Mickey G.

A year ago I purchased a BULOVA alarm clock from Jin Sing Jewelers in Chilliwack, BC.

Recently, an attempt was made to use the ALARM for the first time. However, the setting dial turned as expected but did not move the alarm hand to the desired wake up time.

I contacted Jin Sing for an adjustment/repair of the mechanism. The store does not carry the replacement parts (although a repair tech is on site who regularly would order such parts). I was also told that the warranty was expired.

I accept that the warranty was no longer valid, but thought the store may offer to fix the gears since the malfunctioning part would have been at the factory level. I was then told that I must have turned the dial in the wrong direction and broke it myself. The instructions for doing so are clearly shown on the back of the clock using universal symbols (i. E. directional arrows). That is, as straight forward as setting the hands of the clock which I had no difficulty in accomplishing. I realize that the retailer only has my word and is under no warranty obligation to repair or replace the broken parts.

Lesson learned: If you decide to order or buy anything at Jin Sing, ensure that ALL parts are in proper working order BEFORE paying for it. I took it for granted that a new clock from a reputable company's factory would be fully functioning. The Retailer presumed the same (i. E. I will make the assumption that they had not knowingly sold me a broken clock.)

So. BUYER BEWARE. If an unknown problem arises later - outside the warranty period - they will take no responsibility to repair or replace. Presume also that the warranty period is effective from the date of purchase and not when the gift item is given - or used for the first time - in cases where you may buy early for gift giving (e.g. Christmas, anniversary, birthday). With Jin Sing Jewelers, it is not to the customer's advantage to buy early. I will no longer shop at Jin Sing Jewelers. I would rather support those retailers who stand behind their products and who also acknowledge that there may be special circumstances to consider when it comes to customer services and warranty expiration dates.

Recently I contacted Canadian Aquatics regarding items for sale on their website. I requested a quote which would include all charges: listed price, taxes and shipping. A standard request.

I received TWO quotes. One which included the listed price (plus taxes and shipping) and a second HIGHER quote which included the same PLUS the retailer's PayPal fees - if I choose that payment option.

It is my understanding that this is a direct violation of the Terms of Agreement with PayPal. That is to say, such costs should be factored into the "Listed Price" and not added on later when invoicing the customer.

I raised this matter with the manager/owner. His response - and I paraphrase - was that if I do not like the way he does business, then I do not have to do business with him. For some reason, he feels that this PayPal policy does not apply to him. Nor did he give any indication that he would change his practices to be in line with PayPal's policy. Unfortunately, in my mind, this raised further questions regarding business integrity. Needless to say, I cancelled the order.

As a PayPal account holder myself, I agreed to certain terms and conditions when I signed on. I am expected to abide by the policies and procedures. I think it is only fair, obviously, that sellers do the same.

As with any online (or in-store) Retailer, DO THE HOMEWORK. A good seller will not mind your questions. If s/he gets annoyed or defensive, move along to a more open and honest dealer. There are many reliable ones available. After all, building trust and confidence with them will more likely ensure a return visit from you.

The Interweave Store is NO longer my "go-to" store for crafts.

I recently bought a book for $30 but later noticed the same book at lower prices with several other online retailers. (To make matters worse, within a few days of my order, I received a general promo email from Interweave that the same book - among other items - had gone on sale in their $5 bargain bin.)

I contacted Interweave. The order could not be cancelled and re-ordered at the lower price because it had already been processed for shipping. And there is neither a "lower price" nor "price match" guarantee with purchases. Therefore, the only option would be to order the same book a second time for $5 and return the first book when I receive it. Even though my $30 purchase price would be refunded, I would take the loss for both the original AND return shipping costs of the first order. There is no option to buy without this risk.

I am not a fan of the "pay-your-money-and-take-your-chances" kind of business philosophy which, in essence, is the position of The Interweave Store. Personally, I would rather buy confidently than gamble. Why should I take this risk when OTHER online retailers are prepared to give partial refunds (i. E. lower price guarantee) rather than have the inconvenience of returns? Or, in the event of a return with them, those companies cover the costs of the return postage using pre-paid, print-at-home labels for shipping.

As a matter of principle, I did not re-order the $5-sale book, and returned the book from the first order. Five weeks later I had not received the refund cheque, so sent an email inquiry. No response, so I waited another week and sent a followup email. I got a reply that day saying they had "just received" the invoice for refund processing and that I should receive the cheque in 3-5 weeks (which would be 9-11 weeks from the date of the return). Exasperated at this stage, I sent another email - noting that I will look forward to receiving a cheque around Easter time for an item returned before Christmas. Interestingly, I received the $30 refund the next day to my PayPal account. (Note: PayPal refund states that it includes shipping although ONLY the cost of the book was, in fact, refunded.) I did get back the $30, but lost $25 in combined original AND return shipping costs.

It is a shame really. With just a little flexibility on pricing in the first instance, they would have had a customer for life.

Currently, there is a FREE PATTERNS OFFER link showing a "You Are Almost There" pop-up window in which to enter your email address. Doing so only takes you to the HOME PAGE and not to the free offers which the link promises... no matter how many times you enter your email address or click on icons.

Likely just a phishing scam to build their email database which they can then sell or trade with other business databases.