Precautions before buying on line

[andsome]

The following applies to an attempted purchase in the UK, but applies to wherever this company operates as can be seen from the links.

I have had many good experiences buying from internet companies. Recently I ordered a camera from such a company. Alongside the picture of the camera was a delivery promise of 1-2 days, but when the e mailed acknowledgement came the delivery was quoted as 1-7 days. After 3 days I sent an e mail asking for a delivery date, and they could not give me one. I then gave them 24 hours to deliver or I would cancel the order. They sent an e mail back to say that the order had been cancelled, and that the relevant department had been contacted to approve this cancellation. My next step was to ask when my refund would be made to my credit card. The reply was that this was in hand and would take 3-5 days. I contacted them again pointing out that the 5 days had now expired. They agreed that the credit was overdue and said that the financial department had been contacted on my behalf. I have now placed the matter in the hands of the credit card company, who have assured me that they will take up the matter, and if a refund is not forthcoming they will make the refund to me themselves.

I have made a search of the internet, for complaints concerning the company and the results make terrible reading. The website to all intents and purposes appears to be a British company, but in fact they are based in Hong Kong. There are many horror stories of undelivered orders and difficulties in getting refunds on line. The credit card operator had a look at the website and was also of the opinion that the site looked British.

I have no intention of making slanderous statements as I do not want trouble, but would recommend to anyone that before buying from such a company that a search is made first.

The results of my search are as below.


Re: FN-FORUM: online fraud

Simply Electronics Complaints - No Refund Received

Search complaints

There are many more.

[Azaki]

File a charge back with your credit card company. You didn't get the item/service so your card issuer will return your money. This will basically force the refund. as you Credit Card issuer simply will not release the funds, or recall the funds from the merchant, and return it to you.

[candidrachel]

Sorry to hear you are yet another customer affected by this terrible company. I've never ordered anything from them but I know that we have had several "warnings" from other people on this site.

I did read some of the "reviews" and not one was positive!

[Bruce A]

I'm sorry you've had this problem. I've purchased several photographic items from Hong Kong based Ebay dealers including my D90, several lens and accessories and have had nothing but excellent service. I first research all of their feedback and pay only by Paypal.

[andsome]

Originally Posted by Azaki

File a charge back with your credit card company. You didn't get the item/service so your card issuer will return your money. This will basically force the refund. as you Credit Card issuer simply will not release the funds, or recall the funds from the merchant, and return it to you.

My card company now have it in hand. It is a master card.

[UlpilotSC]

Thats why I always use a credit card online if im not buying from Amazon. If you use your bank debit card youre stuck fighting for your money, and youve opened up your checking account to fraud. But if you use a credit card you are fighting for their money - and Visa is going to get it back.
95% of my online buys are amazon. I did buy once from NewEgg - and they screwed me. So I did a chargeback and was very pleased with the results. Its a pretty simple process, just call the bank and they will walk you through it. In my case i had to prove the product was defective, and they had a year to dispute it, but i got my money back within a week.

[Jim Poor]

Originally Posted by andsome

[COLOR="Red"]

I have made a search of the internet, for complaints concerning the company and the results make terrible reading.


Re: FN-FORUM: online fraud

Simply Electronics Complaints - No Refund Received

Search complaints

There are many more.

THAT should have been your first step.

[andsome]

Originally Posted by Jim Poor

THAT should have been your first step.

I know that now. I have never had any problems before. I just wanted to warn other people about this company.

[andsome]

I have just followed their web link to Face Book. They MUST be stupid, it is full of complaints about them.

[SwissJon]

Originally Posted by andsome

I know that now. I have never had any problems before. .

Then you're incredibly lucky.. The thing about the internet is that it connects people from all over the world.. Never ever buy from a company without doing 2 searches first.. "Scam" + Company name and "Fraud" + Company name .. Two mins work now saves you hundreds of pounds later.. And what they say about "if it seems too good to be true, it probably is"..

Alright, so I know I'm talking to the converted, but you aren't the only one reading this.