Online vendor mistake. Should I inform them?

Discussion in 'Beer Talk' started by LambicPentameter, Jul 10, 2013.

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  1. LambicPentameter

    LambicPentameter Initiate (0) Aug 29, 2012 Nebraska

    My question is about a recent transaction I had with an online vendor. The short version of the story is this:
    1. Ordered a mixed 12-pack of beers 2-3 weeks ago from an online vendor
    2. This vendor always sends out UPS confirmation emails when orders ship, and I never received one. I was about to email the company and ask if my order was being processed, when...
    3. Out of the blue, the case shows up as ordered. No UPS email was ever issued and even after receiving the case, the website had my order listed as "processing". Since I got my beer, I didn't think twice about it, until...
    4. Today, I received a duplicate shipment of the same, exact order
    5. My credit card looks to only have been charged once

    So, if you're following along at home, it sounds to me like someone put the shipment in the mail the first time around and forgot to issue the UPS tracking number, which must've lead to someone else thinking that the order hadn't been shipped at all.

    My question: should I reach out to this vendor and let them know their mistake? My inclination is yes, because it seems like bad juju to just take something that I didn't pay for, even if it wasn't my mistake. But I'm curious to see how my fellow BAs process this example of beer ethics. One thing to note: I have an extensive collection of ready-to-drink and cellared beers at home, so missing out on 12 duplicate bottles of beer isn't going to make or break my personal inventory.

    Thoughts?
     
    #1 LambicPentameter, Jul 10, 2013
  2. DenverBeerDrinker

    DenverBeerDrinker Initiate (0) Apr 5, 2012 Colorado

    Reach out because it's the right thing to do. Beer karma or what you have in your cellar doesn't apply here.
     
    #2 DenverBeerDrinker, Jul 10, 2013
    JrGtr, LambicPentameter, domnalbrecc and 2 others like this.
  3. otispdriftwood

    otispdriftwood Initiate (0) Dec 9, 2011 Colorado

    I would contact the vendor and explain that you received duplicate shipments - but I would specifically ask to speak to the owner or manager. Then play dumb and ask what to do. If they say send it back, ask them to send you a shipping label or send you the shipping fee or give you a credit on your next purchase. I don't believe for a minute that you should bear any of the cost of their mistake. However, depending on the vendor, they may just charge you again since you have admitted you have received a duplicate shipment - at which point you would hopefully contest the charge. But there's also a chance that they will say thanks for being honest - keep the beer.
     
    #3 otispdriftwood, Jul 10, 2013
    LambicPentameter and utopiajane like this.
  4. szmnnl99

    szmnnl99 Pooh-Bah (2,028) Apr 3, 2006 Michigan
    Pooh-Bah

    I would let them know, most likely they'll let you have it for free or at a reduced rate. Worst case, they'll send someone to pick it up.
     
    #4 szmnnl99, Jul 10, 2013
    LambicPentameter likes this.
  5. Ivegotmule

    Ivegotmule Initiate (0) Nov 7, 2012 North Carolina

    Contact them so they know what happened to the missing case and no one gets in trouble for it, they will most likely let you keep it for your honesty.
     
    #5 Ivegotmule, Jul 10, 2013
    LambicPentameter likes this.
  6. Hanzo

    Hanzo Initiate (0) Feb 27, 2012 Virginia

    I'd call them up. Best case they tell you to keep it, worst case they send you a shipping label to send it back. Either way you'll have a clear conscience.
     
    #6 Hanzo, Jul 10, 2013
    LambicPentameter likes this.
  7. Ranbot

    Ranbot Pooh-Bah (2,463) Nov 27, 2006 Pennsylvania
    Pooh-Bah

    I think a reputable business would thank you for the information and let you keep the beer. It's probably a small loss for them, but worth it if they can pinpoint the problem in their procedures and fix it so the mistake never happens again.
     
    #7 Ranbot, Jul 10, 2013
    Hopsiam14, ericj551, LambicPentameter and 1 other person like this.
  8. Benish

    Benish Pooh-Bah (2,446) Mar 13, 2013 Utah
    Pooh-Bah Trader

    Contact them, it's the right thing to do.
     
    #8 Benish, Jul 10, 2013
    LambicPentameter likes this.
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