One of the best days of the year is upon us. St Patrick’s Day! Years ago there was a Guinness Commercial (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELOalK_vjLk) that showed some guys waking up and running downstairs like it was Christmas morning but it was St. Patty’s Day and all the gifts were Guinness. This is how I feel each year and we have celebrated now with a big party here at the house and this is the 21st year we are doing this. Each year for the past decade, I have made it a point to splurge a bit on a nice bottle of Irish Whiskey to share that day with all my friends and family. A few weeks ago I found an amazing deal online for a bottle of Redbreast 21….or so I thought.
When the deal looks too good to be true, it sometimes is unfortunately. Here’s what happened: Saw a deal online for this 750ml bottle…great price and free shipping. Placed my order and got the email confirmation immediately and everything looked correct. Even got a tracking number for USPS.
Then a week later I received the USPS notice that my bottle was delivered and left on the front porch. I thought that alone was odd as liquor should require an adult signature. Went to porch…nothing there. Looked all around the front of the house…nothing there. The time they said it was delivered we were all home, the dogs didn’t bark, and neither security camera picked up anyone at that time. Clearly I was suspicious at this point.
Called the USPS the next morning. Here is what they could tell me: The package was indeed delivered but not to my address….but one that looked quite similar. Also, they confirmed the shipment only weighed 5oz. Scam confirmed!
Put in a claim with my credit card company immediately. Emailed the company that I had ordered through to tell them I knew what was going on and would appreciate an immediate refund. No response. I then called them and left a message that I was filing a report with the FTC for fraud (which I did do). Amazingly, I received multiple emails after that apologizing that they “lost” my order. Unbelievable. Was given option to have them resend the bottle or refund the money. Refund please…I won’t do business with them ever again. I already had the money refunded so nothing but lost time and a lesson learned. For the record, I started checking reviews of the store that sold to me and apparently this was a recent issue happening to other individuals as well.
In the end, I found a like bottle of Jameson 18 year Bow Street from Wine Anthology online. Shipped overnight: arriving today and adult signature required. Can’t wait. I’ll let you know how it is after we open it at the party. Slainte!
