Hello all,
Looks like I might just be a victim of TiptopElectronics.co.uk if indeed there are a scam. Happy to clarify if I ever do see my money again!
Foolishly paid them via Bank Transfer as my cards kept getting mysteriously declined when I tried to pay for a camera lens purchased for £254 on the 11th of December.
No confirmation email. Called them the following morning to check status and was informed by Ben I was all set but it would take 7-10 business days. Called them up later that afternoon to request them to try and speed delivery up as this was a present for Christmas. Was told, 'don't push us during this time of the year. Our website policy clearly indicates time frames'. Admittedly, I missed their complicated diagram communicating processing and delivery time frames. On his own accord, Ben suggested they will cancel my order and refund my money. When asked how long? Our website policy (non existent - still can't find it) states it's 2-5 working days and my bank might take another 2 days to process, so totally 7. It will be refunded to the original method of payment, i.e. Bank transfer.
Over the weekend, receive an email from an SP Singh in Customer Services....the colour black is out of stock would I like Silver. I informed him that I have requested a refund and I do not want silver or black for that matter. Since then sent in four emails and no responses to any of my emails. On Monday afternoon (yesterday), finally spoke with Ben, told my refund was on the list, it would take 2-3 days (it's already 3 business days; 5 calendar days) to process. Not sure if this has now reset my clock? Asked if they had my bank details? Hmm...Shouldn't they have the details since it was a bank transfer? Regardless, I was asked to email my bank details which I immediately did. Nothing as of yet.
Lot's of obvious questions and red flags all through the process. They bank with HSBC as do I. Bank transfers back should be instant and should not take 2 days for the bank to process? 2-5 business days for them to process a refund? Really? If they truly are a new business trying to make a mark for themselves, polite and prompt customer service should really be an integral part of trying to make a name for yourself unless of course, you don't plan on being around for very long. No responses to any of my recent (4-5) emails. There seems to be a new problem every time I try to get my money back....the last one is, we don't have your bank details.
Again...more than happy to update this forum on any progress if this issue is ever resolved and I do see my money again.
Regards,
Rahul
Update on 18/12: Finally received my payment this morning. Whew. Perhaps they are legit. Just wish they communicated a lot better and with certainty.