Complaint Review: Ballard Designs

On September 29, I found a coupon code for Ballard Designs on the internet, Survey 05. Interested in purchsing an item, I tried to use the code on their website, which didn't allow me to use it. In lieu of the internet, I called to see if I could make the purchase on the phone, using the survey code. It was explained to me that because people were purchasing products with the coupon codes and selling them on E-bay, Ballard Designs was instead sending out "gift certificates" rather than allow the discount as posted on the website. I explained that I wasn't willing to make the purchase without a discount, since I didn't want a gift certificate. They asked if I would be willing to make my purchase if my account was credited in three weeks, when the gift certificates went out. I agreed.

Fast forward three weeks later.

Phone call #2. No credit. I am told it will be done, to allow 24-48 hours.

Phone call #3. Still no credit. Nope; they acknowledge it didn't happen, but they are crediting my account. Allow 24-72 hours.

Phone call #4. Hasn't happened yet! Now, I'm told that I was never eligible for the coupon code, because I didn't fill out a survey. Hello??? Didn't you hear me when I told you the web-site wasn't working? I was told I would be contacted in...72 Hours!

You know, if they didn't want to honor the coupon code, WHY keep telling me my account will be credited? Three Times?!!

It's less about getting my money back at this point, and more about them wasting my time. If this is their MO, grinding people down probably works on most.

The big question is...will contact be made? What do you think? Considering past history, I'm not betting that it will. I refuse to hold my breath...

Claire
Kansas City, Missouri
U.S.A.