eCheck Refund

Back on the 4th of the month, I ordered some items that cost well over $200, but when I checked my account on that vendors website, some days later and found that they weren't shipped, I called their office, and the rep claimed that those items had been discontinued, so I requested a refund.

That request was last Tuesday, and when I checked my bank account today and found no mention of it, I spoke with a banking representative, and he said that even though it was an echeck, that they had sent a paper check through.

For this reason, he said that the bank was not able to provide any recourse, and suggested contacting the vender again...which I did.

After a fairly long wait, the vender rep came back online and said that she couldn't find the person that had to authorize the refund, but that she would email me when she did. Since I got not email and they are now closed for the weekend, obviously I shall have to wait.

I may be borrowing trouble...at least I hope so, but if I continue getting the runaround, is there anything that I can do other than file with the BBB and cry?

Never pay cash for online transactions. Always use a credit card (even through Paypal). That way when things like this happen, you can dispute the transactions and the credit card company will not hold you responsible until they investigate.

I agree with you, except that an echeck is not exactly cash. Back when I first started dealing online, I discussed echecks with my banker, and he assured me that it was as safe as using a credit card, because of safety provisions similar to credit cards. Yet what I was told on the telephone during this last conversation was totally contrary to that.