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Making A Break

Sometimes the only way to resolve a bad situation with a vendor is to make a break with them and go somewhere else. Usually it is in your best interest to try to peacefully resolve the issue with the vendor, if for no other reason than to save yourself the hassle of going to another company. At some point though, it may become clear that the company is not going to cooperate with you.

If the dispute is over an order that has not yet shipped, or over a backordered item, then your ultimate trump card is to cancel the order. I am continually amazed at how many people won't use this step--they continue to fight over unfilled orders for weeks or even months. This is rarely a good use of time or energy. If it looks like the item isn't going to ship in a reasonable period of time despite assurances, or if for any other reason the transaction just "smells rotten", cancel the order and go to another company.

If you do cancel an order, especially if it is after a conflict has occurred, be sure to get some sort of confirmation that the cancel has been accomplished. Few firms issue cancellation numbers, but they are a good idea if you can get them. Check the order number on the company's web site to ensure that it has been cancelled. Watch your credit card statement to be sure you don't get charged for the order.

Of course, you can only cancel an order if it has not already shipped. If it has already been filled then you will have a much more difficult time getting away from the company. In this situation you have more incentive to try to resolve the problem with the vendor amicably, if possible. The only other alternative is to take action against them if you deem their behavior to be abusive.

Next: Dealing With Vendor Abuses and Deceptive Practices

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