Below are the details surrounding my situation and overall "shopping" experience with Jacobson Electric Service, Inc. in Buffalo Grove, Illinois.
1/15/19 -- Staff and I discussed ideas, perused catalogs, and were enjoying the home improvement experience. I verbally stated my needs for flexibility to accommodate my ever changing plans ... it is a "work in progress." I was assured I would have no issues. I purchased two sconces and two chandeliers and took possession of the products that day. Once home, one of the fixtures was too small for the space intended and the sconces didn't look well in my room.
1/16/19 -- I returned to Jacobson and returned the sconces with no incident. They were accommodating and a refund was issued.
1/18/19 -- Further changes to my project were made, and the original fixtures no longer worked in my rooms. I wanted to return the two other "original fixtures," applying any balance towards a future in-store purchase. Another employee joined the discussions about adding "cans" in my home. This person assured me there would be no problem in making "changes" and nothing was mentioned about a 35% restocking plus freight costs policy. This information would have significantly impacted my decisions. In fact, I felt pressured to make a quick decision in ordering to receive an "industry discounted price." To Last, the salesperson asked me for an additional $400 because of a calculation error made on the invoice. My oversight and mistake was not reading the "fine print" on the invoice.
1/21/19 -- Jacobson salesperson called, asking for an additional $1000 deposit because her boss told her she didn't charge enough. This is clearly Jacobson's error, but I was accommodating. If I did not pay, sale could not completed. They were already in receipt of $1061.50 of my money and not in possession of any merchandise. This was a red flag, and I should have left the store.
1/22/19 -- 43 ceiling light cans, 2 chandeliers, and 8 pendents were ordered, and I was told it would take a couple of weeks to arrive (not 5 to 8 weeks as mentioned on the invoice). As of 2/12/19, I am still not in possession of 16 cans. I'm working with other contractors, and Jacobson's incompetency greatly impacted the completion schedule of my job.
2/7/19 -- To date, no further communication with Jacobson. I decided to personally go into the store. I needed to cancel the "cans" off my final order. That's when I was verbally told that I could not do that without a 35% restocking fee. I was speaking with the owner, and his arrogance was overwhelming. I asked him, again, to refund my money, but he had refused to do so. I left the establishment.
2/8/19 -- Jacobson's called me and more of the same "blame" game ensued. I offered a compromise, since I believe both parties have responsibility in this situation. I offered to split the restocking fee, but the offer was declined. He said he would talk to the owner and get back to me. A phone call never came.
2/10/19 -- Fed up and disgusted with every aspect of my experience with Jacobson, I went into the store one last time to get the cans I ordered. Only 24 of my 43 ceiling light cans were in the warehouse, but yet they are demanding that I incur the 35% restocking fee on the whole order. Furthermore, I wanted to cancel the complete order based on with Jacobson Electric. They flat out refused.
2/22/19 -- Called Jacobson Electric inquiring about the remains of "can" order. I was informed all was in their store.
2/23/19 -- Went into Jacobson Electric to pickup merchandise. Only 12 of the remaining 19 remaining cans were in the store.
2/26/19 -- To date, I still do not have my merchandise that I had "paid in full." I have no idea when or if I will receive what I fully paid for.
3/10/19 -- Received a letter from Jacobson stating that the rest of my order arrived and that they could not reach me by phone because my voicemail was full. I cannot recall my voicemail being full at that time.
4/2/19 -- I went and picked up the remainder of my merchandise, since Chase Bank informed me that I have no recourse because the merchandise was already picked up. This is true fact, but what is being overlooked, are all the obstacles Jacobson had created to make this transaction complicated and impossible to resolve.
Summary: On January 22, 2019 43 ceiling light cans were ordered. On February 7, 2019, my remodeling plans changed and wanted to return the "cans." I was told that there was a 35% restocking fee. February 8, 2019 I agreed to pay the restocking fee and Jacobson continued to refuse the return. I disputed the transaction with Chase Bank and lost on the grounds I took possession of the merchandise. I am left with 43 ceiling light cans that I have no use for and have been blatantly violated as a consumer. Consider the facts and make your own judgement. I believe this kind of business practice should not tolerated. I hope this review is helpful. read more
