Some caution if you are in tcca and tfdu in Facebook groups. They have banned their ads.
Didn?t need Jedi instinct to predict.
Hope everyone got their purchases or else you know the drill.
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Some caution if you are in tcca and tfdu in Facebook groups. They have banned their ads.
Didn?t need Jedi instinct to predict.
Hope everyone got their purchases or else you know the drill.
I haven't had issues with communication, and do get my stuff. So I'm not grabbing my torch and pitchfork
Put on the battle vest... cash me outside! How bout dat! Raaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!!!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by 1AZRAEL1
I don?t want another pc episode but I advise everyone to trade with caution.
There will be upset supporters but I am sorry we all been down this road before and you know how it ends.
At this stage is up to the owners to address it.
I hope even if you had positive feedback. Is best to have an open mind to observe. That is all as is not in my best interest to protect or bash any retailers. Two popular transformers groups have taken action, is up to you to make your own call and judgement. As I said, you all know the drill. Those who stood up for pc, I just like to say does this look familiar? And are you going the same path? I would observe and act accordingly, that is all, all the best.
I only post because I have genuine concern for members in octa. I won?t be in this thread replying. This information came to me and I am passing on.
I'm cautiously waiting on my Omega Supreme pre-order (that was ordered months ago)
Still no sign of the the overdue Mirage and Thundercracker.
It makes me wonder how they source stuff when it's so many months after every other major and minor retailer in the world has long since had such products (im talking online).
Really hope I dont have to cancel further stuff, as I still have 2-3 orders that were made over six months ago for items due end of year.
Don't want to have to cancel and source another omega supreme, I really hope they post something in the next montha about if they are even still getting them as have not heard anything at all for ages.
Still no sign of the Planet X Grimlock (reissue) that arrived at other stores couple month back either.
https://i.imgur.com/VmXu2by.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/aQCQPEw.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/xYswBQ7.jpg
Omega lists as due OCTOBER. Last status update was october with no change to that month, but october has been and gone and still no sign of it nor any further updates (list includes dozens of other items also due in october) .
December is the cut off for me, if nothing by then I don't think it would be unreasonable to ask for a refund.
At this point I don't think I will buy any more in stock items either (at least not this year), but will wait and see if they actually deliver the outstanding items, as it starts to feel like throwing money away when I end up buying the same toy twice (elsewhere) rather than miss out altogther and then spend several months chasing refunds etc. By the time I get something, and end up with a double - it's almost impossible to even give away the double as anyone who wants one got it like 3-6 months ago etc.
Update in response to concerns raised in social media groups
From the outset, there appears to be concerns raised across some Facebook groups and online forums regarding the delivery of ordered items and response to queries raised directly with us.
First of all, we want to assure the public at large that there is no risk that any goods that you have ordered will not be delivered. We have had no circumstances where we have been unable to deliver any goods ordered and we don’t foresee circumstances where this will change.
We understand that a large number of our customers (past, present and potential) have likely been burned in the past by some local online websites. We have no intention of allowing TBI to go down the same path.
-A little bit more about us
TBI is a family run business with only two staff, Kylie and Stuart. We are not a large organisation and as such we are responsible for all aspects of operating the business from packaging, inventory management, email queries, etc. We both also work full time outside of TBI.
We established TBI as a business for the predominant purpose of bringing collectables to the community at the most affordable price we can offer. Stuart is very passionate about his collection and we are both enthusiastic about the business. The last thing we want to see are customers who are upset with the service that we are providing.
-Recent online comments
We have noticed recently that there has been a number of comments that have been made via online platforms or by direct email to us that are either misleading in their content or just plain upsetting and bullying. We have been the target of direct threats and smears that we would not wish upon anyone.
There has also been an exceptionally high number of emails that we have received, particularly from only a limited number of people. As an example, we sometimes receive up to 20 emails a day from some individuals alone making the same requests for information over and over. In almost all instances, the answers to these queries can be found via our help desk on the website or by checking the item listing pages for updated ETAs.
This is not meant to be an excuse for why it is taking a long time for people to receive a response. However, it is meant to highlight the reason why we cannot promptly respond to emails. We have acknowledged previously (see the news section of the website or our Facebook page) that we have had issues with responding to communications promptly however we are taking steps to remedy this as we will discuss below.
However, on 6 November 2019 there was a decision made by two Facebook groups to issue a “warning” about TBI. This came as a surprise to us and we were not contacted by the Admins of either group prior to this “warning” being issued. This has resulted in a number of abusive emails, a huge increase in email queries from customers, a large demand for refunds and a potential loss of customers. This was very disappointing.
We understand that previous local online retailers’ actions have caused a large distrust among the public about local online retailers. In this regard, it is unfortunate that we feel this “warning” was made. To clarify a few of the matters raised:
1. We have acknowledged criticisms that have been made against us and where appropriate, have taken steps to try and reduce any future concerns.
2. We have not breached any customer’s privacy and take our obligations under the Privacy Act very seriously.
3. The volume of the multiple enquiries appears to be misunderstood. We are not talking about a customer following up a couple times on a query over the course of time; we are talking about customers who send upwards of 20 emails a day, repetitively.
4. The feedback thread on OTCA (at 405 posts at the time of writing this), whilst detailing issues some members of that forum have raised, also includes a significant number of positive feedback comments.
We intend on discussing these matters with these Facebook groups to ensure that there are no misunderstandings.
-What we are doing to address concerns
The main cause of concern that we are hearing is a lack of communication. Whilst a lot of the queries can be addressed through our help desk or by looking at item pages for updated ETAs, we acknowledge that there are some queries we are not addressing in a timely manner. We have taken the following steps recently to try and address these concerns:
~The introduction of Zendesk and the implemented help desk, which gives users the tools to find answers such as where to find updated ETA's on Pre-Orders.
~The removal of the TBI Crate and “4 for free” shipping options; the lack of autonomy with this service created a backlog of inquiries, despite our best efforts to show in detail how to use the service.
~The creation of monthly public updates distributed through our Facebook page and group, published in the News and Updates section of the help desk with links made available also on Twitter. This will be further improved to include a mass email send out to those that have opted-in to receive marketing emails from us.
~Scaling back quantities of goods that we sell.
~Being more selective in what we offer.
~We are also looking into ways of adopting a Deposit Pre-Order system, which will hopefully help reduce any concerns about your money being tied up for extensive periods of time.
The removal of the TBI Crate is very disappointing for us and we suggest that those who have not viewed our news section on the website should do so to understand the reasons why this has happened. This action alone should significantly reduce the number of email queries we receive.
Furthermore, we have been actively seeking a retail location here in Bundaberg, especially after the success and support the locals have shown us when we attend markets and conventions. We hope that once established it will further reassure and reiterate the legitimacy of our long-term goals with TBI.
The majority of you know that we do not have the capacity to send correspondence to each individual who has a delayed item. This is why we constantly update our website with changed ETAs as well as providing stock and pre-order updates in our news section on the website. If there is an item’s ETA that has not been updated and has passed the estimated delivery date, we welcome any queries regarding such items. We are likely waiting on updates from our suppliers regarding delivery times.
As we source the vast majority of our goods from overseas, we have no control over the expected delivery dates of the goods we order. This is why we only ever state an “Estimated Arrival”. We try to be as accurate as possible and acknowledge that it must be frustrating when there are multiple changes made to estimated delivery dates.
We know we are not perfect and we can’t please everyone. Some queries may slip through the cracks and we miss them completely. It happens and for that we are truly sorry.
On a positive note, we have received a lot of supportive emails and messages over the last few days and we would like to thank all of you who continue to support TBI. Your faith in us is not misplaced. It is not always easy to ask for patience as we try and address communication concerns, but keep in mind we are dedicated to ensuring these issues are not ongoing.
-Kylie and Stuart Flynn
I know of at least two people who never had their ordered goods delivered, so this statement is untrue.Quote:
Originally Posted by 1AZRAEL1
To TBI's credit, both people did receive full refunds, but just pointing out that there have been at least two instances where they were unable to deliver goods ordered.
And this does not include my MP Cordon which was never delivered, as that was the courier's fault, not TBI's (and TBI did refund me). In the cases I'm talking about the goods were simply never delivered at all.
I call bull. I'd been waiting for almost a year for my order, which was originally released back in November last year. Their "supplier" continuously pushed back the release date further and further (the rare times I was able to get an answer out of them.) Despite my concern of the item obviously not being able to be sourced, they point blank refused to refund me. I ended up doing a credit card chargeback.Quote:
First of all, we want to assure the public at large that there is no risk that any goods that you have ordered will not be delivered. We have had no circumstances where we have been unable to deliver any goods ordered and we don’t foresee circumstances where this will change.
Got burned with TFIDU (though to his credit he was the only one to eventually refund me,) PC (lost a small fortune) and now TBI. So, I'm done. They sucked all the fun out of collecting modern lines for me. Sticking to vintage from now on. Fuck Australian online Transformer stores - none of them are getting another cent from me.
Agree. I have had a few items that they could not supply. I did get refunded though but was a lot of work to do so.Quote:
Originally Posted by GoktimusPrime
And I?m another except I didn?t get refunded. But I shall be remaining quiet on the matter until it?s resolved.
I feel you, I had the same situation, I just pushed the point when during a fb update I saw some of my items mentioned and kept pushing the point, mind you kept it to one email a month and only drove the point harder when they did make promises.Quote:
Originally Posted by TAAUBlaster
I did eventually got my orders and an apology as they accepted fault for not keeping up, but one thing to note is when I (often) suggested a refund they just dodged that entirely, and there was something else with my last order that was strange, maybe because I got my notification that it was coming 3 days after our email exchange but no tracking I can't quite remember.
I stopped trusting aussie retail after that, except for zing, but thanks to their cost and slower delivery windows I'm just slowly backing out of the hobby, only way to recoupe what I lost with PC...**** that guy who ran it, still makes me rage
None of my orders had changed ETAs when I checked the Toybot Importz page.
I eventually received my near full order, but one item is wrong and one item is missing - I really don't know if I can be hassled trying to get them, I might just chargeback for the missing item.
Unfortunately their "clearing the air" statement does not restore trust. You shouldn't need to sign up to a facebook page for customer service for items you have paid for through an online storefront. I emailed them three times through the address provided on the website, once a fortnight and received no response. I then signed up to the facebook page, was approved for one inquiry that was never answered. Two further inquiries, each a week apart were not approved. They pick and choose which queries they respond to - only got any answer after I stuck my query in as a reply to a comment. If you are one of the lucky ones where everything is in stock you'll get an answer sometimes with a photo of a box about to be posted, but otherwise nothing.
I realise its a small business but don't expand your customer base and range of products, if youre not prepared to shoulder additional costs for customer service, ie cut into your profit margins by paying someone to assist. If they don't want to do that, then only operate at a level where the two of you are able to run the business outside of your full-time jobs. If that means cutting back dramatically on your offerings, so be it. Better to provide a good service for your small but profitable business then to provide a terrible service, where it seems they can't manage the day-to-day logistics of the scale they have expanded to.
I have received previous items from them, but each time the order was posted AFTER queries were made, rather than as part of a normal business operations.
I luckily was not burnt by PC and I am willing to be very, very patient given these are toys and not life saving devices, but if you have taken a not insubstantial portion of money from to provide goods or a service, I expect some follow-up or even pro-active customer service. Its a shame, as I would like to support small domestic operations, but outside of ToysandBeyond, Robotoyz, Xavier and Uncle Petes Toys, I will no longer patronise small online only stores.
None of this is to say it is ok to harass, intimidate and insult the store owners - one should always act like a reasonable adult person.
My two cents, for what its worth.
"We have had no circumstances where we have been unable to deliver any goods ordered and we don't foresee circumstances where this will change."
Hmmmmm.... is that so?
Well, I for one have posted my feedback in here quite a bit but lets just summarize and if need be expand later:
* I preordered by LG-EX Big Powered and used (then-)Oxipay to pay it off in instalments
* I waited patiently even past the expected ETA
* I sent direct emails, Messenger messages and correpsondence via the "Contact Us" option of their website
* All my emails were professional, non-abusive emails
* I still posted via the feedback that for those who have had positive experiences that was great
* Upon receiving multiple replies of dead silence, I eventually had to follow up with a sterner email explaining additional action may be required
* I FINALLY received confirmation that the order was there, all I had to do was pay shipping (I had gone via their TBI crate option without realising) and it would be posted immediately
* I replied that I would pay this however due to lack of communication did they feel it was fair when a customer has an actual complaint raised about no communication for a status update that paying extra money was fair? (no reply given)
* I paid the shipping the next day and continued to wait
* I attempted more follow ups and even started just sending one email a day requesting an update (ONE email a day, NOT 20+)
* Finally following advice on this thread, I contacted both the Queensland Consumer Affairs and lodged a complaint (with evidence), and using a two-pronged approach I contacted Humm/Oxipay and explained my situation to them
* Humm/Oxipay got in first, and told me a refund was on its way. I then received confirmation from TBI that a refund had been processed. I also asked if the additional shipping I paid would be refunded and they assured me it would (guess what, it never did)
* Queensland Consumer Affairs got back to me and said this situation was now resolved.
While the shipping could've been followed up, honestly I was just too tired to care about this ordeal any more. I never got my Big Powered and funneled the money into Jetfire instead (plus redistributed the leftovers).
At no time was I abusive, at no time did I flood their email correspondence.
Here is the update and original post from TCCA and TFDU:
REGARDING TOYBOT IMPORTZ
(Updated Nov 12 2019): Last week, a notice was posted warning members of our groups against doing business with Toybot Importz for practices considered unacceptable by the admins of TCCA and TFDU. On Saturday, the company posted a response to our complaint, committing to improve their customer service practices and detailing a change in shipping policies that will hopefully reduce the volume of customer service enquiries.
We are encouraged by the response, and look forward to seeing these improvements. Further, we wish them well as they look to set up a physical retail store.
TCCA is restoring the company’s positive feedback rating, and will allow the company’s ads to be placed in the BST group, but a link to this thread will remain in the feedback file. In six months’ time, if the situation has indeed improved by our judgement, we will remove the link and this post.
TFDU has not placed Toybot Importz on its bad seller list and invite them to post ads in our group again. However, the concerns raised by customers were valid, so neither this or the original ‘warning’ will be removed at any point. We may also add TBI to our bad sellers list at a later date if we feel that not enough positive change has occurred.
We recognise that change can’t happen overnight and takes time. For now, we are happy to take the company’s commitment to improve on face value, but we will take action to warn and protect our members again if we start to see negative feedback dominate discussion about the company again in the future.
The original text of our complaint is reproduced below for reference.
——-8<-----
WARNING: TOYBOT IMPORTZ
The admins of both major Australian Transformers Facebook groups are today taking action against Toybot Importz, a well-known Australian online retailers and frequent advertiser in our Facebook groups.
We are recommending that anyone with outstanding orders and transactions from Toybot Importz check the status of their order(s) and monitor them closely.
This follows months of unacknowledged public feedback and criticism from buyers.
Criticisms in general revolve around lack of timely response (in many cases, any response at all) to enquiries over multiple weeks, sometimes even months. This is unacceptable behaviour from a business that's already taken customers' money.
Further, we find that making light of paying customers' enquiries by revealing received queries on Facebook posts is unacceptable, and could constitute a breach of customers' privacy.
Finally, complaining that customers are sending multiple enquiries about orders, causing delays in processing enquiries is unacceptable. If customers don't receive a response to their enquiry, of course they'll resend it. This is a vicious cycle, and it's Toybot Importz' responsibility to handle such enquiries.
There is also a feedback thread some 40 pages long on OTCA detailing issues customers have had with the business.
It is time to act on these signs from the community.
Both TFDU and TCCA will no longer accept ads from Toybot Importz and its owner Stuart Flynn in our groups. TCCA will be deleting positive feedback from its retailer feedback list for the company and leaving a note recommending against placing future orders.
Our message is simple: You've taken money from customers for items, and it's your responsibility to answer queries about orders. If a release date slips, let customers who've ordered the item know. If your CRM system cannot handle the enquiries load, get one that does.
We welcome a public explanation, feedback, apology or assurance from Toybot Importz that such behaviour will cease. Until such time as this happens, the above restrictions and recommendations against continuing to do business with the company will remain in effect.
Please feel free to discuss this decision with any of our groups' admins.
Signed
TCCA Admins
- Brad, Jason, Dylan, Tyson, Chris
TFDU Admins
- Michael, Adam, Ben
Guess I'll relate my experience.
Pre-ordered Fans Toys Phoenix in May 2019 for $330.90, the expected delivery date being July.
Emailed in August for an update, no response.
Followed up in October, no response.
Take in mind both of these requests went through ZenDesk, a ticketing system that makes it hard for anything to "slip through the cracks".
I tried to join their customer Facebook group. No response.
Filed a PayPal complaint in November as buyer protection was running out. The initial stage contacts the seller. No response.
Escalated to PayPal 10 days later, and 11 days after that, they haven't even responded to PayPal. PayPal decides in my favour and I get a refund.
Throughout this entire time, the product page was never updated with a new date, nor was Phoenix included in their pre-order lists that they posted with updated timelines.
Here's the sting in the tail. Just today, I discovered the figure on eBay on what seems to be their tbi_collectables account as "Found Stock whilst doing a stocktake. 1 Only Brand New and Sealed", for $479.95.
I'm a little floored, to be honest.
This is the second time I've missed out on Phoenix, the first when Premium Collectables also failed to honour the purchase.
Update: Edited to add extra detail and clarity.
anyone else concerned that they are almost ALWAYS ON SALE?
Interesting I had the same thing happen with fans toys maverick I got the early bird price of $169.95 no updates, no contact then when I used Humm to escalate and see if they could make contact the money was refunded at my request? And then it appears on their eBay site as found during stocktake and highly inflated.Quote:
Originally Posted by unexpectedpanda
Surely this is illegal? As they obviously had no intention of sending me the item otherwise they would have when Humm asked what?s going on.
you can no longer create a new post on the TBI's Customer HQ fb group without their APPROVAL. There weren't that many new posts to being with but this is their way of containing the outrage.
Sorry to hear you had the same experience. It's extremely poor form on their behalf.Quote:
Originally Posted by ZoonMaster5000
While it's tempting to chalk it up to something sinister, I'm wondering if it's just flat out ineptitude and poor business skills. It's possible that they don't read their emails, or read them but get distracted and forget there's an action to carry out. It's also possible that their inventory management is terrible, so they don't realise that they have something to ship out to someone -- until that someone forces a refund due to their repeated lack of response, which draws their attention to it. Then instead of saying sorry, admitting fault, and trying to make good with the customer -- they figure the trust is already broken, continue the wall of silence, find the stock in their inventory and sell at a higher price on eBay.
Sinister or incompetent, the message is the same. Don't buy from them.
I don't understand their "we don't refund" nonsense.
That's not australian consumer law, so I don't get why they think they can just play by their own rules.
It's nonsense.
Any reasonable business if you order something and they just flat out can't get it - would refund you. Not doing that is just bad business 101.
Why it is that so many retail companies get this, but somehow when it comes to "collectibles" dealers feel like they can just ignore what works for everyone else and makes sense for any normal retail business.
UPDATE:
Still no updates on request for a refund on a couple items (that they did not get, and are around 8 months overdue) I put my "request" in but have heard nothing back. I forget when I put that new request in, but maybe dix weeks ago?
It's a new one and nothing to do with my previous post.
Still have my omega order with them - which I pre-ordered.
I see 1 person on FB says they got their one (SIEGE Omeag) . But have not had any update to the order page on TBI. Will post when/if I actually get it.
Not too hopeful on refunds for the other two items that they could not get, and I have 2-3 other misc things which should have arrived by now but news about them either.
If they don't refund for the two missing items (that they never got), then yeah I'm done and won't be ordering there any more.
I went ahead and picked up some stuff from amazon, seeing as I never got it from TBI - rather than more months going by, everything selling out and not being able to get them at all.
EDIT:
They did change pre-orders to "shipping" but nothing yet on my order page as you can see below. And no emails about anything shipping either (as in shipments posted) that you get when stuff ships to notify of delivery.
https://i.imgur.com/4rnzaU9.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/cTKiMe8.jpg
Also nothing further on my other outstanding orders.
Listed below all
Planet X Grimlock
Gen Select Smokescreen
SIEGE Thundercracker
SIEGE Mirage
SIEGE Omega
SIEGE AstroTrain
Not so much, they have thay every other month to help clear out old stock of unsold items.
Took a chance with two in stock items on black Friday. Still no shipping notice after a week. Should I email them or just wait? Don't want to clog up the line...
Scratch that-. I just checked my account and it shows shipment yesterday.
I've had no issue ever with "in stock" stuff, usually ships out fine in 2-3 weeks.
But due to having about $700-800 of stuff MIA right now, I'm just not buying anything new.
Got a response today from my most recent query which was put in some time in last 4-6 weeks, not sure when exactly.
Requested refunds on some overdue outstanding items that are not in stock, and have not had any updates on in months.
Reponse was
1. Not getting a refund /we don't do that.
2. The items are coming
But no hint as to *WHEN they will actually get them like will it be 1 month? 6 months? Who knows.
*Not addressed in any of their "updates" on facebook. Not updated or mentioned on their site or order page. Still just "MIA" indefinitely with no end date in sight.
....I hate to say "shifting goal posts" cos we all know where THAT leads.
I'll give it to feb 2020 at latest and TRUST that they will deliver the items (for items already 3-6 months overdue) and then I think I'll be forced to do bank chargebacks - only if 1. items never turn up (hopefully they will) 2. They don't refund......so what choice am I left with? Throwing more money in the gutter?
Yeah They have lost my business for good that's for sure.
Around 3 years as a customer and they clearly DO NOT value my business at all.
Oh well, at least they responded - rather than not at all like two other aussie importer companies that did similar things that come to mind and pissed off a lot of people.
NOTE: I only got a response (to my customer query) after having posted a comment on their FB page. Otherwise it was looking nice it would not get answered and I was wondering.. how long is reasonable before making new query? IS one a month too much? I've only put one at all in recent months, and that was not until the previous query (diff items) was settled.
Once as week is not "too much" to be inquiring. They have the time to apparently source new stock, have sales, update their web site listings and respond to "positive" comments on their facebook page.
They choose to prioritise their time in a way that results in customer contact being right at the bottom of their pile. And I would do a chargeback now - they have refused to provide a refund, and they cannot provide a date for the product to arrive - they are not fulfilling their end of the contract with you, the consumer.
I only got a response after intruding with comments to other people's stories on their customer facebook page - they would not approve me posting queries after my initial, unanswered one.
Asking for a refund due to them constantly missing delivery dates is not you the customer asking for a change of mind refund, which they are entitled to say no to, it's you asking for a refund due to failure to deliver which is covered under ACCC guidelines.Quote:
Originally Posted by Batfan007
I've said it before but I'll say it again. They can put whatever they like in their terms but if those terms break Australian consumer laws then they are invalidated, no store terms can supersede a customers consumer rights.
I mentioned this stuff before in the debacle with he who shall not be named. Businesses must not accept payment for products if they know, or should have known, they would not be able to supply the products within the timeframe indicated.
And based on what is now at least a year of them failing to meet delivery dates for many customers they very well should know that they cant/wont meet the dates they have listed on their website.
Them saying "those dates are just estimates" is not an acceptable excuse as far as the ACCC is concerned, if an item is a month overdue any customer is entitled to a full refund if they don't wish to wait and see how things play out.
Wait as long as you wish but I suggest you keep in mind your chargeback deadlines, even if they say "the items are coming next week" if next week would put you over a deadline open the case.
We've seen online stores use that tactic in the past as a way to make people miss their chargeback windows so it's not worth the risk even if they are being honest and it's definitely certainly in the mail.
Chargeback cases can always be closed if the vendor delivers but they cant be opened if the deadlines have passed.
It does make me wonder if all these unreliable Australian stores have had the same dodgy supplier, and if their arms have been tied in some fashion regarding non-disclosure of late delivery reasons.
This is getting ridiculous - I have emailed them many times on my orders which I paid around June/July for items that supposed to arrive Sep/Oct/Nov and got no response even after I asked for a refund.
This is also starting to remind me of our old friend PC and we all know how well that went.
I am going to initiate the chargeback process before it is too late which is unfortunate.
I’m still waiting on FansToys Berserk which I ordered in 2017. But this still hasn’t been released (even though I’ve asked for a refund with no reply). Also waiting on 3 Siege Refraktors which has August as an arrival date. And some NECA TMNT which has an October arrival date. Looks like I need to get in touch with the QLD Fair Trading. Considering I’ve spent over $8000 with these guys and to be fobbed off, is pretty disgusting in my opinion.
they've failed to deliver their promised order update every 10th of the month in their exclusive customer only fb group (TBI Customer HQ)
they dont even let "customers" post in that group anymore - well not most of them anyhow
Yeah that's what I was getting at.
I went through all this BS with PC way back when.
Yeah that's what I was getting at.Quote:
Originally Posted by DarkHyren
I went through all this BS with PC way back when.
I'm waiting til at least Jan, and if they STILL can't deliver (or have shipping notice) of the overdie otmes I'll really have no choice but to try bank chargebacks.
I don't want to..........but what option are they leaving for people?
The infinitely shifting goal posts, the never arriving items and the shitty attitude they have now towards their customers are not winning them any more customers.
Been buying from there for around 3 years, and I can't beliieve how badly things have detoriated in the last 12 months.
STILL no notification of any of the overdue items on 11/12/19
Yeah the FB pages now you can post a comment on existing post, sending a post or msg to page just goes to limbo.
My last one was "pending" for two months. It was just asking about the previous order from november last year (the one they DID refund for and never received)
Yet they can't refund for this years missing orders?
If you give your monet to a Jordan Belfort, you don't expect to see it again, I trusted TBI, they had a good rep but their business practices lately are not trustworthy in my opinion.
https://i.imgur.com/IswWq4d.jpg
Thanks for the tips /reminding me.Quote:
Originally Posted by DarkHyren
I may have to do that sooner than later for the reasons you mentioned.
It is.Quote:
Originally Posted by Omega Metro
I received my Reflector from them around mid year. So that one is a bit odd.
NECA stuff typically sells out in the US, and import stores have to wait for another run or whatever stock is not alloted already to usa (im guessing, but it appears that way)
I've made no new orders at TBI in last two months and I did order some neca shredder/ movie 6" stuff with Robotoyz. Just one items / order for now and will see how that goes. I've bought there before but only in stock items.
I've been going with them now for speciality stuff, amazon for hasbro stuff (as they actually SHIP it) and show Z for 3P type stuff, as found them super reliable over last four years.
While yes it's likely that certain stores use shady characters that basically only buy dead stock and stock that's fallen off the back of a truck I'm very doubtful that there is some contract forbidding these retailers from saying "our supplier is having trouble sourcing these items, sorry".Quote:
Originally Posted by unexpectedpanda
It's way more likely that they just don't want to admit that they are using unreliable suppliers in order to cut costs since stating that means they are admitting they can't guarantee that any orders will be fulfilled, which should obligate them under Australian law to refund any customers that don't wish to play some kind of lottery when they are trying to buy toys.
IIRC this was confirmed as the type of supplier that PC was using and we found out near the end that he hadn't secured any stock, that he was basically taking money for items that might become available but were in no way guaranteed.
Since taking payment in full for items that might not ever be able to be provided is at the least in a legally grey area it's no wonder these stores would rather just say "shipping/manufacturing issues", when they deign to say anything at all.
A lot of the more reputable stores that don't have guaranteed stock secured, or that sell pre orders for items that might fail to reach the manufacturing stage (for example, any cancelled third party "masterpiece" toys), only take a deposit which generally is fully refundable.
At the end of the day we can only make educated guesses but it certainly makes one want to avoid small Australian retail and stick with major retailers and overseas businesses.
You are completely entitled to a full refund for items that have not only been manufactured but are also widely available in retail stores but things might be a bit trickier with items that have legitimately been delayed.Quote:
Originally Posted by Omega Metro
It might still fall under breech of sale laws however, even though there was no product to provide the store still made a promise to deliver by a certain date and failed to meet that date, so I think they are still legally obligated to honor any refund request made.
Definitely talk to fair trading but due to how much time has passed since you ordered FansToys Berserk you might only be able to take them to court if you want to see that money again. Or hope that if it does get released (BBTS says releasing this month but TFSource says not till Feb so it's anyones guess) they actually send you one.
No worries, it is sad when good options for getting these items for reasonable prices go bad since we generally have to overpay for anything but it seems to be a continuing trend.Quote:
Originally Posted by Batfan007
After the issues I had with TBI last year I could see the writing on the wall and thought it would only be a matter of time before things got worse, I was hoping I'd be wrong and I could start shopping with them again with confidence but it isn't to be.
So while it may end up costing more I've taken most of my business overseas and to Amazon as well as reliability matters so much more.
I've lodged a dispute with Humm. whilst I haven't been waiting as long for my item as others, I find their blas? approach to customer service to be disturbing. I pre-ordered New Age Megs (limited Edition) paid in full via Humm. Apparently it has been delayed, although other Australian online retailers have had the item since Late September. It took a while to receive a response from Stuart, who I must say is quite arrogant considering the negative feedback their poor excuse for a business has received as of late. I have requested a refund on multiple occasions, he has blatantly refused referring to their Terms and Conditions which they mistakenly believe override Australian consumer law. Apparently the item is stuck in customs since 19 November, their site still states it is en-route. They seem to be full of the same excuses in their play book. I would rather my hard earned money not line their pockets and refunded back in mine. I believe in giving everyone a go, however from what I have witnessed and read, I would not waste my money on Toybot Importz. They seem to have their staunch supporters though.
Everything is very reminiscent of what happened with Premium Collectables. Also, that Jonathan Sorensen guy was previously backing TBI to the hilt -- which in itself is fine -- but was also being really belligerent towards any would-be critics of TBI! :eek: In a previous post he said:
I can understand singing TBI praise if his personal experience has been nothing but positive. That's perfectly fine. But to go and attack other people for criticising them? Really? :confused: Everyone's entitled to their opinion, and all of our opinions are going to be based on our individual experiences with TBI. But to rubbish other people's views just because they're contrary to his own? :confused: It also makes this person look silly now that he's singing a different tune, as according to his very own words, he is now a venom-spitting troublemaker (his words, not mine).Quote:
Originally Posted by Jonathan Sorensen@FaceBook
This is why emotive language and logical fallacies like ad homina should just be left out of discussions. Had this person just said all those positive things and left it there, then he wouldn't look silly. Basically the positive words he said at the time were true, and the negative comments that he's saying now is also true. Both are true in the context of when they were posted, because really - it wasn't all that long ago that TBI was still reliable. It's actually quite astounding how they've allowed everything to fall down so quickly, and the reason why many customers tolerated them for so long is because they used to be trustworthy. And the reason why so many customers are angry now is because they feel that TBI have betrayed that trust. :(
The lesson for all of us is to never pre-order items from these small time Australian online sellers. It just always ends in tears. They are not built to handle volume. They are no cheaper than the big international online retailers anyway and at best you are waiting months extra to receive your order.
IF you must do business with them, only order in stock items through them and pay through PayPal with credit card or use humm, Afterpay etc for the protection. All pre-orders should be made with reputable international retailers using PayPal. The only domestic retailers I would pre-order from are Zing or Amazon.
I have empathy for everyone who has been through this. I've been caught too but thankfully always got my money back with chargebacks etc. It's just a pain to have to deal with that so the best option is to avoid these situations.
Hope everyone is able to get a resolution.
That's a bit much. There are other aussie online toy shops with no problems like robo toyz. You just need to do your research before purchasing. How responsive they are, how transparent they are, how detailed are their updates, and you have to read their policies! Tbi has one about no refunds, sorry mate, consumer law overrides ur bull****.Quote:
Originally Posted by DaptoDog
They still haven't posted their update and the non update they gave said some items are en route. What does enroute even mean in this case. one of the items en route was mp-43 megatron and that came out in march LOL.