not happy with vendor

Snappy · #1 08-09-2008, 04:52 PM

Since I am not the sponsor in question that got this thread started I guess I should have just ignored it but I don't like how it's turned into an attack on the "mod squad" and lumping all vendors together in a negative manner. And for the record I'm not just some guy with a credit card #

Quote:

I for one will not be dealing with Canreef sponsers any more until there is some assurance of quality from the person/people taking the payout for the banners.

That is your right but obviously not very well thought out.
It's irresponsible statements like this that are quickly typed in the heat of the moment that contribute to the reasons "bad reviews" are not allowed. There will sometimes be issues with what one purchases anywhere but some people tend to get carried away and would post negative comments about a vendor before they are given an opportunity to correct whatever the issue was. Should the vendors start posting bad customer experiences with the members as well or perhaps publish a list of known "tire kickers" who never follow up their promised purchases. The whole thing is just silly.

Quote:

It should be posted publicly who the vendor is, there are other sponsors that are great and shouldn't have to deal with this.

I agree with this 100% if there are unresolved issues. Again that is on the assumption that the vendor was contacted and given the opportunity to make things right.

Quote:

We are looking at options for a poll, with a rating system.

Great idea as long as when the "poll rating" idea is used it's not anonymous. There needs to be accountability from the members who post there in the same way it is expected from the vendors. If people have to give their name and others can see how they voted they are more likely to be honest.
As mentioned by several members PM'ing works very well and I endorse that as the best course of action to get your own vendor reviews.

Aquattro · #2 08-09-2008, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snappy

Great idea as long as when the "poll rating" idea is used it's not anonymous. There needs to be accountability from the members who post there in the same way it is expected from the vendors. If people have to give their name and others can see how they voted they are more likely to be honest.
As mentioned by several members PM'ing works very well and I endorse that as the best course of action to get your own vendor reviews.

Greg, I'm not sure we have that option, but we'll look into it. To my knowledge, at this time we can only internally audit who voted.
And thank you for your well tempered and professional thoughts on this issue.

Jason McK · #3 08-09-2008, 05:17 PM

Having been on canreef for awhile. I can remember a time when Vendor rating type posts where able to live for a few days until they got stupid.
What I noticed was that the majority of people complaining about vendor never bothered to contact the vendor to seek some form of corrective action. They would simply spew off about what a crappy experience they had and they will never shop there again.
I always felt this was unfair to the store as there might have been a valid reason for the poor performance that day and compensation could resolve the issue.

I think people need to be mature about how they rate each vendor and ensure your rating is valid and not just emotional.

Jason

Aquattro · #4 08-09-2008, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jason McK

I think people need to be mature about how they rate each vendor and ensure your rating is valid and not just emotional.

Jason

Thanks Jason. That is exactly the reason vendor ratings got pulled. While most of the posts remained mature and intelligent, there was always someone willing to ruin it for everyone by spewing pure stupidity. In a perfect world this wouldn't happen, but unfortunately, here, like everywhere, a few ruin it for all.

Samw · #5 08-09-2008, 06:14 PM

People who want to review businesses are free to create their own site for that. There are lots of places where you can post for free or create a website for free.

Examples:
http://groups.yahoo.com/
http://geocities.yahoo.com/ps/learn2...rks4_Free.html

Here are examples of people publishing their reviews.
http://askville.amazon.com/aquarium-...uestId=5341079
http://www.aquarticles.com/articles/...k_VAS_III.html
http://www.theaquarians.net/Articles...ore_review.htm

Lance · #6 08-09-2008, 06:15 PM

I live in a small town that has very limited SW shopping, so I depend almost entirely on out-of-town supply. I have PM'ed other members for information about various vendors and in every instance the responses were timely and accurate. In fact, when I first read this thread I PM'ed the thread starter and was given the information within minutes. Most of the members of Canreef seem to me to be very willing to help out fellow reefers. I have on several occasions been PM'ed by the moderators as well and been given good advice.
If members would use this practice more often there would not nearly be as many unfortunate incidents; and vendors who do not provide a decent service would soon have to change their ways or face reduced sales.
Seems simple enough to me.

fencer · #7 08-09-2008, 06:47 PM

I think vendors should have their return policies clearly stated. As a consumer I would feel better and as a seller I think it would reduce complications for DOA issues.

muck · #8 08-09-2008, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fencer

I think vendors should have their return policies clearly stated. As a consumer I would feel better and as a seller I think it would reduce complications for DOA issues.

While I agree with you Wayne.. I also think its not hard to ask the vendor before you place an order what his or her stance on certain issues that you are concerned about are.

Veng68 · #9 08-09-2008, 07:22 PM

As a consumer we have to take responsibility for our own purchasing decisions....... "Caveat Emptor" ............. "Let the Buyer Beware"

Do your own research..... like others said........ post a thread asking for PM's on dealings with the vendor you want to buy from.

I know that I have PM'd other board members my own experiences and I have asked people I know on the board about there experiences with vendors I want to deal with (or other members with stuff to sell).

Some people ask for vendor rating threads........ the majority of the threads quickly degenerate into personal name calling and serve no constructive purpose......... which is why a majority of boards (not just reef related) do not allow vendor rating threads.

The mods have other things to worry about like spammers and keeping threads on topic, etc. It's a thankless job that can be time consuming. I think the mods on this board are doing an excellent job. Thanks to all the Staff!!!

Just my 0.02 on the matter.

Cheers,
Vic [veng68]

nats · #10 08-09-2008, 07:30 PM

If the vendor has unethical business practices like the one I dealt with, they will just tell you what you want to hear before you place an order. I asked do you use a styrofoam box to ship. Then the stuff arrives in a wet cardboard box with styrofoam popcorn.

Then when something goes wrong they already have your money and tell you to pound sand. THe lesson I have learned is use this fourm to your advantage and ask members advice or opinions on the vendor you plan to use before hand. Looking at the 200 pms I have received I'm sure I would have gotten the idea on this vendor. My fault.

I will still continue to use other online vendors, but not without doing my home work first.
And to everyone that has pm'd me on this thread, thanks for sharing your tips and ideas with me I really appreciate it.