Second vent in a week, normally not such a grump!
Backstory, FI bought me a painting for our anniversary, to hang over the mantle. We picked it out together from an artist on Etsy, with a solid rating, and a high number of sales. The artist made it clear to us that we wouldn't be receiving the exact painting, but a replication of it, with the same colors and style. Although we were a little put off by that, several reviews from people who'd bought paintings under the same circumstances said they were pleased with the outcome.
So, the painting arrived. Completely different palate, different technique used, and he had very clearly spilled a dark paint on a lighter area, and tried to wipe it off (poorly). Needless to say, we were disappointed.
We contacted the seller, who at first offered to reimburse part of the cost if we kept it, but eventually agreed to a refund. I wrapped the painting carefully - in double layered bubblewrap, surrounded by packing peanuts, in a fitted box. The day we sent it, we received a note from the seller, reminding us to get extra insurance on the shipment (which we would have done anyway, but...).
3 days later (after we'd had a delivery notification from UPS), we heard from the seller - apparently the package was damaged, and so we won't give us a refund. He sent pictures, and 'someone' had deeply sliced through the package and painting. The rest of the package was unmarked.
UPS is claiming that it was delivered in good condition - and that any damage must be our fault, for not packing it well. FI has now spent several hours (mostly on hold) with them trying to get their insurance to cover it.
The most frustrating part of all of this, is that (now having dealt with the seller), we went back through his reviews in more detail (there are hundreds), and several mentioned the seller refusing to issue a refund due to similar damage during shipping.
2 days ago, FI noticed that his card had been charged by UPS a similar
amount to the original shipping charge (without his permission). Today,
the painting was delivered to his office...? In very rough shape by now.
We did not ask for it back, nor were we involved in any conversation
which included us getting it back. So why the hell are they charging us to send us a damaged painting??
Hating etsy right now for not taking action to get rid of this awful man - he's clearly committing mail fraud.
FI purchased the painting on an amex card, so if UPS continues to be difficult, he can likely get a refund from amex. They may then go after the seller - but who knows. It pisses me off to think that he's just getting away with this. Besides leaving him a scathing review (which we will do, as soon as the matter is closed) - any suggestions? Would you let bad karma get him, or take the matter into your own hands? (BBB, report him to Etsy, report him for mail fraud, etc.?)