What Happens When You Order an Ugly But Crazy Warm Pair of Winter Boots?

Ones that are waterproof even? And on crazy sale?

It snows like a son of a bitch the day before they're scheduled to arrive, that's what.



I take the blame for the snow fall.

I take the blame for purchasing super ugly boots. But the Sorels? They will keep feet toasty. And my cute shoes, which will be accompanying me in a cute little bag, will remain water and salt stain free.

I realized that I was an adult when I started the ugly practical shoes and boots on feet when necessary / switched out for cuteness once I arrived at my desk thing started happening in my life. Mortgage, what? Not even close. Shoe swap all the way.

Circuit City, Here's Why I Won't Be Your Customer

Just in case you were wondering. But from my experience with you over the past two weeks, I'm thinking you probably don't care.

See, on November 11, I ordered something from your website. It was an item that was being replaced by a new model, and, as such, was on sale. I was happy. I paid for 3-day shipping. And when November 16 rolled around and my hands were still empty, I went into my account summary and order history on your website to see just what could have happened. And the tracking number associated with my order? Turns out it wasn't valid in the FedEx system. Curious! My next step was to phone your Customer Service line.

Problem 1: Your customer service line is only manned between 9 AM - 7PM, Monday - Friday. Because, apparently, even though I used your website to order and pay for a product, the Internet, and the demands for 24 hour support, doesn't exist in your world!

The CSR I spoke to, while pleasant, directed me to call FedEx. And then call back to tell you what they had to say.

Problem 2: What? Seriously now.

So I called FedEx. Who reiterated the fact that the tracking number you gave me wasn't valid in their system. And that my address wasn't even a destination for any package that they currently had possession of.

Excellent.

So I call you Customer Support line. And while I'm issued a case number, I'm then told that Circuit City policies prevent anyone from doing anything about my undelivered, paid for product for 2 business days. And that I would have to call back to follow up. And that Circuit City has reserved the right to not actually do anything at all about the matter - issuing a replacement, or a refund - for 15 business days after that.

Problem 3: Circuit City policies? Chap my ass like nothing else. Also, again with the business days.

Problem 4: I'm doing way too much work here for something that is obviously not of my control, and has nothing to do with my part of the transaction.

On November 20 - don't forget that weekends don't count as business days! - I call back. And am told that I'd have to talk to Customer Service at head office. When I'm transfered over, the CSR I talk to tells me that a member of the Special Team (Special!) would have to investigate the case, and that they would call me within 48 - 72 BUSINESS HOURS. And hey, US Thanksgiving is on Nov 22! And guess who does business on Thanksgiving day. No one, that's who.

Problem 5: What about my part of the transaction is there to investigate? I am at a complete loss.

48 business hours passes, and I hear from no one, so I call head office Customer Support, again, on November 23.

Guess what? I've been assigned a case worker! Who will contact me within 24-72 business hours.

I swear to God, I feel the urge to punch throats.

Apparently, my case worker holds office hours on Saturday, because late afternoon of November 24, I receive a phone call.

Guess what, now! No, seriously, guess.

The item I bought? NOW OUT OF STOCK, and, remember, as it's being phased out by the manufacturer, won't ever, ever be in stock again. And my refund? Will be issued in 5 - 7 business days. BUSINESS DAYS.

Blood boiling. And a "Jesus Fucking Christ" may have popped out of my mouth.

Problem 6: Customer Service didn't even offer to send me the replacement model at a discount.

My solution? Jump in the car, drive to Best Buy, and purchase the new, replacement model. Which, at this point in time, I feel I should have done in the first place. Because the possibility of saving $100 pales in comparison to the hoops you made me jump through due to utter incompetence on your part.

And that is why I will never give you any of my money again.

Let Us Talk of Savvy Circle

I like things. That ain't no surprise, right? I'm now living in a country with a really great e-commerce landscape. Oh, heavenly - there's nothing better then not having to deal with the craziness that is physical shopping areas during the holiday season.

Now, while I have no objection to paying full price on items that I want, I'm still a fan of that thing called "the sale". And now there's a website that will keep track of things that I'd like to buy, once they go on sale, so I don't have to remember to come back and look at a a certain item on a certain website just to see if, possibly, the price has dropped.

SavvyCircle.com is such an excellent idea, I wish it had been mine. You register at the site, download their plugin to your browser, and when you look around on any of the sites that they support and see something you'd like to keep track of, you click the little SavvyCircle button that now lives at the top of your browser. That items is then placed on your personal shopping list at SavvyCircle, and the instant it goes on sale, you receive an email telling you just that.

And that's how I ended up ordering these two dresses from Anthropologie, both priced at 50% their original price.

The Cut Rush Dress, by Velvet



And the Busy Day Dress by Splendid

An interesting note: US Debit Cards are backed by credit card companies! And you can use them just like credit cards, in person and on websites that offer online shopping. Cash is still directly debited from your account, but for someone starting out in a new country, where a credit rating is completely non-existent, and getting a credit card can be a many month process, this is a revelation and a godsend. Because in Canada, debit cards are bank-supported only, and you can't really shop online with those suckers.

Also, I would kill to find out who made the decision to build the Anthro site in Flash. Because sharing pictures of what you've bought by image linking? IMPOSSIBLE. And like any good member of an Online Social Community, I'm all about the sharing. Which, in turn, will generally drive traffic back to the place where I purchase things. I'm just saying, Team Anthro.