Question about mail order puchases

[surd615]

Is is legal or even ethical to charge a credit card before an item is shipped? A friend of mine ordered something over the phone on 2/18. He was promised delivery on 2/22.

His card was charged on 2/18, but the item still hasn't shown up. It is a TV and has to be shipped by truck, but only from Brooklyn to NJ - about 30 miles. When he called the dealer, he said that it would be there at the latest by Monday, but since Monday the dealer hasn't been answering the phone or returning his voice mails.

My friend said that when he talked to this guy, he was told that it "takes a week to ship those things". I can't understand why, given the distance involved.

What are my friend's options now?

 

[surd615]

^

 

[alrocky]

Contact the CC company if indeed it is illegal to charge the CC before shipping. If the TV is not delivered, after the bill arrives he can simply notify the CC company by letter that the TV never showed up and ask for an adjustment on his CC account. If the TV eventually arrives he can refuse receipt of it but he may be charged some sort of fee. Maybe or maybe not depending on the terms of the purchase.

 

[gwlam12]

can ur friend drive to the location for pickup?

 

[compuwiz1]

He has every right at this point, to either have them prove they shipped, or if not, get his card credited back. That should be the final conversation with the dealer. If that does not get him a good tracking number or a refund, then call the credit card company and dispute the charge.