rramakri..
Very nice watch! :)
In researching your question, I came to realize that you have probably
found the best price available on the Internet for that particular
watch. Therefore, in regards to the first part of your question, you
have found the best price.
Your concerns about the reliability of the vendors is well-founded.
In today's world, unfortunately, there are people who will appear to
be as solid and reliable as they can be, only to end up proving
otherwise. I have researched the two companies you are looking at and
here are the results: They are the same company. While this may
appear to be a bit strange, it is fairly common for companies to
utilize different domain names for the same company in that it
provides them with more visibility on the Internet, which in turn
drives business to their organizations. In doing further research on
the company(s), I would feel confident in purchasing from this company
for several reasons:
1) BBBOnline Rated. This business is listed with BBBOnline and has
been for quite awhile, since 1998. The BBBOnline requirements, from
their website at http://www.bbbonline.org
"To use the BBBOnLine Reliability Program seal, companies are required
to:
-Become a member of the Better Business Bureau where company is
headquartered;
-Provide the BBB with information regarding company ownership and
management and the street address and telephone number at which they
do business, which may be verified by the BBB in a visit to the
company's physical premises;
-Be in business a minimum of one year (an exception can be made if a
new business is a spinoff or a division of an existing business, which
is known to and has a positive track record with the BBB);
-Have a satisfactory complaint handling record with the BBB;
-Agree to participate in the BBB's advertising self-regulation
program, and correct or withdraw online advertising when challenged by
the BBB and found not to be substantiated or not in compliance with
our children's advertising guidelines;
-Agree to abide by the BBB Code of Online Business Practices, and to
cooperate with any BBB request for modification of a website to bring
it into accordance with the Code;
-Respond promptly to all consumer complaints;
-Agree to dispute resolution, at the consumer's request, for
unresolved disputes involving consumer products or services"
I also ran a check with the Better Business Bureau of the Southland,
which is the local branch of the BBB that would cover this business
and they have a satisfactory rating. You can see the report at
http://www.labbb.org/scripts/cgiip.exe/WService=wsbroker1/C%3A/Inetpub/wwwroot/SouthlandReport/default.htm?hCompID=13158353&hAKAID=1&hAddrID=1
2) Site Security.
All transaction on their site utilize a secure server connection. The
ensures that your personal information will be secure when ordering.
They utilize Verisign (http://www.verisign.com), an industry leader in
secure transaction processing and their security certificate
information (provided by clicking on the little lock symbol on the
bottom right hand corner of your browser when you are in their order
page) checks out.
With this information, the answer to the second part of your question
is yes, I would consider this vendor a reliable, secure place to
purchase your watch.
Additional information I can provide you regarding your purchase is
that you will be charged a $25 shipping and handling fee for orders
shipped to the United States. They offer a returns within 30 days,
with a 9% restocking fee, and require authorization for returns.
Regarding warranty coverage, you will receive a 2-year warranty with
your watch. If you cannot receive manufacturer service on the
product, PacificTime (AtlanticTime) will repair your product either
through the authorized dealer that originally supplied the product or
through their service center.
If you are outside the United States, they require a bank wire
transfer for purchases. If you are in the United States and wish to
utilize a wire transfer for payment, they will provide a 3-5%
discount. If you are interested in this method, you should call
Darryl at (949) 464-1168. My personal opinion would be to use your
credit card. While this company checks out very highly, using your
credit card gives you an extra layer of protection should you become
dissatisfied with your purchase.
To summarize, I would feel very confident in purchasing this watch
through this company. If you have further concerns, I would give them
a telephone call and discuss it with them. Thank you for your
question and enjoy your new watch! If you need any further
clarification, please let me know.
Regards,
-THV
Search Strategy:
whois database
http://www.BBBonline.org
http://www.bbb.org
PacificTime.com
AtlanticTime.com |
Clarification of Answer by
tar_heel_v-ga
on
08 Nov 2002 11:24 PST
rramakri..
Thanks for the clarification. I can understand you desire to use an
organziation listed by Bizrate. The only thing I can recommend if you
have your heart set on this particular model of watch and you like the
price, is to call PacificTime and speak with them. Ask them for
referrals that you can speak with. Bear in mind, they will have to
check with the customer prior to letting you speak with them, but let
them know your purchase is dependent on them allowing that. They will
probably direct you towards their Testimonials page on the the
website. In researching further, I did find the following:
http://anyboard.net/rec/hobbies/patek/posts/962.html
Regarding Jomashop.com, you are right. Their Bizrate scores are very
nice. I think what it comes down to determining which is more
important to you, getting the watch you want after a little bit of
investigation in order to put your mind at ease with a new vendor, or
getting something a little different from your wants, but going with
an established, rated organization. My choice would be to make a
phone call to PacificTime, speak with them until you are satisfied
that they are going to take care of your needs. If they don't meet
that requirement, go with the other. I would, however, if you talk
with them, let PacificTime know about BizRate and how it may cost them
business. I am sure they would be very appreciative.
Regards,
-THV
When all said and done, and you speak with whomever you decide to go
wth
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