Words of Caution when Ordering by Mail

They say what you get from the school of hard knocks may sometimes be the best education one can get.

Through no small amount of personal hardship in career, relationships, and everyday living, I have learned that by taking the time to communicate correctly, one can reduce (or even eliminate) the obstacles in the path to what one wants.

STORY: GREAT EXPECTATIONS

One day, Eliza Smith - a self-imposed shut in with a bee-hive hair-do and a husband always away on business - saw an ad in the penny-pincher's newspaper for an "Innovative Coat-Hanger" that boasted "divine simplicity charmed with an zest for superior coat hanging results."

Enthralled with this extravagant (albeit somewhat vague) description, she envisioned this to be the big gift she would give her husband just in time for his coming birthday. Dear Hubby could hang his coat in the closet, fully knowing he had the best and fanciest coat hanger that money could buy. Eliza quickly sent off a check for $29.99, and faithfully opened the mailbox every day - eagerly anticipating the arrival of her husband's gift.

The gift did not arrive in time for her husband's birthday three weeks later. Following several letters asking to hurry out the gift, and (in a moment of utter indignation) after requesting a full refund of her check, Eliza received a modest brown envelope in the mail. It was somewhat torn and addressed her name in sloppy handwriting. Already Eliza had a bad feeling as she opened the envelope with much trepidation.

Alas, she had gotten exactly what she had ordered... A dull, gray four-inch nail.

Her husband's new "Innovative Coat-Hanger".

SURPISE, SURPISE!

Imagine Eliza's disappointment upon seeing her "Innovative Coat-Hanger". Some would say she was the victim of a cruel mail-order predator. Others would say she got exactly what she deserved.

Judge her or not, one thing's for sure: Eliza failed to observe some basic guidelines on good communication.

MISCOMMUNICATION - PART OF REALITY

The above may sound ridiculous to some, but it's based on a true story. This lesson only serves to make a dramatic point: miscommunication happens everywhere. And it happens much too often - at home, at work, in the family, and as consumers - as the story above tells.

Bad communications factors in as a challenging part of the reality we face everywhere. So try this advice before getting something through mail order...

WHAT IS IT?

Product advertisements are written to induce you to buy. Words such as "unique", "one-of-kind", "hand-crafted", "limited time only" or "while supplies last" are all words crafted to make you open your wallet. In light of such sensationalism, words which describe more directly describe the product may fall to the wayside.

On the other hand, some product ads may describe the product directly, but still do not provide enough information. For example, and ad claiming to sell "brand new engine bearings, cheap for $20" does not specify what kind of engine these bearings are good for.

Before buying a product through mail order, try to contact the seller to get more details. If you have email, can they send you some photos? Do they feature their product on a company website, or (in the case of an individual seller operating on a shoestring) do they feature their product on YouTube?

WHAT ELSE?

Ask these questions, too:

- Does the product come with a warranty?

- Does the seller offer repair or replacement?

- Does a defective or damaged product go somewhere else?

- Who pays for all the shipping?

- How long does replacement take?

- Return policy if you don't like the product?

- Method of payment? (perhaps the biggest consideration)

WHO ARE THEY?

Look at the name of the vendor. Generic names like "ACME Enterprises", "Joe Smith" and similar ambiguous names are red flags indicating a possible rip-off artist.

Get on the web and research the name and contact information of the seller. While some sellers may not wish to list a personal name, they may offer a business name. If so, then enter the business name on a popular search engine and see what shows up.

Too many results? Try doing a search on the name exactly as it appears, but this time in quotation marks. Still too many results? Try the same search, but with the word "scam" or "rip-off" next to it (not in the quotation marks). Some results can be really interesting. If possible, get in touch with the people who made any comments about doing business with your prospective seller.

WHERE ARE THEY?

Google Maps may offer a street-level view of the address you type in. Upon pulling up the physical address itself, have a look at the address and the surrounding area.

Decide for yourself what you think. Does the address listed in the ad look like a legitimate business? Or does it look like a small business operated out of someone's home?

Next ask yourself: If it is a home, are you okay with ordering from a casual operation like this? If this is a high-dollar item you're ordering, a home address may lend some suggestion that the goods could be stolen property the seller is merely trying to unload at a good cost.

WHAT ELSE DO THEY SELL?

Look within the media (newspaper, web, mail flyer) on which the seller advertised your item of interest for listings of other things they may be selling.

Are they selling only one thing? If so, this may indicate a fly-by-night operation. On the other hand, if they sell many things, this is a suggestion that they could be doing business in earnest.

HOW LONG IN BUSINESS?

Do they advertise only intermittently, or do they have a consistent ad for the same product(s) in every publication? Or try calling the media with whom they have advertised and ask them how long the seller has been advertising. If they have been advertising on the long-term, then chances are that they may be a legitimate business.

MAKE YOUR DECISION

Whether or not the seller is even accessible, whether they are willing to offer information, how much information, and how much time they are willing to spend helping you out - these are all factors that will help you decide whether you wish to give your money to a stranger.

Base your decision made on a wealth of information, rather than wallow in disappointment after the transaction has been made. With this information in hand, you will be better able to make a well-informed decision before handing over some hard-earned money.

Have fun!

- John

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