Beach Camera (aka buydig.com) - bad experience

While I've purchased several thousands of dollars worth from Beach Camera over the last 5+ years without any problems, recently I had (and still having) a bad issue with them.

I bought 3 Sandisk 16GB Extreme III CF cards from them because there was a great rebate last month. They claimed to have shipped it on Sept. 22. I never received it. I called them on Sept. 24 inquiring about a tracking number. They gave me a bad FedEx tracking number. After several calls, they finally told me it was "delivered by USPS via regular mail". I said "what!?" I never got them. They then said they would ship a replacement.

Another week goes by, nothing. Phone calls go unanswered at times. When I got someone, they said someone would call me back.

A few more days goes by and nobody calls me back, nothing shipped.

Last week, after several more calls, I finally got someone who then put me to their "security and fraud department". Eli then told me they will refund me and that some "fraud" is happening. I said "yeah, you taking my money and not shipping me the cards." He said that I would be refunded right away so I can reorder the cards to get the rebate (which expired on Oct. 11).

Well ... today, Oct. 15, they still have not refunded me, and calls to them either go unanswered or they just say "someone will call you back".

What a horrible experience! I have not taken it up with MasterCard to dispute the charge, since it has posted to my statement and it has been 3 weeks without resolve from BuyDig.com.

Arghh.... just wanted to share this with everyone.

Post this under www.resellerratings.co​m and I wouldn't waste anymore time with them. Contact your CC company.

Wow, I hate to hear that. I've purchased from buydig before and never had a problem but after reading this I might think twice about placing another order with them. I hope everything works out for you.

Just posted on ResellerRatings.com.

looks like you wont be able to take advantage of the deals on the cards unless they ship out the cards with the original purchase date on the receipt since it is past 10/11. in any case, contact your cc company and you should get your money back with little hassles. good luck!

Well ... a month later ... Oct. 28th, the refund posted to my credit card.
At least I got my money back. I missed out on the Sandisk rebate.
Guess lost in shipment isn't 100% their fault.

Before everyone starts throwing rocks we all need to be aware that when a refund is applied to a credit card it often does not show up for several weeks. This is not due to the company issuing the refund but due to the credit card companies themselves.

I recently purchased a tripod from a local dealer. After taking it home I realized I had made a mistake and took it back for a refund, three days after i had bought it. I watched the refund transaction and got a refund receipt. The refund did not show up on my credit card account for over 3 weeks!

I really think the credit card companies do this so that they can collect interest on the charge before crediting the account. Obviously, I can't prove this, but it make sense to me.

CC charge back doesn't take weeks. I got a refund from other companies including B&H and it took only 3-4 days Max!!!!.

gdeloach wrote in post #6607815
Before everyone starts throwing rocks we all need to be aware that when a refund is applied to a credit card it often does not show up for several weeks. This is not due to the company issuing the refund but due to the credit card companies themselves.
... The refund did not show up on my credit card account for over 3 weeks!

This is very common, seemingly far more common than refunds being posted to your credit card account promptly.

Charges come out immediately; refunds take between 3 days and four weeks. Seems wonky to me.

Always get the receipt or at least the authorization code, time, date and ROC # (all on your receipt) for refunds so you can contact your card issuer and check on things.

Shame about your experience...I've had nothing but good interaction with both Beach and buydig!

My company takes over a moonth to get your money back on you cc. and we are a BIG company !!!!

I've ordered less but always been happy with them. Use a different credit card and try to ship to a different address (home, work, etc). That is disappointing that their customer service isn't stellar but lets be honest -- we shop there for the price. Some things are going to be cut to offer the prices they do. Shop elsewhere if you demand excellent customer service.

Finally, you can dispute the transaction with your credit card company. That is a sure fire way to get the vendor to respond.