How would you handle this situation?

[AmyP]

I'm in a bit of bind with a Christmas gift.

I ordered a used copy of the Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 5 DVD set for DH from a store I found on google. I got an e-mail notification on 12/6 saying it had shipped from the Laurel store. I'm assuming this means Laurel, MD, but I'm not sure.

Anyway, as of yesterday, I still haven't received it. It was shipped Media Mail, but it shouldn't have taken this long! The website says 5-10 business days. It's been 8 as of today. I can call customer service when it's been 15 business days, but that would be after Christmas!

I really don't think the DVD set is coming. I can probably convince them to give me my money back, but I'm not sure what to do in the meantime.

What would you do? Should I try to get a copy on ebay in the meantime? If the other one arrives, I can probably make back what I spent (maybe even more) selling it on ebay.

Should I just wait it out and see what happens? There was only one copy in stock when I ordered it, so I don't know if/when they'd be able to get me a replacement. DH knows I'm waiting on something for him and that I may not have it by Christmas. I can just tell him on Christmas what it is, but I'd rather give him the actual gift!

Buying it new is out of the question. It runs about $130. I ordered it used for $75. I can probably get it on ebay for around $80 if I'm lucky. I've seen it under "buy it now" for around $90. $90 is a little more than I wanted to spend, but I'm so frustrated that I'd probably spend the extra money just to not worry about it anymore.

What would you do?

[Nocona]

I'd either wait it out or call and see if they can track. Your DH is a big boy and he can wait for it :lol: I know it'd be nice for him to have to open on Christmas though.

[Brooke]

Hmmm....I'd call customer service and confirm with them that it actually did ship, what day it shipped, if it actually shipped from Laurel, MD, and ask if they have any tracking info. Don't wait the 15 days to call. Maybe they have another copy in stock now and they could send that one out to you to replace the missing one? Or you could go pick it up? Laurel isn't too far from us. Ask what they will do for you if it doesn't arrive at all.

Media mail can take some time, 8 days isn't too unusual. It's taken almost 2 weeks for me to get a book that was shipped media mail but it wasn't coming from someplace as close as Laurel.

If it were me, I'd call the company and ask first.
Then, I'd probably wait for it. If it wasn't here by Christmas, then I'd tell DH that I ordered him something and it didn't get here in time but he'll get it when it arrives. My DH has done that to me before. It happens and your DH should understand.

[Alyssa]

I'd call customer service number to see if they have any advice or information. If it says 5-10 business days and this is only 8, then it just might not have arrived. It is a busy time with shipping.

I wouldn't buy one on eBay...you might get stuck with 2 in that case.

[Alyssa]

BTW, what is Media Mail? :dunno:

[AmyP]

Media Mail is an inexpensive shipping method. You can only use it for books, magazines, CD's, video games, etc. It's not very fast, though. I figured it would be fine since I ordered it on December 3.

As far as tracking info, I e-mailed customer service asking for a tracking number. That was a week ago, and I haven't heard a thing back from them. I looked at the FAQ on their website, and they said they don't offer tracking numbers.

If I wound up with two copies, I wouldn't be all that upset. I could probably sell the other one on ebay and make back the money.

I'll call the store on my break and see if they'll help me. I thought I saw another one in stock, but I read it wrong.

[AmyP]

I just looked at their website again. I have to wait 20 business days, not 15. :( I am going to try to call them now, but I just KNOW I'm going to be told it's too early. At least they should be able to tell me what to do if I don't receive the DVD's.

I know DH will understand if he doesn't get it on Christmas, but it ticks me off because I tried!

[AmyP]

I just called. I can call if it doesn't arrive by 12/24. They'll replace it if they have it in stock or they'll refund my money.

It did ship from Laurel, MD. She told me they're in Portland, Oregon, and they have a local customer who took two weeks to get his item. Hopefully I'll have it today or tomorrow and I won't have to worry.

[AmyP]

Well, the DVD's FINALLY came in yesterday. I haven't tested the discs themselves, but the packaging is perfect. It looks like the shrink wrap has been removed, but that's all (I ordered it used, so that's fine).

I'll just remember if I order from them again (probably will since there are two seasons left that DH doesn't have) to expect to wait a long time for them to come in.