The Energon Pub

Hello everyone,

I thought I would post this to see if anyone else has had a similar horrible experience with the TCC.

I ordered a Voyager Class Tread Bolt with priority shipping from the TCC back on 13 OCT as the item was being offered for a special low sale price. As of today, I still haven't received the item (now 43 days later).

When I called the TCC (Cathy is always the one who answers calls) on 17 OCT, since I received a part of the order (Nightbeat), inquiring where the other item was, I was told that it had shipped separately on 16 OCT, and I would have it in 3-5 business days.

After the 5 business days had passed and I still didn't have the item, I called again, and was told by TCC (Cathy) that they couldn't help me until 30 days had passed, and that I should check with my local post office. During this time, the tracking from the USPS web site never changed status, stating the item had been processed and left the Atlanta, GA facility on 21 OCT. My post office obviously had no knowledge of any package for me.

After a few more days had passed, I again called TCC. I was told not to worry, and was assured that I would eventually get the item (despite the shipping information never changing).

After the 30 days had passed, I again called TCC. This time I was told there was nothing the TCC could do. The TCC (Cathy) said they could not ship me out another one because it would be a loss for them and there was no way they could know if I was lying and had actually received the item. I tried to rationalize with the TCC that I would not be wasting my time on the phone with them if I had what I ordered. Finally, the TCC (Cathy) told me another Tread Bolt would be processed and shipped out to me within a few days.

After several days had passed and I still did not receive anything, I again called the TCC. When I asked where the replacement Tread Bolt was, as I still had not received anything, she explained that the replacement Tread Bolt had actually not been shipped out. When I asked why, she explained that it was because I had told her in an email that I had received it. I told her that was a lie, because I never would have said (or typed) that when I clearly did not have the item.

It became clear to me that the TCC was trying to ignore me, to say anything to placate me, to get me off the phone, so I decided to go straight to the top and email Brian Savage (brian@mastercollector.com) about the situation. Brian replied stating that the TCC would never have agreed to send another Tread Bolt because they had none left in stock. Further, he indicated that it was not the TCC's fault that I did not receive the "uninsured item," and that it was the postal service's fault. Brian feels that the TCC has handled this situation completely professionally. I disagree.

As of today, Brian has agreed to credit all charges for the item, but still insists I will receive the item. I won't hold my breath.

Finally, here are my questions and concerns--please comment if you can help or have any insights.

(1) Since the TCC does not offer insurance on items it ships, if they are so concerned about people lying about receiving packages, why not use delivery confirmation / signature required on their end?

(2) Isn't the TCC required to insure any items it ships? This way, they would be covered in cases in which the Postal Service actually loses items.

(3) If the post office is really at fault, what recourse do I have to get my money back from them?

(4) Is there a "30 day rule" that specifies that a company is required to either ship out another item or refund your money if you do not receive an item after 30 days?

(5) Continuing from (4) above, does the "30 day rule" apply to the postal service or the seller of the item?

The bottom line as I see it is that I am currently out ~ $30. I paid for something that I did not receive, and at this point, I just want my money back (I am tired of the lies and stories). Someone, other than me (either the TCC or Post Office) is responsible for reimbursing either me, or the TCC (so the TCC can, in turn, reimburse me). I paid for priority shipping (delivery in 3-5 days) not for 40+ day shipping. I know I can sue in a small claims court, but it is not worth all of the court fees. Even worse is that I have lost all confidence in the TCC. This is unfortunate because they are the only sellers of TCC exclusive items (Botcon, Seacons, Nightbeat, etc.).

Disappointed in what I thought was a good company,

Kurt Young
youngku@hotmail.com

you have just recieved the shaft my friend.

to quote george carlin (RIP)

"if your a customer, that's when they give you the really big smile! The customer always gets the really big smile as the businessman carefully positions himself directly behind the customer, unzips his pants, and procedes to "service" the account.
"I'm servicing this account...
[pelvic thrust!]
This customer...
[thrust]
needs
[thrust!]
service!"
[thrust thrust thrust!]
Now you know what they mean when they say, "We specialize in customer service." Whoever first said, "Let the buyer beware" was probably bleeding from his @$$hole. But thats business. Thats business, and business is okay.

end quote

i however do feel sympathy for your situation and suggest you organize a boycott. only way to hurt these people is to take their money, and you can't feel a swift kick in the butt threw a thick wallet.

Im sorry to hear about the debacle you've been thrown into.

I've never had any problems with the TFCC and have dealt with them on numerous occasions. Whats more of a bummer is that you may not get the figure, which the mold absolutely awesome and hasn't been seen in any of my local stores to boot.

Hopefully you'll get your refund soon, and I'd write Brian back and let him know when you get it and note that insurance doesn't appear to be optional when purchasing items from the Club site.

Good luck and I hope you get the figure.