Invitation problems, now what?

Reader’s Digest Version:

I have a question about contesting a charge for my invitations which were delivered with an assortment of problems. My credit card company wants to know the approximate value of the problem, as in a percentage of the total cost. Does anyone know how to figure that out? Or had any experience contesting a charge from a vendor?

The Full Story:

I selected a vendor to do my invitations based on a sample I had seen in her brochure. When I met with her I fell in love with the invitation she was going to make for me, and found her to be warm, charismatic and easy to work with. However, as we went along, there began to be hints that she was perhaps a tad, well… flakey. She would cancel appointments an hour ahead of time, forget to bring samples when we would meet, assorted other delays, etc. But I figured I wanted to cut her some slack, especially since I am a bit scattered myself. In the end the invitations were mailed out with the following problems:

1- The return address on the mailing envelop was wrong on every single invitations, meaning I may not know if some of the invitations couldn’t be delivered. (Luckily, the envelopes for the reply cards were correct, so I can get the responses.)
2- The reply card was supposed to include an option to reply online. Despite replying to my email indicating this change, the information never made it onto any of the cards.
3- The invitations are postmarked a day after they date she promised was the absolute latest they would go out.
4- The invitations contained small shells on the front half of which arrived shattered. (This I realize is a risk I took by mailing the shells, however, no real attempt to protect them was made, though it seems a small foam ring, or piece of padding would have helped.)

In the end… not the end of the world, but not the statement I had hoped (and paid) for. For what it is worth, the woman did apologize, and the mistakes were certainly not malicious. I feel badly that it worked out the way it did, but I also want a resolution that is as fair as possible. I would appreciate any feedback anyone is able to offer. Also, I would be glad to let you know who I used; I just don’t want to publically “bash” her in the forum. Thank you for the help, as well as the opportunity to vent.

Re: Invitation problems, now what?

I would say that the inconveniences and service disappointments were worth at least 20-25% of the cost of the invitations. Good luck, I hope it works out for you.

Re: Invitation problems, now what?

In the very least 25%more like 40%.... you don't know if ALL iof the invitations were even mailed. Its almost a waste since you will 1) have to follow up with a phone call 2) In the end may offend someone.

It was very unprofessional. I am sorry that happened to you.

Re: Invitation problems, now what?

I'd say at least 40%, there seem to have been a plethora of problems.

Re: Invitation problems, now what?

Well you could have her do them ALL again and give them to you so you can mail them out. Or if you dont want to do that you will have to call everyone to make sure they received the invit - i say 40% as well.

Re: Invitation problems, now what?

Thank you everyone for your input. The advice is greatly appreciated. I think we are going to argue for 50%, but we will be satisfied if we get about 40% back. The objective feedback from you all has helped us get a better perspective. Thanks again!

Re: Invitation problems, now what?

did you talk to her directly about getting a partial refund? it might be easier than going through the credit card company

Re: Invitation problems, now what?

She was only going to credit the reply cards; which I didn't feel was adequate. Also, I wanted to limit our interaction as much as possible at that point.

Re: Invitation problems, now what?

I don't think you got what you paid for at ALL.

This is totally unacceptable.

You can't contest bad service, but the end product is not what you ordered (wrong address, BROKEN shells - its different if you broke them but they arrived that way) - I would contest it all !

Re: Invitation problems, now what?

being that you didn't get what you paid for, I'd say 100%. They should have redone the order for you correctly.

Re: Invitation problems, now what?

I would contest 100% if I were you...You did not recieve the product you paid for, and there was no attempt the vendor to remedy the situation...fight the whole charge, dont give the vendor a penny...

Re: Invitation problems, now what?

i agree... fight the whole charge. Had she made an attempt to remedy the situation fine, but she hasnt. not to mention you know have to waste your time calling everyone to make sure they recieved their invites. Dont pay a penny

Re: Invitation problems, now what?

You should have had her do them over - Unfortunatley you used them so you will not get 100% unless you can prove she refused to do them over - I would say 50%

Re: Invitation problems, now what?

wow i thought i was a stickler ! but glad to see im not the only one ! :)