Need advise - haven't received item purchased on March 7

[Queenie60]

Ok - I am torn as to what I should do. I purchased a pair of earrings from a respected vendor on March 7th. Because they are "preloved" I wanted them to be rodiium plated so they are white gold rather than yellow gold. Shortly after, I was informed by the vendor that the bench closed up due to covid19. I asked that vendor to send earrings to me and I could have my bench rodium plate the earrings at a later date. I was told by vendor that she could not reach her bench. I have remained patient. I reached out to vendor today and was told that bench was opened for a short while however, store is boarded up due to rioting. I asked that vendor reach out to bench (I'm sure that communication is active as vendor uses this bench exclusively) - this was earlier today and I haven't heard back. My dilemma - should I file a dispute with my credit card company? I don't want to slight this person however, I feel I have given every opportunity to have earrings sent to me. I asked vendor if they have insurance? I do not want to be out of $995.00. What would you do in this situation?

All comments are welcome. Thank you

 

[PintoBean]

Maybe agree that if the earrings cannot be sent to you by X date, you will get a refund. It's not fair to be out that $$ and have nothing in return. Once the bench and vendor are open again, you have first right of purchase to the earrings.

 

[Queenie60]

Good advise @PintoBean - I was thinking that I would ask for a refund now and once the earrings are available, I will commit to purchasing. I'm a bit skeptical as all communications have been initiated by me. I would think that a vendor would reach out and assure me that I will receive merchandise as some anticipated date?

 

[pearaffair]

I’ve had an experience with lack of communication with a trusted seller. It is frustrating, to be sure. I think maybe some sellers don’t realize that $1000 is a lot of money to many people. I just really don’t understand how this happens.

Anyways, I feel for you.

 

[Queenie60]

The lack of communication from the vendor is what has given me a "bad taste in my mouth" so to speak. I'm on the fence with this one.

 

[Rfisher]

I understand not liking that the vendor isn’t initiating the convo and giving you updates.
Other than the vendor not responding to you yet, from a question asked earlier today- do they typically respond to your questions?
Although I’m not one to dismiss 1000 as a small amount of money - I ‘feel’ many vendors routinely discussed on this board would consider it so.
I agree with suggesting a credit now and you retain first right to purchase when business is back to normal, or it’s shipped to you for local plating ASAP. But only if you can shake off the mental bad taste after all is said and done. Are they that unique to not be easily found elsewhere? Will you still pine for them and only them?
Since you have already suggested filing a dispute with your CC, my guess is that’s a ‘no’.
You may also want to be prepared that this vendor may not be able to immediately credit you in full.

Best wishes