Once you make a purchase from them and you decide it does not meet your expectations, it is almost impossible to get your money refunded back to you. I should know, I tried repeatedly to return a stone but finally gave up. I hope this message will give others the determination to not give up like I did.
Based on my experience, AVC's Customer Service screens all phone calls (caller ID) and if they know you have a history of returning items or have an idea you plan on returning something, they will not answer the call. They also will not return your messages, emails or faxes. Any on air company can sell you anything. The Litmus test is how Customer Service follows through. If you want to know which gem shopping network is being run with honesty and integrity, shop with Jewelry Television (JTV). If you don't like something: send it back, no problems, no questions, absolutely no nastiness.
The U.S. Economy is struggling, the word is recession, and people are not purchasing as they were three or four years ago. People are concerned with keeping their homes from being foreclosed on and the price of skyrocketing gasoline. Gemstones and jewelry for the average Amercian is not on the priority list.
As with most start-up gem shopping networks like AVC things are fine at first, customers receive merchandise and returns are done in a timely and proper manner. Everyone is so friendly! We are lulled into thinking this company is honest and all is well. When cash flow starts becoming a problem with the network, then customers will start noticing the changes. Merchandise won't be sent, possible bait-and-switch, returns will be difficult if not impossible to make, receiving refunds can take months, if ever. And without warning the company is GONE. You just got taken, some of you for thousands of dollars.
Salespeople, especially those in the gemstone business, know that in general people are very trusting. This is how they take advantage of the vulnerable. They know people who buy are mostly lonely, bored, hurting—all trying to make the pain go away. Don't be a victim.
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