Complaint Review: TSC SHOPS

We purchased a Queen Anne Telescope from TSC Shops (made by Authentic Models) on 11-30-12, for $129.22, via Paypal. The telescope didn't open up all the way and was defective. We asked TSC Shops for a refund and return instructions. TSC sent us a return shipping label that had us return the telescope to the distributor, Authentic Models. Tracking shows that A.M. received the telescope, and a phone call to Authentic Models likewise confirmed that it was received. Allison, at Authentic Models, also told me that her company reimbursed TSC Shops for the defective telescope.

We never got our refund. I called or emailed Janel Foisey and Tony Cheng at TSC Shops several times, and never got a reply. Even when calling during business hours, I only get a machine. We then opened a claim with Paypal and were told that the claim won't be honored, because the item was returned to a distributor, no to TSC Shops, which is against Paypal policy!

TSC Shops either screwed the return up, or intentionally had us return the telescope to Authentic Models, knowing that TSC could evade the refund and not get repercussions from Paypal for not having made it. And if there WAS a legitimate reason for TSC not having given us our refund in the past month, TSC couldn't bother to respond to emails or phone messages to explain.

BAD customer service, and DECEPTIVE or PATHETIC business practices all around. We've filed complaints with the Walnut, CA Chamber of Commerce and with the BBB.