Advice needed about UPS damage claims

choo_

I bought an item from the States back in December. The item in question was damaged. Sadly the place where I ordered the item weren't very helpful and it took me ages to get anywhere with them. They eventually filled a damage claim, UPS then dragged their feet. In the end I contacted them and they picked up the item. This was finally picked up in March. Five months on and I've heard nothing. I emailed UPS but they now say they won't give me any info. They reimburse the merchant apparently and can't give me any info.

This isn't good enough because the merchant has stopped replying to anything I send. I daresay they will get the refund, in fact they probably already have but I have not been reimbursed. I've tried emailing them again today. I don't hold out much hope, but I'm stuck because I don't know what to do.

I paid via visa debit card. I assume the time for charge backs has been and gone. It's now around 8 months since I purchased the item. I know I should have done something about it before but I never imagined I would be in this situation. The website I bough off is reputable, but if they are in the States how can I take any action against them? It feels like I've been robbed, if something is damaged in transit then I should get a refund. They've pocketed my money for themselves! Plenty of people seem to order from this site, so they aren't cowboys but it is the worst online shopping experience I've ever had.

I just need some advice on what I can do, I spent roughly between £140-£150 on this item, so not cheap.

choo_

I'm bumping ths up as i had no reply, and I've not made much progress.

I finally got a reply from the merchant asking me what i can do. This came at the end of August. I replied that I would like a refund. But then of course they went quiet. i keep sending emails asking about my refund but it's getting ridiculous now.

In total it's been over 10 months now they've muckd me around. I can't beleive the bad customer service I'm getting.

Optimist

You don't have a contract with UPS so they have no responsibility to you. You only real option is to make a complaint to the local US consumer complaints organisation but there is no guarantee you will get any money back. They are usually located on the state legislature website.

Otherwise write it down to experience.

choo_

Thanks.

I'll look into complaining, but I'm still going to complain to my bank. Might be a bit late i don't really know, but it's not right to hold my money. They said UPS had refunded them, but why on earth hold on to my money and ignore my emails? It's nothing more than theft now.