Ever get shipped the wrong gun?

[fzj80]

I ordered a like new, but lightly used, DA/SA auto last Wednesday. I ordered it from a store that operates a storefront and an online store. I ordered it with the understanding that it was a DA/SA model with 1 full-capacity magazine. It arrived yesterday, but not what I was expecting. It is a DAO, with tons of holster wear and a 10 rd magazine. Not at all what I expected...

I refused delivery at my FFL, but the problem is that it is paid for and the selling FFL gives me the run-around when I try to call them. Am I wrong to expect a full refund of what I paid plus shipping and an RA to send it back to them?

Help me understand where I am wrong here, or make me feel good about how I'm attempting to rectify the situation...

 

[AmbulanceDriver]

Sounds like the shipper maybe tried to unload a crappy gun on you in place of what you actually bought.

Frankly, he needs to pay for return shipping and to ship you *YOUR* gun. I would not vary off that position.

If they refuse, inform them that you'll be contacting the ATF, and if necessary pursuing charges of mail/computer fraud.

 

[hexidismal]

I'd like to know what seller we're talking about here

 

[Leonovicz]

As you may have paid by credit card, you may wish to call your CC company and see if they can freeze payment to his account. Note: I'm only vaguely familiar with the manner in which CC companies work, so this may not be an option.

 

[ede]

happened to me, i ordered a used M36 smith from KY Imports. when i order it they ask about options or hand picked etc. i said as long as it's round butt 2" blue i'll be happy. i got a 3" square butt. i called and they were NOT real helpful and sorry for the mistake, basically they said i couldn't return it, they didn't care if i accepted it from the FFL or not since i had paid for it. they said they wouldn't miss my buisness since they had lots of other coustomers. i always like retelling this story ,especially when someone ask abotu KY imports.

 

[fzj80]

The shop is KY imports. I talked to the employee handling returns this morning and was told it depends on their employees recollection of my original conversation on whether I could get a refund or not. Also, they are refusing to pay return shipping no matter what. Best case scenario now is getting my purchase price refunded and having to pay for shipping back to them.

They sent me the wrong product. Now they are denying full responsibility. This is a perfect example of a piss poor business model.

 

[Joe Demko]

Years ago, I order a new S&W Model 4506. Instead, they shipped the smaller Model 4566. I liked it so much I kept it.

 

[Glockamolie]

Sounds like there's a reason they named themselves KY Imports. Sounds like you'll need some lube if you order from them.

 

[Kharn]

I was at the shop last week to fill out the paperwork on a Taurus 650 (2", .357, DAO), which I had been waiting for 8 months for (due to Taurus not firing very many stainless-steel guns to get the casings MD law requires), only to have the shop present me with a Taurus 605 (2", 357, DA/SA) for inspection and my approval.

First thing I thought was "Damn, another 8 month wait." :banghead:

After seeing my expression the counter guy realized something was wrong and told the stockboy to be more careful next time when pulling guns out of the safe.

It him took about 5 minutes to locate the 650 in the vault so everything worked out in the end.

Kharn

 

[LOST SOUL]

Never got the wrong gun, But have had the extra stuff that was shipped with the gun come up missing.

 

[cortez kid]

Ordered what was supposed to be a 22" Winchester 94 in .44 mag. Got in a 26" instead. I said I would take it. Probably one of the best mistakes I ever got. Very accurate, very happy. Of course now that they don't make them anymore, I wish I had the other.. also.
kid

 

[Chipperman]

Happened once to me. I ordered a Rock-Ola M1 cabine, old features non-import. What arrived was a Rock-Ola Blue Sky import with new features.

I called the dealer who was very apologetic. He had sent me the wrong one, but thankfully had not sent mine out to the other person yet. He paid for the return shipping and sent mine to me. All was well in the end.

 

[Lupinus]

If it were me I'd calmly inform then that one of two things can happen.

A) They can take care of arranging return shipping and send me what I ordered, and not one extra cent is coming out of my pocket

Or B) The piece of crap can stay where it is unaccepted while I contact my credit card company (or bank if I paid by check, please tell me you didn't use a money order) leaving them with a gun out of inventory and no payment for it, contact the district attorneys office informing them of a pretty good case of fruad I'd be more then happy to testify in, and also contacting the ATF so they can be of some use for a change. Maybe throw in reporting facts and the series of events on one of the webs best and most active gun forums.

I'd then let them choose the option they prefer. A lot of buisnesses will play tough and not care that they loose a customer. Like most bullies when they know it will cause them major problems they will do what is right and back down. Whatever you do, do not back down on it while you have options to exhuast causing them as many problems and costing them as much cash as possible.

 

[sm]

Yes.

Gun buddy ordered for me a NEF Youth 20 ga. single shot shotgun. It was supposed to be blue and wood, instead the company he ordered from transposed the stock numbers, and sent the one with black finish wood and satin nickel finish receiver.
Their mistake, and even offered to pay for shipping it back. I said not worth the hassles, I'd keep it. It is sitting here, and I have used it a lot.
Gun Buddy got a discount on next order and free shipping, distributer appreciated me and gun buddy being understanding, and we appreciated them being so willing to correct an easy mistake to make.

-

I had won a Benelli Shotgun at two different shoots. I did not want the Guns.

Distributors were changing inventory systems and updating shipping and warehouse areas. I know this headache.

Gun stores in respective areas, gave me credit for these Benellis and ordered for me what I wanted, both using the above distributor.

I had ordered a 870 in 28 ga from one and a Colt 1911 Lt wt Commander from the other.

Barrel was supposed to be Skeet, it came in IC. No big deal, Dist apologized and break on price for a Skeet barrel, even shipping, and said to give me boxes of ammo.

Full size 1911 came in. Dist , I spoke to the Dist fella from the gun shop, and told him how well I understood his headaches with new inventory system, dealing with people, expanding...etc. He really appreciated my understanding and being nice.
I kept the Pistol, and he sent extra mags, no charge to dealer or me. When I did re-order a Lt wt Commander later on, he hand picked the gun, and sent ammo no charge.

I guess having worked with the public in retail, whlse and distributor ends, I understand, and choose to work with folks that mistakes occur. It is appreciated.
Rarely has there been a negative problem, and the truth is, some folks do not need to be in business dealing with people. These folks usually do not stick around very long anyway to worry about later.

How raised - what you do.

 

[fzj80]

The ATF isn't going to be of any help here. I called them today and was told "the NFA is very specific and what you are telling me is a customer service matter, not an ATF matter."

So... I can accept the pistol and convert it. Or send it back and eat return shipping and potentially 15% restocking fee.

The gun is in pretty good shape. It has what looks like minor holster wear, but has three matching serials and almost no smileys on the barrel.

Now I can choose to give in and never spend money with these schmucks again, or keep fighting what may be a futile fight.

 

[kungfuhippie]

I bought a mauser from Big 5. Went to get it after 10 days and they couldn't find the box to the one I picked out.

No problem, right.

The store policy was that the gun had to leave in the matching cardboard box. Matching serial numbers.:banghead: :banghead: :banghead:

So after an hour of waiting for them to find my box. (I was bring patient and understanding)

I sugested they give me another mauser WITH it's box. They told me all they other 24/47s in shooter grade were purchased by then. I said they should upgrade me to a V.G. rifle for free then since they lost my cardboard box. The guy called the manager for approval and 5 minutes later I left with a VG mauser 24/47 with accesories for the on-sale shooter grade price

I've purchased from them since. I figure if a guy is willing to look for my box for an hour and then upgrade me when he can't find it his store deserves my money.

Has anyone else encountered this serial numbered box policy?

 

[vynx]

fzj80 - How did you pay for it? If credit card then contact card company and tell them you are disputing the charge - it always works for me.

If money order or check you probably have to eat it BUT contact the better business bureau at the sellers location and complain.

 

[Anna's Dad]

Serial # box

I had the problem with the serial number on the box at a local store. The gun was in a box, but the numbers didn't match. There must have been three people in the backroom discussing what to do and how to handle it.

They must have figured out the mistake, though, because after about 15 minutes they produced the box and gun and everything matched just fine. I'm guessing two identical guns were put in the other's box.

I didn't see the big deal, but they seemed really intent on the two matching.

 

[fzj80]

Payment was made with a Debit card. I notified the bank and filed a dispute yesterday. The bank says to wait 2 weeks to get word on whether the dispute clears or not. With the gun sitting in my FFLs lockup and not moving until shipping is paid I am doubting the dispute will clear.

At this point I have legally paid for but do not possess the gun as it is at my local FFL and I am refusing delivery. The selling FFL also does not have possession because it is sitting at my local FFL waiting to be transferred to me.

According to the Bank, ATF and Better Business Bureau I am in a very gray area because neither the seller nor the buyer are in possession. It's basically my word against theirs now.

 

[katonk]

I find that most reputable firms or individuals will specifically state that you have a 3 or how many days for inspection / satisfaction a long as it is returned as it was shipped...if it isn't stated, then you run the risk of going through all the hassle of the return...I generally get all this out in the open before I commit to a deal...

 

[Outlaws]

This is why I dont' buy firearms online.

 

[kungfuhippie]

Fire arms are like wives. Don't buy them online/mailorder, you'll always end up getting the wrong one.

 

[GRB]

Sounds for sure like you are getting screwed, and yes I agree with whomever it was that said this outfit chose an apropriate name when they called it KY.

I have ordered online before with virtually no problems. I once had a little problem when I ordered 3 Yugoslavian SKS rifles as in excellent condition. When they arrived, two were excellent, one was very good with lots of carbon deposits, other fouling, and notches carved into the stock (maybe used in the Balkans in the 90s). They sent me a decent credit when I made a complaint. That was Inter Ordnance. They took care of the problem quickly and politely. After that I ordered a Mosin Nagant from them. No problems at all. I used my refund to help buy the Nagant. I will only pay by credit card for a purchase from a gun distributor.

My most recent online purchase came by way of GunBroker.com, from a private individual. It was a Remington 241 Speedmaster in excellent shape. It was a bargain too. I just make sure when buyng from online auctions, guns or otherwise, to buy only from someone with good feedback. That is unless I am willing to take a big chance and order something from a new seller who has no feedback, but then I would insist on me making a credit card payment, or PayPal if not a gun.

All the best,
Glenn B

 

[Rimmer]

I have a different approach.

Do a search and find the mailing address of a dozen or more Better Business Bureau's located anywhere in the USA. Send to or fill out an on-line complaint Form about this business. The BBB will contact the business with a standard questionnaire letter. If the business owners do not respond to the letter the state atty general's office is notified and sends another, much stronger letter.
You'll know if they answered the first letter from the BBB, the BBB will send you the response from the business. Either way, send in another complaint or check the box saying the issue is not resolved and mail it back.

I usually do a mass mailing of 2 dozen letters or more to the BBB in different states. Get the mailing address from the net.

It's important to send a Registered letter to the offending business letting them know you are contacting various authorities to get your problem corrected in a fair and fast manor. Don't threaten, just state the fact and send the letters to the BBB. (don't mention who your sending letters to).

About 3 weeks later the BBB letters start rolling into the deadbeat business, then the follow-up letters from the AG's office. Usually within 4 to 6 weeks you'll get what you want from the business that is screwing you around.

It's worked for me several times over the years. Oh yea, and they still have to respond to the BBB's letters or their AG's office gets a letter from the other states you sent complaints to asking what the status is with business XXX.

If tax was paid for the item, well.... you need to let the state know that they might not have claimed the collection of that tax money you paid that business. Also, there are several states that they have sold items to, possibly collected tax and then never sent that tax money to those states or even reported it. It can be a sticky thing when the tax man gets involved. I mean, hey, they could be screwing the tax collector, right? Only one way for the state to find out........

 

[fzj80]

I like the idea of getting multiple BBBs involved. It seems they are not a member of the BBB though. Would that approach still have an effect?