Episode Summary:
In this episode, we talk about the steps you can take to get your money back when something you buy doesn’t work out. Maybe the vendor never delivered it, maybe it broke, maybe they misled you; no matter what happens, you have a bunch of options to get your money back! We encourage you to try one or many of these and fight for your rights.
Episode Notes:
We’ve all been there before: a shiny new toy breaks after a month and the store won’t take it back. Or your credit card is charged the wrong amount, and the company won’t or can’t fix it. In most cases, these problems can be easily resolved with a few basic tactics. And in almost every case, you have at your disposal additional tools to make things right.
Overarching advice:
- Purchase from reputable companies. (e.g. Amazon, REI, Patagonia)
- Save your paperwork.
- Do your research and assume there’s a resolution.
- Be respectful but clear.
- Save your communications with vendors.
- Build your case and be prepared to provide the evidence.
What can you do?
- Initiate a return. Many online retailers have efficient return processes. Most even come with a return label with your product! The easiest thing to do is just package it up and send it back.
- Request service under the manufacturer’s warranty. Almost everything comes with some sort of warranty. Save the details of this coverage, and chances are that your issue can be fixed ASAP.
- Call customer service or visit the store. Be nice. Dealing with customers is a HARD job. Show them some respect, and they’ll likely show it to you in return. If all you want is a credit of some sort, the same applies to discussing a broken product.
- Take to social media. Because of the public nature of social media, many companies staff their online service teams differently. Depending on the brand’s strategy, you could either get enhanced support, such as real-time response and dedicated manager-level care agents who are empowered to resolve issues. You might also get a bot, which is not helpful. A company’s strategy here can tell you a lot about how much they value you as a customer.
- Dispute the charge on your credit card. In many cases, you can do this online without interacting with an agent. Click on the charge, click through the dispute flow, and provide a little information. Make the credit card company do the work here!
- File an insurance claim with your credit card provider. Not all credit cards offer this, but higher-end ones will usually partner with a 3rd party to provide extended warranty and insurance coverage.
- File a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. If none of the above tactics work, file a complaint with the BBB. It’s a super easy process and is done completely online.
Top 3 takeaways:
- Companies usually try to do the right thing, but when they don’t, get what you deserve!
- Behind the companies are still people, and you should always treat them with respect.
- Leverage all the tools at your disposal to make things right, including social media, credit cards, and customer service.
Show References:
- Amazon ice packs Maggie is so excited about
- Maggie’s favorite Patagonia underwear
- Better Business Bureau – File a complaint
- Friends on FIRE podcast #043 – Know and use your credit card benefits