yes, she cancelled your order--but its not like you couldn't reorder it once everything was sorted out. I actually think the SA did the right thing by bringing the situation back to the beginning and starting over.

Lastly, did you order this box from the United States? If so, please keep in mind that we recently celebrated a national holiday and business ceased for a good 2 days here.

Yes, your situation is frusterating and confusing, and I'm sorry you've been caught up while trying to do such a nice thing...but everything happens for a reason, and the holiday season tends to be a madhouse for customer service, prehaps now that things have been wiped clean, you can revisit the order.

Italia, I am not sure where you are gleaning this info, as its pretty far off base from what I posted.
I will re-iterare a couple things:

I know I only shared part of my emai. In the original email (which I can cut and paste if you like, but its kinda long), I said repeatdly that I wanted to continue with the order, but I had concerns about lack of communication/no replies to my emails, and not meeting sales promises. I said that as this was my third email, as a last resort if I didn't have a response within 24 hrs, I would have no choice but to then cancel the order. This would've made it 4 days since placing the order.
I thought this was fair enough - what would you have done in my position..?

With re to giving the CC - well, you're probably right. But this is how their store works, I didn't have a choice.
They don't have an Int shipping calculator, and thats how the SA told me to do it. It may help to understand that by this point, we had had about 10 emails back and forth quoting shipping on various boxes, and also offerred discounts off a couple. So I hate to say it, but yes I had some confidence and trust in her.
She had given me an shipping estimate, but when I made up my mind on which box to order, it was (apparently) late at night there, and she said she would email me first thing the next morning with the exact shipping charge, then we would finalize the order.

As mentioned, that email never came. But my CC was charged, with the full cost of the box, not the agreed discounted price. This was another point of contention that I forgot to mention in my original post.

For the record, I'm aware it was Thanksgiving, all of this has happened this week, well after the holiday w'end was over.
Personally, I don't think the holiday season should be used as an excuse for bad CS..

It would've been nice if the SA had "bought it back to the beginning to start over" as you said, but this is just not the case. She has not offered any resolution, and has still not replied to any emails.
As I mentioned, I've emailed twice yesterday asking to revisit the order - I have not heard a word back.
So I don't believe she was being helpful or pre emptive. Perhaps pre emptive in that she thought I may be too difficult too rip-off, I dunno..

Anyway, I hope that clears some of the points up. I know it was a long post, and perhaps I didn't make myself clear enough

 

[HeartingDiamonds]

Hi AJ,

Quite frankly, I would not want to carry on the order after you have sent multiple emails and heard nothing back. Its just not worth it - seems "off" now, in my opinion. The non-response sounds like a "go away" message to me.

There are many many outfits out there that you can pick from - I am contemplating a few myself since mine broke (don''t ask!) - many others who will be happy to earn your business.

 

[Miscka]

AJ sorry about your trouble. I looked at the one you linked, and it reminded me of mine. I looked for a LONG time, as I was pretty picky. Here it is I got the Cherry color, and it isn't top top quality, but VERY nice for the price and I love the way it is laid out. I use it every day and have had it about a year now. Good luck!

ETA: Not sure about the shipping, but it looks like you could call and ask. QVC is a pretty big company and I think you would be ok with them!

 

[sunnyd]

Sorry that happened to you AJ! As for the return of the money, it can sometimes take up to 8 weeks for credit cards!

It seems like a looong time and I''ve never actually heard of it taking that long, but that''s what I''ve been told in my retail experience (working). So hopefully it''ll come back to you soon.

 

[Dreamgirl]

What a bummer!

My Mother once tried to order a plate from a place online and they said it was in stock. Well weeks and weeks later she didn't get the plate so she called and they told her it wasn't in stock but coming in very soon. So she waited some more and nothing......so she called again and they gave her some runaround story about the plate being on production hold from the "designer" and my Mom thought the place she was buying it from was the designer. It was literally 3 months and they sent her a letter saying they canceled the order because the plate was no longer being made

 

[misysu2]

Another option for you: there''s a website community where someone from your country travels to another country, and there''s something you want, you can hook up with them and they''ll get it for you when they''re overseas. Maybe that''s an option? I can''t for the life of me remember the website, though. Does anyone else know?

 

[Elmorton]

Ugh...sorry to hear about your awful experience. Loved the QVC box - maybe that would be a good 2nd choice? Also, I have a jewelry box from JC Penney''s and I LOVE it. Really sturdy construction.

Here''s a few other options (all well under $100)


http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?ItemID=1006ce0&ItemTyp=G&GrpTyp=PRD&ShowMenu=T&ShopBy=0&SearchString=jewlery+box&RefPage=SearchDepartment.aspx&s4PageSize=15&CmCatId=searchresults&Search1Prod=True&S4Filter=N|4294965155|Ntt|jewlery+box|Ntk|search_all|Nao|0|Nty|1|sid|11E082B3DFB2|Ntx|mode%2bmatchallpartial|Ntpr|1|Ntpc|1|FN4294965155|jewelry+holders+%2b+cases

This one is the one I have (but it''s definitely antique-ish in styling) - http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?ItemID=0e29c4a&ItemTyp=C&GrpTyp=PRD&ShowMenu=T&ShopBy=0&SearchString=jewlery+box&RefPage=SearchDepartment.aspx&s4PageSize=15&CmCatId=searchresults&Search1Prod=True&S4Filter=N|4294965155|Ntt|jewlery+box|Ntk|search_all|Nao|0|Nty|1|sid|11E082B3DFB2|Ntx|mode%2bmatchallpartial|Ntpr|1|Ntpc|1|FN4294965155|jewelry+holders+%2b+cases

And here''s one more:

http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx?ItemID=0f98529&ItemTyp=C&GrpTyp=PRD&ShowMenu=T&ShopBy=0&SearchString=jewlery+box&RefPage=SearchDepartment.aspx&s4PageSize=15&CmCatId=searchresults&Search1Prod=True&S4Filter=N|4294965155|Ntt|jewlery+box|Ntk|search_all|Nao|0|Nty|1|sid|11E082B3DFB2|Ntx|mode%2bmatchallpartial|Ntpr|1|Ntpc|1|FN4294965155|jewelry+holders+%2b+cases

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 12/5/2008 2:29:50 PM
Author: sunnyd
Sorry that happened to you AJ! As for the return of the money, it can sometimes take up to 8 weeks for credit cards!

It seems like a looong time and I''ve never actually heard of it taking that long, but that''s what I''ve been told in my retail experience (working). So hopefully it''ll come back to you soon.

That''s what I was thinking too...sometimes it just takes a week or two.

 

[radiantquest]

im sorry you are going through this, but one thing that stuck out to me was the definiton of rating from BBB that said that their advertisig was grossly misleading. you think this box is nice, but what if it is junk and "grossly misleading". if i were you i would dispute the charges to get your money back and leave that co. alone. imagine if you go through all this and reorder only to find that the box is unsatisfactory.

 

[arjunajane]

Update: After another email asking where is my money, what will happen with the refund etc, I also said how disappointed I was and notified them I would be letting others know of my bad experience.
The next day, I did have a response - but from another SA, not the one I originally spoke with. She basically said I''m sorry thats how you feel, and I answer emails during the day for Marie, who answers them in the evening. No mention of my refund etc.

So, again I have replied, saying I appreciate your apology, but what I would really like is an explanation and some info on the status of my money..
Of course, 24hrs later still no response again *sigh*..


Anyways,everyone, thankyou so much for your thoughts and suggestions.

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 12/5/2008 5:40:41 PM
Author: neatfreak

Date: 12/5/2008 2:29:50 PM
Author: sunnyd
Sorry that happened to you AJ! As for the return of the money, it can sometimes take up to 8 weeks for credit cards!

It seems like a looong time and I've never actually heard of it taking that long, but that's what I've been told in my retail experience (working). So hopefully it'll come back to you soon.

That's what I was thinking too...sometimes it just takes a week or two.

It took a couple of months for a credit when I purchased something from Overstock.com just an fyi. Bummer.

 

[arjunajane]

Grace, thankyou. I agree. At this stage I will just go through my bank and hope for the best. Are you able to share any of the ones you are thinking about, either here or by email? I have done multiple google search, but maybe I''m just not looking in the right places, lol..

Miscka, thankyou! That one is huge! But I did really like the petite version - I could probably never hope to fill the deluxe one, lol..
Can I just ask you, how do you feel about the anti-tarnish stuff? Does it work? Were you ever worried it may be harmful to gems etc?
Also, the section for rings - I couldn''t tell, is it a ring roll, or foam with spaces..?
I apreciate the reccomendation, I have emailed QVC about shipping and fingers crossed they can help

SunnyD, thanks. I know, pretty unfair huh? They take it straight away, and you have to wait up to 8 weeks to get it back, lol !


Dreamgirl, it sounds like your mum also had a tiresome experience..Did she eventually get her $ back?


Hey again Misy - I''ve never heard of that. Interesting, I wonder how reliable it is? I will try to find it, if you have a link would be great!


Elmorton, they are great suggestions, thankyou! And they also definately ship here, yay! The first one is definately along the lines of what I''m after. I do like your one, but most likely it wouldn''t suit my other furnishings etc.
If the QVC doesn''t work out, I think this is the way I will go, thanks!


Radiantquest, ya I know. I have forgotten about the re order idea - now I will just focus on getting me $ back.





I would like anybody reading this now or in the future to seriously consider my experience before thinking about using this Co. There is just something odd about the whole operation - please let my lesson be worth something, lol !

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 12/5/2008 8:30:57 PM
Author: Skippy123

Date: 12/5/2008 5:40:41 PM
Author: neatfreak

Date: 12/5/2008 2:29:50 PM
Author: sunnyd
Sorry that happened to you AJ! As for the return of the money, it can sometimes take up to 8 weeks for credit cards!

It seems like a looong time and I''ve never actually heard of it taking that long, but that''s what I''ve been told in my retail experience (working). So hopefully it''ll come back to you soon.

That''s what I was thinking too...sometimes it just takes a week or two.

It took a couple of months for a credit when I purchased something from Overstock.com just an fyi. Bummer.

Thanks Skip - yeah that really sucks. Its over $130 Australian that they took. Now I am also worried about them having my details - *urgghh*

 

[HeartingDiamonds]

Hi AJ,

These are a few that I have checked out:

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p8078/index.cfm?pkey=cjewelry-boxes-mens-accessories&cm_src=sch

http://www.containerstore.com/browse/Product.jhtml?searchId=17360941&itemIndex=2&CATID=161&PRODID=10023444

I am leaning towards the 2nd one and just need to make sure that it will fit in our home safe.

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 12/5/2008 9:00:03 PM
Author: HeartingDiamonds
Hi AJ,

These are a few that I have checked out:

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p8078/index.cfm?pkey=cjewelry-boxes-mens-accessories&cm_src=sch

http://www.containerstore.com/browse/Product.jhtml?searchId=17360941&itemIndex=2&CATID=161&PRODID=10023444

I am leaning towards the 2nd one and just need to make sure that it will fit in our home safe.

Thanks Gracey!

I really like that second one, but does it have a ring roll? I couldn''t see one..

I very much like that PB one, very classy. But no Int shipping

You know, when I started looking I thought I''m just gonna get a small one, I don''t have much stuff.
But I was amazed today when I went through my jewellery draw how much really nice stuff I actually have that I never wear - mainly because its tucked away and not visible, I pretty much forget I own it.

Of course not diamonds, but some nice vintage French enamel broaches, some cute SS pendants and chains, and a bunch of necklaces and nice watches that just need a battery or something, plus a ton of earrings - I never seem to wear earrings at all.

Now I''m starting to think I should get one of these big ones !

 

[Elmorton]

Are you thinking armoire- big??

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 12/6/2008 12:37:45 AM
Author: Elmorton
Are you thinking armoire- big??

Hey again, El...I don''t think I have the space (or budget) for an amoire. It needs to be able to sit atop a dresser..

I''m thinking, large box. Basically one or two ring rolls, probablt at least 10 necklace hooks, bracelet/watch rolls would be nice but not essential. And then, whatever combo of space for others - sections underneath, or draws, I don''t mind.

I do really like the appearance of the kinds traditional locking box with feet etc, but they usually seem too small..

Do you know of any medium-size nice amoires..?
Maybe I should just go for the big one from QVC, and then I have an excuse to buy more to fill it lol...The main thing that I wasn''t sure with that one, is it has sooo much space for earrings, of which I seldom to never wear..

Thankyou everyone for the great suggestions so far!

 

[arjunajane]

Yeah, you know what I just watched the video for the deluxe QVC one - all that earring space would just be wasted on me, I think. I like the petite one, but after reading some of the reviews it sounds smaller than I need..

What do ppl think about this anti-tarnish material? Does it work? It seems like the reviews are mixed on QVC...

 

[arjunajane]

Hey, just wondering if anyone has any more suggestions on where to buy, or an opinion on that anti-tarnish stuff..
I still need help, lol !

 

[MonkeyPie]

You could always buy one from a US seller, and have someone from forward it to you. If you happen to know anyone in the states. I think they have services for that, too.