Complaint / Review
AFMO - Armed Forces Merchandise Outlet
Poor customer service, won't live up to promises, no longer answering email ripoff

Complaint Information:
I was in need of a pair of boots in a timely manner, since I wanted them for a vacation trip that was scheduled a month away. I found a pair of boots online on the AFMO company's website. I telephoned the company instead so that I could speak to a representative. I specifically asked the following questions while on the phone: 1) Do you REALLY have the boots in stock? 2) Will I be shipped a pair promptly? The answer to both was Yes.

Two days later I received an email saying the boots were backordered, and would not ship until after my trip had commenced. I then found a different pair of boots from another company, and called AFMO to cancel the order. The CSR said there would be no problem in canceling the order.

However, two days before I was scheduled to leave, I got another email announcing the boots had shipped, and they would arrive while I was gone. I arranged for a neighbor to pick up the package, and contacted AFMO when I returned so I could ship them back. They agreed to take the boots back, and said they would pay me twice the cost I incurred to ship the boots back. I did receive the money back on the boots, but I am still out the money I paid out to ship the boots back. Since the mistake was made by AFMO, I do not feel I
should have to pay the bill, and they agreed when they promised to pay me twice the shipping costs. They did offer me a credit for $25, and said I could have a money order if I would be willing to wait up to six weeks.

If I chose to use the credit, I would still have to pay to ship any item purchased, and would
therefore have to pay money to recover my money. I opted to receive a check, but AFMO is no longer responding to my emails. On 1/16/04 I notified them I would like the check, and on 1/20/04 they said they would send the check.

Desired Settlement:
Send me a check for $25 dollars as promised.

If desired, I can forward copies of all email correspondence. If it REALLY becomes necessary, I can also provide copies of the phone bills to document when I made the calls to AFMO.