In a previous article we discussed how buying with a credit card rather than a check or money order can protect you if you don’t get merchandise you’ve ordered. But that’s not the only thing that can go wrong when you order on line or through the mail.
What if you get the goods you ordered but the quality stinks?
This part of the Fair Credit Billing Act can be confusing, because it contains several “ifs.”
For instance, goods must have cost at least $50. Then the purchase had to have been made either in your home state or within 100 miles of your mailing address. So… you can’t go on vacation far from home and then come back and complain about things you bought while you were away.
If your credit card purchase was on line or over the phone… who knows? You need to call your card issuer to see if you’re covered. You made the purchase at your own address, but…
And here’s another “If.” If the credit card issuer is also the merchant, or if the seller mailed you an ad and you purchased from that ad, then the restrictions don’t apply.
Before you can make a claim you are generally required to try to work things out with the merchant. Do so carefully, and be sure that everything you do to attempt to resolve your issue is done in writing. If you talk on the phone, back that up with a written note that says something like “As we discussed in our conversation of April 30 at 1:15 p.m. Eastern time…” Be sure to get the names of everyone you talk with. Depending upon the policies your credit card issuer has in place, you may have to show proof that you tried to return the merchandise or get a refund.
That isn’t always easy, if you’re dealing with unethical companies. I know one young man whose credit card was billed for a health club membership after he had verbally canceled his membership when he moved out of town. It turns out that the fine print said he had to cancel by certified mail, so he tried that, but the health club refused the letter.
Whatever you do, keep paying at least the monthly minimum on your credit card while you’re disputing the charges. Your credit scores will suffer if your account shows non-payment.
Author: Mike Clover
CreditScoreQuick.com your resource for credit cards, credit reports and ground breaking credit news.
