Buying Armour - Safety in your Transactions. Please Read.

[Chef]

So you've decided you want to get the white stuff, and a Scout at that... And rightly so.

 

Now armour doesn't come cheap, and it's going to be a hefty outlay of your 'hard earned' and probably something you're going to want to run smoothly and stress free.

 

 

Now, not wanting to cause alarm and send you all running for the Bunker to batten down the hatches, it may or may not come as a surprise to hear that there are a number of issues with the costuming world that seem to be becoming more and more common place.

 

Number 1:

Stuff not being delivered on time. This is the prime cause of disgruntlement, and naturally causes all the others.

 

Number 2: Disputes over money, with regards to products.

 

Number 3: Damaged or Defective products.

 

 

So what can you DO about it??

 

There are a number of very simple ways i which you can protect yourself and your cash when it comes to Online or distance purchases.

 

PAYMENT:

 

1: Use a Credit Card to make the payment. This generally covers you against fraud and disputes.

You will need to check your individual card supplier on their terms.

 

2: Use PayPal. But BE ADVISED.

Paypal only covers you for 45 days, in which to log a dispute.

Sending Payments as "gifts or payments owed" DOES NOT give you "Buyer Protection". Use this option at your own risk.

This is very important.

 

3: Try not to send cash or other non redeemable payment source.

 

 

YOUR SUPPLIER:

 

First and foremost you are a CUSTOMER. It doesn't matter whether they are a massive company or some one man band. You are 'paying' for a product and have statutory rights with regards to that purchase. Your suppliers personal circumstances in no way should affect your transaction.

 

If you've parted with money, you are a priority.

 

Time Scales: Always make sure you get a definitive date on when your purchase will be ready.

IF it falls outside of the time scales for the 'Payment Protection' of your funding source, then seriously consider whether to use that supplier, because it is putting you on the fastest course to not being able to get your money back should things go wrong.

 

If the time scale is beyond these, consider asking to be put on a waiting list, with payment not due until the item can be delivered within that time scale. If they are not agreeable, alarm bells should be ringing.

 

They Request PAYMENT IN FULL UP FRONT, with a massive wait time.

This should be the number one alarm bell.... What other product in the world do you do this with??

Asking for all the cash up front and then making you wait 3-6-12 months (or more in some cases) IS NOT ACCEPTABLE.

This is becoming the norm, and it only ends badly. If their product is SO GOOD that it requires a 12 month waiting list, then they should either upscale or stop taking orders until they've cleared their backlog.

 

Deposits: If you negotiate a deposit for initial material cost outlay, make sure you see progress on the build within any specific 'protection' period to make sure work is actually being carried out.

 

 

So you've paid your money, and you're feeling worried!!

 

Contact your seller and request an update. This is the first port of call in any situation.

Get the low down from them.

If you're getting close to your 'payment protection' windows, then FILE A DISPUTE. Do this as a matter of course. Yes it may upset your seller a bit, but better they be upset than you loose your protection.

They should understand if the time scale gets this high.

 

If you don't receive any response within a week (which is plenty... even for the most seriously unconnected person), then consider filing a dispute.

 

It is a courtesy to let them know that this is what you are doing and why, so it doesn't come as a shock to them.

 

A quick courtesy email from your supplier shouldn't be a drama for them.

 

 

SHIPPING:

If you've got an expensive item coming to you, make sure it comes via a TRACKED AND INSURED method of delivery.

90% of all international shipping comes with these, and yes it may cost more, but you can't put a price on 'peace of mind'.

 

OBTAIN A TRACKING NUMBER. Get it... check it. If it comes up with a funny result. Contact your seller.

 

REMEMBER. The parcel remains the responsibility of the SENDER until you have received it.

If it gets lost, damaged or otherwise delayed.

THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR IT.... NOT YOU. It's not 'tough luck', it's for the sender to reimburse you and them to chase the shipping company or arrange a replacement at no additional cost to yourself.

IF your vendor won't offer a tracked service (bearing in mind UPS and the likes can get practically EVERYWHERE in the world), then seriously consider whether they are worthy of your cash.

If the seller chooses to send it uninsured, well... that's tough luck for them!

 

ITEMS DAMAGED or BAD QUALITY. If the box is damaged or the items inside are... DON'T SIGN FOR IT... Or sign it as damaged on your shipping waybill.

If the quality inside isn't up to your expected standard. Contact your seller. If you're not happy, you are entitled to a refund or a replacement.

If they get funny about this... Start a dispute with your 'payment protection'.

They should be ready to sort any issues you may have.

 

 

 

 

REMEMBER, THIS IS YOUR MONEY. BE CAREFUL WITH IT.

 

CAVEAT EMPTOR - IT MEANS 'BUYER BEWARE'.