Complaint Review: Ables Books

I purchased/paid for Kirk's Veterinary Therapy XV- clearly on my invoice. I received Edition XIII. This isn't just an older version, the content is different! I needed this book for my board exams and had to rush to buy one locally (way more expensive) and tried to return it once I got back given it was an error on their part. No dice, given it was over 30 days, even though they didn't fulfill their promise from the getgo and cost me an additional ~$60 (which may mean nothing to many, but to a veterinary resident working less than minimum wage means a lot), time, and a lot of annoyance. 

Attached is the transcript of the explanation letter and responses starting when they refused to help me. I even attached their return policy (which has no date limit on 'fullfillment mistakes' and my invoice to the initial letter). 

I was ripped off. 

***

Sandy,

I ordered Kirk's Current Veterinary Therapy Edition XV. My statement and invoice say I purchased Edition XV. 
You sent me Edition XIII, which is not what I ordered and not what the statement indicated. That is an error on your part. Your 30 day policy would be valid had you sent me the item I ordered. I've attached my original invoice and a screenshot of your posted return policy regarding "fulfillment mistakes" for your convenience. 

While you are correct in saying money can be saved by using an old textbook for most college courses, in this case, this is NOT at all pertinent. XV is 15. XIII is 13. There's a 16 year difference in publication dates. It's really not complicated.

If you must know, I purchased this book for board preparation for my Veterinary Neurology General Exam- i.e. the second largest examination of my life (and in my 12 years in post high school training). The editions that are covered on our boards are SPECIFIC, and it's not just changing a diagram or two as in some text revisions. This is medicine, which evolves, especially over 16 years. I had to purchase it quickly in order to have time to study for a test I paid $1000 to take. 

If you also aren't aware, medical residents make a meager salary. Veterinary residents make less. Hourly, it ends up being less than minimum wage.

Now, if you are fine with your company profiting on residents who make almost nothing to live, spend over a decade learning how to benefit the humans and animals of this society, while trying to save money wherever they can (stumbling upon your website in the process and wrongfully think it's a good idea to use it), then so be it. Karma, and word of mouth, I'm sure will come full circle, especially with the help of the internet, and your (very clear) invoice and return policy. If you'd like to redeem your company's name and do the right thing, I'll expect my refund in full.

Thank you for reminding me to watch my back. Maybe during the next visit to your doctor or veterinarian you can request they use 16 year old medical practices to save a buck or two. 

Best,

Mona

Ablesbooks <ablesbookhelp@gmail.com>Sep 19

to me
We would gladly issue your refund but you bought the book in May.

Thank you

Sandy

Mona Q <(((REDACTED)))@gmail.com>
Sep 19

to Sandy
Sandy,

Please refer to your own return policy which I attached to my last email. The return policy has NO DATE LIMIT regarding fulfillment mistakes, which VERY CLEARLY applies to this situation.

Your company is predatory if you continue refusing a refund.

Ablesbooks <ablesbookhelp@gmail.com>
Sep 20

to me
We specialize in selling the previous editions of items. This is stated on our website and in your shopping cart at the time of purchase. In most cases the right previous edition will work for most classes and save you considerable money.

We honor a 30 day money back guarantee for all items.