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Scott F. Guinn Inner circle "Great Scott!" aka "Palms of Putty" & "Poof Daddy G" 6586 Posts |
Hey guys,
I would appreciate your opinions regarding an issue I'm having with a magic dealer... Based on this dealer's personal recommendation, both in his ad copy on his website and via personal email correspondence, I purchased an item from him. He stated (again both on his site and in an email to me) that this was a very high quality item, worth many times the asking price, and, I quote, "This is a trick that I would give 11 stars out of 10! Invest in this beautiful trick and if you truly and honestly don't think it is an outstanding bargain you can keep it and have your money back as well!" So I buy it. Including shipping (overseas), my cost was around $80 or so. I receive the package and open it up. Without giving away too many details... The item was cheaply made. Part of the method for it is supposed to be its stealthy loading, but the apparatus that allows you to load it is made of cheap plastic that is very noisy indeed--the item being loaded goes "clank, clackity-clack, THONK!" Further, after being loaded, the item does not close properly. There is a big gap where the secret loading device used to be, with a clear look inside the prop--making it pretty obvious how the item got loaded! Upon contacting the dealer, I was told that was because part of the item that was sent to me was acquired and included by his assistant, "who is not a magician, and made a mistake." I was instructed to go find a replacement for this part of the prop in my own area (inexpensive but time-consuming), and assured that then everything would look fine & work properly. Nope! A minor improvement, but the problems of the incredible noisy load and gaping opening in what was supposed to be a "multiple sealed" item remained. Upon informing the company of this, I was told to return the item for a refund. Problem: The shipping cost back to the dealer is not inconsequential. Plus, I paid shipping the first time to get it to me. The total both ways is significant. I replied and quoted from their own website what I quoted above: "Invest in this beautiful trick and if you truly and honestly don't think it is an outstanding bargain you can keep it and have your money back as well!" I asked if they stood by that statement (which is still on the description of this item on their site). I explained that I was unwilling to pay shipping costs to return the item, and that if they would pay me, in advance, for the refund of the purchase price and shipping both ways, I'd send it back--otherwise, I said I expected them to abide by their ad copy and previous email to me that they would refund my money and let me keep the item (their idea, not mine!). I got a reply, essentially saying that the boss was away and they weren't authorized to do that, but if I sent the item back, they'd give me a refund and pay for the shipping back to them. Along with this reply they included some quotes from other customers about how great the item was--all with just first names like "Donny" and "Jimmy". For all I know these are 12 year-old kids who have never had a magic prop in their lives; or maybe the quotes are pure fiction. I have owned a magic shop. I currently own and operate a magic website. If someone contacts me and says they were disappointed with an item, I refund their money and let them keep it, even if they don't ask me to. Which is why I have very lotal customers. So, what do you think? Am I out of line here, or should the dealer be expected to keep his promise?
"Love God, laugh more, spend more time with the ones you love, play with children, do good to those in need, and eat more ice cream. There is more to life than magic tricks." - Scott F. Guinn
My Lybrary Page |
edh Inner circle 4698 Posts |
Scott, this one is a no brainer. NO!...you are not out of line.
Magic is a vanishing art.
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MickeyPainless Inner circle California 6065 Posts |
Absolutely they should honor their agreement and if not BLAST EM!
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Scott F. Guinn Inner circle "Great Scott!" aka "Palms of Putty" & "Poof Daddy G" 6586 Posts |
Here is the "slightly edited so as not to expose methods of other GOOD versions of this effect) email I just sent them:
Quote: (Dealer's Name),
"Love God, laugh more, spend more time with the ones you love, play with children, do good to those in need, and eat more ice cream. There is more to life than magic tricks." - Scott F. Guinn
My Lybrary Page |
Scott F. Guinn Inner circle "Great Scott!" aka "Palms of Putty" & "Poof Daddy G" 6586 Posts |
I am pleased to report that the dealer responded to my message, apologized, admitted that his offer was clear and to the point, and refunded my money--keeping me as a customer instead of losing me as a result.
"Love God, laugh more, spend more time with the ones you love, play with children, do good to those in need, and eat more ice cream. There is more to life than magic tricks." - Scott F. Guinn
My Lybrary Page |
MickeyPainless Inner circle California 6065 Posts |
Glad it worked out buddy!
MMc |
Phil Tawa Regular user Mass. 103 Posts |
I have all private customers and they wouldn't be for long if I treated them like that. What I don't understand is why these guys just pick up everything new no matter how good it is. If dealers were fussier about what and why they stock things there would be a lot less swill out there.However I only deal with people in the continental U.S. That is one reason why....it's easier to clear things up in your own country. If you ever have any product questions ask me,I went through a lot of stuff to see if I would stock it. I might be able to answer any doubts about the item........including knock offs. Oh and...have a Merry one!!!!
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mmreed Inner circle Harrisburg, PA 1432 Posts |
Awesome to hear they stepped up to the plate and honored the claim they made.
As a dealer, I know how important it is to stand by what we sell. If a dealer sells junk, that dealer wont have repeat customers and wont be around long. I've found it pays to be picky! You sell things you would buy personally, and send things in a manner you would like to get them, and you end up having everyone happy. Some dealers greedily focus too much on profits. Yeah, we need to pay the bills... but if you're a magic dealer looking to make a fortune off other brothers in magic - get out of the magic shop biz and go find another career!
Mark Reed
Wedding and Event Entertainment |
David Thiel Inner circle Western Canada...where all that oil is 4005 Posts |
Glad it worked for you.
Had the same experience with another dealer. After several back and forth emails, he simply quit responding. In the end, I just got tired of trying to get satisfaction and walked away. The company is closed now, by then way. David
Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Except bears. Bears will kill you.
My books are here: www.magicpendulums.com www.MidnightMagicAndMentalism.com |
Mr. Mystoffelees Inner circle I haven't changed anyone's opinion in 3623 Posts |
Not sure how you know it was "another" dealer?...
Also known, when doing rope magic, as "Cordini"
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sirbrad Inner circle PA 2096 Posts |
Bosses are always out of town when refunds are asked for.
The great trouble with magicians is the fact that they believe when they have bought a certain trick or piece of apparatus, and know the method or procedure, that they are full-fledged mystifiers. -- Harry Houdini
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Brent McLeod Inner circle 1792 Posts |
Scott,
Good to hear of the outcome, and also good on the dealer for finally giving what you requested for etc....... |
Scott F. Guinn Inner circle "Great Scott!" aka "Palms of Putty" & "Poof Daddy G" 6586 Posts |
Quote:
On 2010-03-23 21:56, sirbrad wrote: LOL! Ain't THAT the truth!
"Love God, laugh more, spend more time with the ones you love, play with children, do good to those in need, and eat more ice cream. There is more to life than magic tricks." - Scott F. Guinn
My Lybrary Page |
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