In a message dated 1/24/00 10:28:34 PM Eastern Standard Time, rhoward@xxxxxxxxxxxx writes: << In addition, the customer knows that the vendor's cost to ship was less than what the customer sent in, so in reality, the vendor actually made a small profit, while the customer spent $25 and came away empty-handed. The Question: Is this acceptable business practice? >> Acceptable or typical? Aside from the fact he didn't mention the shipping charge up front, it sounds like he was fairly decent to deal with. The fact the item was broken could have happened to any package. The missing parts..well.. were they mentioned as coming with it? Some vendors even charge a restocking fee when you return items. A full refund including the shipping you paid is a pretty good deal. I dont know of any vendor who will pick up the return shipping cost as well. The fact his shipping cost was less than what he actually charged you is often justified as a "handling" charge. Is this acceptable? Depends on his attitude. Was he polite and trying to help? or just rude? It doesn't sound like he was trying to burn you. I've heard worse horror stories on vendors. Dave Smith '61 Plymouth Sport Suburban wagon Hartford, CT. |