Ruth S.

I assumed that I was dealing with a UK based company. I realised from the mistakes in the English used in their emails that they obviously weren't. Regretfully, I hadn't researched them before placing my order for a laptop battery which was paid for via Amex, the cash taken the next day. When three weeks had elapsed I emailed them requesting an update on the order. They emailed back to say that they couldn't trace the order and could I provide more information, which I did. Since I had now ascertained that they were a Chinese based company. I also told them that I intended contacting the Chinese Embassy in London to ask that they investigate this company, as in my opinion they are bringing Chinese business practices into disrepute. This was not an idle threat as I have taken this action before after being duped. I then received a very apologetic email from 'Karen' informing me that the battery was not in stock and that they would refund me if I no longer required it. I accepted the offer of a refund and was informed that it would take 7 to 10 days! To their credit, I did receive the refund. So all in all, they had borrowed my cash free of charge for more than a month. I would point out that I didn't order from this company because they were cheaper than others; it was because the price was in line with other suppliers and the product was in stock. In future, if I am not dealing with a company that I know well or have dealt with before, I will check customer reviews before ordering, and suggest that anyone reading this do the same.