Reply from ShopBLT.comJul 19, 2020
7/19/20 - Final Response:
"This site, possibly, but this is not the only review site."
True, but it's the most reliable review site and the only one that doesn't gouge resellers for the privilege of actually interacting with customers and replying to reviews. You won't get this level of interaction with us on any other site as we don't participate elsewhere as a result. As we said, most people who do complain about delays are complaining about things we can't control. Your complaint about returns processing speed during a pandemic is unique.
" It is far more effective to hold the replacement part pending your review to shorten the process." and " Again, your status page does not accurately show this."
We're not sure how else to state this. That is what we do, and it is reflected on the RMA status page with the words "In stock Yes / No" on the replacement line item. We don't know of any other way to clearly state if the item is in stock or not on the order. Yes and no seems about as clear as it gets. We have made other changes, already, based on your dissatisfaction with a timeline of when a returned item is received at the warehouse. That is shown on the RMA status page for you, and everyone else, now.
"Also I did contact you prior to this review via email. "
Okay? We reply to every e-mail, so we're sorry if that reply wasn't clear enough to you. Hopefully, you have a better understanding now.
Lastly, due to your dissatisfaction, we will see if it's possible to speed up the process for defective returns / exchanges. We have had people try to scam us by returning something completely different than what they purchased, but those cases are very few and far between. Therefore, it may be possible, for defective items only, to ship the replacement item (if in stock and allocated to the replacement item as reflected by "In Stock Yes / No"on the RMA status page) immediately upon receipt of the defective unit. In your case, that is what we'll do to try and make your experience a better one.
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7/19/20 - "Additionally, other reviews have verified that you have had this slower than average processing/shipping as far back as 2015, so again is a fair comparison for review rating."
Untrue. This site is replete with people praising our fast processing. We process in stock orders and ship them the same business day they're placed. This includes pre-orders when they arrive into inventory. You're criticizing us for out of stock items over which we have no control. Again, we are not a manufacturer, and have no control over a manufacturer's processes, delays, and ETAs.
"This did not address the problem with which I brought up. "
Yes, it did. What you're stating is inaccurate and confusing. When inventory arrives it is held for your replacement. We're not sure what else you're trying to state. There's no additional delays to allocate inventory to a hold replacement when it arrives.
It would've been nice if you'd given us a little credit for implementing your request to show when the return has arrived at the warehouse, and within 24 hours of you making this request on a 3rd party review site no less -- but folks can see that right here in our response.
If you need further assistance, please contact us using the "Contact us about this order" button, displayed near the bottom of your order and RMA status pages.
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7/18/20 - Prior response:
"Cons: Very slow to get stock on high demand items. "
We're not a manufacturer and we have no control over the manufacturing process. You ordered during a pandemic which is affecting most manufacturers and causing massive delays. We can only rely on, and relay, the information we're provided at the time it is provided to us, and we do our best to keep you as informed as we are.
"Very slow RMA process if choosing 'Hold until defective item received'."
The entire industry is struggling to cope with the sheer volume of sales and returns, which has spiked exponentially during the pandemic. This is why advance replacement is an option, to ensure you get the item as quickly as possible.
Changes you'd like to see:
1) "why it is necessary to wait the full 15 days"
For clarity, it isn't 15 days and isn't a required wait period. It can take -up to- 15 business days. It's an estimate only, and usually things are handled within a few days of receipt -- but things aren't usual right now, so it could take that long to process. If you don't want to wait, "Advance Replacement" is an option. Otherwise, it takes time for the returns warehouse to process the sheer volume of packages they're dealing with right now, during this pandemic.
2) "include date defective item is received"
Typically, if we're provided with a tracking number, or if we're paying for the item to be returned and already know it, we include that on the line item for the item being returned, which appears as a tracking link. That leads to the carrier's website showing you tracking so you know when the item was received. If that's not showing up, then it's an error on the coding team's part, and we'll have that looked at to make sure it's properly populating.
We do keep, internally, a log of when the item was delivered to the warehouse, and we don't disagree that it may be helpful to include that on the status page. In any case, it wouldn't affect the time it takes to physically get to the package once returned, inspect it, and check it back into inventory.
3) "Change RMA status page to include if replacement stock is being held"
This is always the case and does reflect exactly that with "In Stock: Yes / No", on the line item. If not in stock, an ETA is listed on the replacement item if available . Hold replacement items are treated just like any other order's items, except, they jump to the front of the line when inventory arrives.
Regarding your interaction with us, we apologize if the information seemed confusing. Hopefully, you have a better understanding of the process now. We'll endeavor to make it as clear as possible going forward. Thank you for your business and feedback.