I have 3 experiences with Heartland America that I would like to share. It wasn't until the 3rd that I realized I was being deliberately scammed with inferior products.
First
I ordered a new watch off their website for what seemed to be an extremely low price. But it was represented as a factory closeout so I thought it was legitimate. When I received the watch (17 days after ordering), it clearly had been used. There were scratches on it, the protective plastic covers were missing, and the leather band was creased and without tags.in addition to all this, the watch did not work. I called Heartland America and, without asking any pertinent questions, she asked if i would like to return it for a refund or exchange. I thought that was strange, but I opted for exchange. And so, I returned the watch at my own expense sicne she would not cover it. 25 days went by and I contacted them again, knowing that their standard shipping and handling time was longer than normal. I was then informed that the watch was no longer available and was asked if I would like a credit or a refund. A refund would take as much as 2 billing cycles and so I settled for a HA credit. Still, I was out $9 for shipping the defective watch back.
Second
A week passed since my last order and I wanted to use up my HA credit. So I ordered a pair of binoculars and added another $65 to the cost of the transaction from my credit card. 3 weeks later, a pair of binoculars arrived but they were not what was advertised.instead of receiving a 20x70 pair, I received an 8x25 pair. When I called, I was told - and I kid you not - that "sizes will vary, sir". At first I laughed - until I could tell she was dead serious. I told her I wanted to return these and she agreed, but, as in the first instance, refused to pay for shipping back. I spent the next 20 minutes on the phone talking to a supervisor who finally agreed to cover my shipping costs. I then asked for a refund (not a credit) for the entire amount but was told that the previous credit could not be refunded but would have to remian as a credit. And true to their word, the refund did not appear on my credit card for 2 months.
Third
I wanted to use the credit and be done with them. So I ordered 24 pair of Evo athletic socks. It was shy of the credit amount but I just wanted to be done with them, even though I'd still be out $10. And, I thought, how can they screw up socks. Well, after the customary 3 weeks, I received some cheap off brand of socks - not Evo. My call and complaint to customer service was met with the same immediate condescending 'would you like to return it, sir.' I told her that I would like to know why everytime I ordered something from their website, something different than the advertised product was sent. Her response?"Sir, we don't be doin' bait and switch, sir." Yeah, you caught it, too, didn't you? I never said anything about bait and switch.
Well, I'm keeping the socks and I'm done with these guys. But don't let me dissuade you. If you don't mind waiting for 3 weeks to get an item significantly different than what you ordered, go for it.
You know the bite of all this? They charge a separate $2.99 for handling each order. I guess the $2.99 is a special charge for screwing up their orders.
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