What's the deal with Custom Crops?

[RadioNate]

I've seen here to stay away from them but the prices are so good and they seemed to be recommended on the cricut site (which is where I first heard of them). I haven't seen much about them anywhere else.

thanks

[Kim1964]

I haven't purchased anything from them, but my BFF bought her baby bug from them. Then she ordered another cart and Design Studio in a 2nd order. She received both orders in a timely manner.

[DisneyIsTerrific]

I've ordered from them a few times and got great service each time.

[TiggerFamily]

I've ordered from them twice and had great service both times. I even ordered right before Christmas and had my cart in a week. I would use them again without a second thought. I just looking at the Pooh carts over there.

[RadioNate]

I'm happy to hear some positive feedback. They also have some eBay auctions I was considering. I really haven't seen much about them elsewhere but did see a comment here and there to stay away. I'm going to go ahead and try it since they are $50 less than anywhere else I've looked and I don't want to wait for sale!

thanks again!

[Mrs.Charming]

I bought from the through ebay and got my cartridge in a few days! I would buy from them again.

[bskts4bj]

I've bought through them on eBay several times and NEVER had anything less than excellent service! I live 1/2 hr. away from their place and they even offered to let me come pick up my merchandise instead of paying the shipping charges.

Brenda

[Bikergranny]

(sorry for the BOOK...I'm venting and need some advice)

I'm having a heck of a bad time with Custom Crops and am at my wits end about it.

I won an ebay auction for a Cricut Expressions machine which comes with 2 cartridges. I selected my cartridges from their "approved list", paid for my order with AmEx and expected it to ship out in a matter of days...especially since the title of the ebay auction was "NOW IN STOCK - CRICUT EXPRESSIONS MACHINE...".

That order was placed and paid for on 9/1. After not receiving a shipping comfirmation within the week (when it said it would ship in 1-2 days), on 9/7 I sent an email inquiring about it. I received a reply on 9/8 saying that my order was being "held" because I owed them $4.99 for one of the cartridges I ordered. Confused at this response, I asked them what the extra charge was for because I ordered the cartridge from the list they told me to, and I didn't see anywhere that it mentioned an extra cost or I would have included it in my payment. Nor did they make any effort to NOTIFY me of this glitch that was holding up my order.

The next day I got another email from someone else, saying not to worry about the $4.99 and that she released the order and it shipped out...would be on a truck on 9/9.

I had since purchased 2 other items from them via ebay auctions on 9/10 (assuming they were holding up their end of the bargain and shipping out my original order the day before). The two items I ordered were Sizzix alphabet dies; 1 was a cheaper item that I won for around $10, and the other was a more expensive (retired) alphabet that I felt I was getting for a STEAL at the winning price of $4.65!!

I did have a concern about that second auction because although the title of the auction AND the photograph were for the retired product I wanted, the Description mentioned a different product...a less expensive one. Before the auction was over, I sent them a message informing them of the discrepancy and that the item I was bidding on was the one pictured and in the title, and that if I were to win the auction, that's what I expected to receive. I did win the auction (in the middle of the night, LOL), and 2 days later I received a reply from someone there saying "Wow, you're right! I'll be sure we get that corrected and we will send you the product you were bidding on". I figured they planned to honor the auction...but I guess I figured wrong!

After a number of failed telephone attempts and several emails had been exchanged, I was assured by 2-3 different staff members that my Cricut machine was already shipped, confirming that the 2 cartridges I asked for were included.

Yesterday I received ONE of the sizzix alphabets (the $10 one that I had won), and on the packing list it said "Back Ordered" by the other (more expensive and mislabeled) item. Isn't it against ebay policy to auction off a product you do NOT HAVE??? :confused3:

Now, since my "NOW IN STOCK" Cricut machine STILL hasn't arrived, yet a product I ordered from them the day after my machine had supposedly shipped was already delivered to me, I began to get upset.

I made another attempt to contact them by telephone yesterday, but to no avail. They never answer the phone, and no matter which option you select, ultimately you cannot get a human on the phone. I've heard that they were closed (even during their stated business hours), I have selected an extension and been told that the mailbox was full and could not receive any more messages, etc.

Finally, I sat down and sent them a long email, telling them exactly how upset I was about their poor level of customer service. I pointed out to them that they BEG customers not to post negative feedback on them on ebay and to contact them directly to work out any issues that need attention, but when you attempt to do that, you get no response. How can we work anything out when we cannot reach them?! It's obvious I'm not the first unhappy customer or they wouldn't have that "disclaimer" on their website about not giving them negative ebay feedback!!

I told them that I've done everything I could to honor their request but if I did not hear from them by Thursday, via email or telephone, I expected to receive by FRIDAY either my Cricut Expressions machine (which I pointed out would have to be sent overnight if it hadn't shipped yet) or my money refunded to my credit card...one or the other. I warned them that I would not only give them negative feedback on ebay, but report them for fraud.

The tracking number they gave me has no information associated with it...just confirms that it was "shipped 9/9", but not where the package is at this moment. That told me something was wrong because it's been exactly the same every day since 9/9! I called UPS today, after still not receiving my package. I gave them the tracking number for this package and they confirmed that it has not been given to them yet. The "invoice" was generated, indicating that a package would be coming to them, but it has not yet been given to them...this is the package that I have a confirmation from Custom Crops saying it shipped on 9/9, along with an email from Amber, telling me it was on the truck!

Saying something is "in stock" and "shipped" when it hasn't even left their plant yet...that's fraud. Selling/auctioning a product and promising a 1-2 day turnaround on shipping when you do not even have the product in house and it's on "back order" for more than 30 days...that's fraud!!

They now have well over $300 of my money and I have nothing to show for it but a bunch of broken promises and lies. I have been waiting 17 days for my "in stock" product and they still have not responded to my latest email message, nor has the package even left their facility.

So, I reported them to ebay this evening...let's see if they respond to me now! :mad:

That's my story, sad but true...I wanted to warn everyone out there not to be sucked in by the good prices at CUSTOM CROPS. It's only a bargain if you actually GET the products! All I've gotten so far is a lot of frustration! I could have ordered these same products elsewhere and even bid on other auctions for them, and probably had them long ago. :sad1:

Anyone have any suggestions on how I should proceed? I don't know if I should call AmEx and dispute the charges, or what. All I know is that I now own cartridges and design software (purchased from other ebay sellers) for a Cricut machine that I do not even have yet, and will probably never get from Custom Crops. I cannot afford to buy another one until I get my money refunded...any recommendations?

[pixiedustforever]

I'd call AmEx and see if they'll not pay Custom Crops until you call them back and say you've received your merchandise. Or whatever AmEx recommends.

Wonder if the Better Business Bureau has records of online retailers. Just a thought.

So sorry this happened to you. I've never ordered from them because I read some of the before mentioned warnings. Keep us posted how CC handles it.

Marylee pixiedust:
Pixiedustforever

[Bikergranny]

I'd call AmEx and see if they'll not pay Custom Crops until you call them back and say you've received your merchandise. Or whatever AmEx recommends.

Wonder if the Better Business Bureau has records of online retailers. Just a thought.

So sorry this happened to you. I've never ordered from them because I read some of the before mentioned warnings. Keep us posted how CC handles it.

Marylee pixiedust:
Pixiedustforever


Thanks for your input, Marylee. I did consider not ordering from them after reading that disclaimer on their website, begging ebay customers not to post negative feedback. That's why I did a search to see if I could find any reports/threads on forums, such as this one, giving me some sort of confirmation. Unfortunately, after reading this particular thread where so many people (mostly back in March '08) said that they had no problems and received their orders promptly, I decided to go ahead with my order, LOL! :(

That's one of the reasons I wanted to be sure to post my experience here, so others are forewarned that it's not "always" safe to order from Custom Crops! ;)

I'm going to search the BBB to see if I can find anything...that's a great idea.

I think I'll give it until tomorrow, since that's the 'cut off" date I gave them in my email message. If I do not receive the package or my refund by then, I'll start the process of stopping that payment through American Express.

I'm also curious as to how ebay will handle my complaint. I would think they'd take immediate action since what Custom Crops is doing is in direct violation of ebay's rules and regulations. We are supposed to be "safe" from this kind of thing, so I hope they handle things appropriately and swiftly. Keep your fingers crossed for me and thanks again for your help! :thumbsup2

[BernardandMissBianca]

Custom Crops runs hot and cold. From what I have gathered is that there are 2 owners and when they run big sales or get loads of orders they start to get behind.

I would say that probably at least 80% of their feedback on the Cricut boards is positive. But like anything else on ebay, it's a crap shoot.

[Raenstoirm]

I have ordered from them many times, but I have never had an issue. All items came as stated and within a few days. :thumbsup2

As for your disaster, Amex is usually good about things like this, so I would defiantly recommend you call them ASAP and ask when they suggest.

[JandJ]

I ordered the baby bug and 2 cartridges from them earlier this year and was very disappointed in their customer service. The order form said my order would ship within 2 weeks . . . well more than 4 weeks later I still didn't have it - but they charged my credit card! They are not supposed to charge your card until they ship the item. I e-mailed them during that time and after waiting a couple of days for a reply they finally wrote back that they were doing inventory and shipping was delayed. I would not have had any problem with that, if they'd just told me up-front that it would be longer than 2 weeks. I wouldn't order from them again unless it was a very, very good deal and I didn't need the item any time soon.

[LoriNSC]

I've ordered from them twice. The first time through their website & got my order quickly. The second time about 2 mos. ago I got Paper Dolls cart on ebay & it took almost 3 wks. to get it. I emailed them & got a response AFTER I received it. I've heard good & bad. I guess if you don't need it right away -for the price I would use them.

I actually just sold my Cricut & am selling my carts.

[Bikergranny]

Thanks for your feedback everyone! :thumbsup2

Well, UPS has come again today, delivered packages for my hubby and my daughter, but nothing for me. :sad: And, still no response from them to the email I sent them on Tuesday! :sad2:

I'm going to contact AmEx today and ask them to refund my account for the Cricut. I'm not as concerned about the $4.00 Sizzix set that's on backorder, but I want my Cricut and will just purchase it elsewhere as soon as I get my money back.

I'll keep you all posted; thanks again for your help.

Oh, BTW, ebay is of no help, believe it or not. They sent me a reply giving me a list of all my options...the first 3 of which I've already done. Also on that list is to "File a Complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)", and "File a Report with the Law Enforcement Authorities". I was very surprised, and somewhat disappointed they did not deem it necessary to contact the seller themselves to rectify the situation. So much for buyers' being protected by ebay's rules and regulations, LOL! Oh well, I will handle it myself. ;)

[hartyrollins]

I too had a somewhat bad experience with Custom Crops a few months ago. I won a Cricut bay from them via ebay, and in the title of the auction it said "fast shipping", and that was one of the things I was looking for. I had just got my Cricut a few weeks before and was off to a day at my LSS and wanted/needed a bag for my machine, cartridges, tools etc. It took them almost 4 weeks to get me the bag! I was so mad, I tried to contact them via email and phone with no response. I am glad I got it, and it was a good price, but I would think again about ordering from them. Hope everything works out for you!

[RadioNate]

FWIW as the OP I had no problems with my order.

I'm sorry people are!

[SalandJeff]

I'm going to contact AmEx today and ask them to refund my account for the Cricut.


Did you pay with your Amex through paypal? If so, you can file a complaint through paypal and advise of the circumstances, etc. They will investigate and can then cancel the charges to your Amex (although I would also file the complaint with Amex).

[Bikergranny]

Did you pay with your Amex through paypal? If so, you can file a complaint through paypal and advise of the circumstances, etc. They will investigate and can then cancel the charges to your Amex (although I would also file the complaint with Amex).

No, I didn't use PayPal; I paid directly with my AmEx on the Custom Crops website.

I decided to wait a few more days to see if they actually got around to responding to my message. I was about to give up and contact AmEx to arrange for the charge back when a new email message popped up on my screen.

It was another "shipping confirmation"...had the original UPS tracking number (from the 9/9 shipment) as well as a NEW tracking number, showing the 22nd as the shipping date...no further explanation as to why there were 2 tracking numbers, and no mention of my lengthy message to them.

I was infuriated and was responding to that shipping confirmation, saying "I cannot believe you are sending me yet another shipping confirmation when you never sent the product the first time, which was confirmed by the UPS representative I spoke with..."; then ANOTHER email from them popped up in my Inbox while I was typing. So, I got out of that composition and read the second email message; here's what they wrote:

Mary,

I am so sorry for all of the trouble that you have been through… I think that your package is lost, as it is still not tracking. I sent another package today. You should receive it within 2-3 days. Again, please accept our sincerest apologies. If you need the new tracking number, please let me know. We know that you have the ability to leave negative/neutral feedback and low star ratings. We would like to offer you a $10.00 gift card in exchange for positive feedback/five star ratings or no feedback at all…

Please let me know if this offer is acceptable…

Unfortunately for them, I had already left negative feedback on ebay on Monday afternoon, after UPS came to my house and once again delivered packages for both my DD and DH, but nothing for me. :sad1:

I'm not sure if that can be edited, but I won't even try to change my feedback until my Cricut machine, and the 2 correct carts are in my hands.

How do you guys think I should respond to this email they sent? I'm certainly not in any hurry to reply, since they probably won't read it for a week, anyway, LOL. ;)

[AlexWyattMommy]

They were going to PAY you to leave good or no feedback?! Is that even allowed? Are they not going to give you the credit since you have already left the negative?

I don't think I'd be doing a thing until I got my item in hand. And I don't think I would be using a credit with a company I didn't trust anymore. What could you possible buy for $10 except adhesive and do they even sell that?

[PrincessNancy96]

Wow! I've been following this thread for a while..and all I can say is I'm glad I don't order from them!!! That is just awful..and a 10.00 gift card/credit..gee whiz!!! That doesn't even hold a candle to what you have been dealing with.. It's not like those machines are just a small amount of money!

Well, I'm anxious to hear if it arrives in 2-3 days.. I'll be checking back routinely!!

Good luck!!! :)

[Bikergranny]

Thanks for your input, ladies...that's how I feel, too! A measly $10 for all that hassle? And, I doubt it's "acceptable" for them to bribe their unhappy customers for positive feedback, but after seeing how ebay handled my initial report to them, I wonder if they'd care or do anything about it if I took the time to notify them of the offer. :rolleyes:

And, as you said, what ever I could buy from them with the $10 credit wouldn't be worth the aggravation of dealing with a company I no longer trust. I'd probably have to wait 2 months for it to ship, anyway, LOL!

They still owe me that Sizzix alphabet that's on back order...which they, of course, already charged me for...yet another "unorthodox" business approach (typically when items are on back order, companies do not bill the customer until the product SHIPS). :sad2: Their latest "update" is that the product is expected to arrive to them by 9/25 and it's their "top priority" to ship back ordered products, so I should receive it shortly after...I won't hold my breath, though. :rolleyes1

I'll keep you all posted on the arrival of my products and am glad that sharing my experience might spare some of you the headache of dealing with this company. :thumbsup2

[pixiedustforever]

If it were me, I'd still contact AmEx to see if they'll delay payment until you receive your product. The company sending a second shipping number doesn't guarantee that they sent it out any more than the first one did. :sad2:

I read on another message board that the company (not AmEx) is frequently out of the product they sell. But they offer low prices. :rotfl2:

Like AWM wrote, they were going to PAY you to leave good or no feedback?!

After all this, I think I'd rather pay a little more elsewhere! Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm hoping for a fairytale ending! princess:

Marylee pixiedust:

[Bikergranny]

If it were me, I'd still contact AmEx to see if they'll delay payment until you receive your product. The company sending a second shipping number doesn't guarantee that they sent it out any more than the first one did. :sad2:

I read on another message board that the company (not AmEx) is frequently out of the product they sell. But they offer low prices. :rotfl2:

Like AWM wrote, they were going to PAY you to leave good or no feedback?!

After all this, I think I'd rather pay a little more elsewhere! Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm hoping for a fairytale ending! princess:

Marylee pixiedust:


I thought the same exact thing, Marylee, but then I checked the second tracking number to see what it said. As of this afternoon, it indicated that it did, indeed, "ship" from their plant in IL and is "in transit". The old one does not nor did it ever indicate that the item was in transit...it just mentioned something about "billing information".

When I spoke with UPS and asked what that means, they explained that it simply means Custom Crops "submitted notification" of a package to be picked up, but that they never actually GAVE the package to UPS. It basically opens up an invoice (or Purchase Order, for lack of a better term), but the 'status' of the package never changes until the package is physically picked up by UPS.

The new tracking number is clearly different from the first, in the respect that it's been updating the status since yesterday morning. :thumbsup2

I just checked it again and it says it left the UPS hub in IL at 2:30 in the morning on the 23rd and "Tracking results provided by UPS: 09/24/2008 12:37 A.M. ET"...so, if that's accurate, it will be here around noon on Wednesday! :banana: :yay:

I'll keep you posted. :p

[PrincessNancy96]

Heck, being in IL, I could have probably driven over and got it and put it in the mail for ya!

Keep us posted!!!

[pixiedustforever]

The new tracking number is clearly different from the first, in the respect that it's been updating the status since yesterday morning. :thumbsup2

I just checked it again and it says it left the UPS hub in IL at 2:30 in the morning on the 23rd and "Tracking results provided by UPS: 09/24/2008 12:37 A.M. ET"...so, if that's accurate, it will be here around noon on Wednesday! :banana: :yay:

I'll keep you posted. :p

:thumbsup2 That DOES look encouraging! :thumbsup2

Marylee pixiedust:

[Bikergranny]

Well, ladies, I have great news! It finally arrived...late yesterday morning, as scheduled!! :cool1: :yay: :banana: :cheer2: :woohoo:

Having never seen the Expressions machine in person, I didn't realize how big it was! Would have made sense to read the dimensions before buying it, but it wouldn't have discouraged me anyway...I might have just rearranged my "cutting station" differently, to accommodate this monster. It will work right where I have it, for now, though: (hmm, not sure why my pictures are coming up as just a link...is there some restriction based on number of posts or how long you've been a member?) :confused3

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c89/zmax/HPIM3229.jpg?t=1222404835

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c89/zmax/HPIM3230.jpg?t=1222404894

My only concern at the moment is that the mat came sort of "folded" in the box, as you can see in the photos below, and even though I've been trying to flatten it out for the last 2 days by piling heavy objects on top of it (flipping it over to the opposite side periodically), it hasn't taken the 'bend' out of it. I tried to cut something with it and right at the point where that bend is, the cricut didn't cut the paper clear through, so it's definitely interfering with the machine making a precision cut. :sad1:

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c89/zmax/HPIM3223.jpg?t=1222404952

http://i25.photobucket.com/albums/c89/zmax/HPIM3226.jpg?t=1222405022

Anyone have any thoughts on how to get this kink out of it? If you have an Expressions with the large mat, how did yours arrive? I guess I'll give it another day or so to see if I can flatten it out with applying the weight on it, but if I can't fix it, I'm going to have them ship another mat to me and make sure they don't fold the doggone thing this time, LOL! ;)

AND, things are really looking up because I received shipping confirmation on the Sizzix alphabet die, too! If all goes as planned, that should be here by Tuesday! :thumbsup2:

[PrincessNancy96]

Glad it arrived..but that's pretty crappy that the mat is bent... My first thought was stacking heavy stuff on it and you've done that.. I'd call this AM and tell them & email them about how the mat is bent and you have photos to show how it was packaged and that you want a replacement ASAP!!!

Good luck!!!

[rlovew]

When I bought my expression the mat was rolled around the machine similar to yours but it did not fold up at all. It doesn't fit in the box from provocraft without bending but normally it is in there better than that and I didn't have any problem using mine. Until I used it a couple of times it did want to roll back up (round not creased though. I will be getting a new expression from provocraft in the next week and I can tell you exactly how that one is packaged though.

Rebecca

[Bikergranny]

Glad it arrived..but that's pretty crappy that the mat is bent... My first thought was stacking heavy stuff on it and you've done that.. I'd call this AM and tell them & email them about how the mat is bent and you have photos to show how it was packaged and that you want a replacement ASAP!!!

Good luck!!!

Thanks, Nancy. They never answer the phone so I'll have to email. "ASAP" is a relative term when we're dealing with Custom Crops! It takes them over a week to even READ their emails and respond to them, so the ASAP part would mean even if they shipped it next day air, it would still be over a week before I got one! :sad2: But, you're right, that would be the avenue to take and I'll be doing that today if it doesn't straighten itself out.


When I bought my expression the mat was rolled around the machine similar to yours but it did not fold up at all. It doesn't fit in the box from provocraft without bending but normally it is in there better than that and I didn't have any problem using mine. Until I used it a couple of times it did want to roll back up (round not creased though. I will be getting a new expression from provocraft in the next week and I can tell you exactly how that one is packaged though.

Rebecca

Thanks for that information, Rebecca, it's very helpful. :thumbsup2 You say you have an Expression, and are getting a new one next week...what's that about, if you don't mind me asking? Is it defective in some way?

[DisneyIsTerrific]

I'm glad you finally got your Expression. I've ordered from Custom Crops many times (through their site and through Ebay) and they've always shipped very fast. I got my Expression through an Ebay auction with them and I had it within 3 days. I'm sorry that you had such a time getting yours.

When I got my Expression, my mat was curved around the machine like Rebecca's. It took a couple of days to get it to lay flat, but it was just rounded in the middle, not bent like yours. I hope you can that straightened out quickly.

Enjoy your new toy!!!!

[volvogirl]

Just want to share with others my experience with them!! I have ordered on Ebay and had problems so I thought I would try them directly no better luck.
On ebay I have gotten the wrong things sent and the shipping takes forever and I only live an hour away from them...I finally sent an email and asked if they wanted me to come pick it up so i could get it!!!
But today was my final straw with them...I have been watching for 2 weeks for the cricut expression to come back in stock it kept saying it was out of stock until the 16th NO WHERE on the site did it say this was a special price sale but today i checked to see if it was in yet and the price went up $60 on the one I was looking to buy I called and asked what was going on and she said it was a sale I said it did not say that she said It does nat have to be posted sale!!! I said well can you honor the price since I did not place the order because it was not in stock she said no because it is still not in stock and they can charge whatever they want when they want...so i asked her to let me talk to a manager and she said the same thing i said this REALLY poor service and she said OH WELL!! :scared1:

[PrincessNancy96]

Wow!! Sorry they have you such a cruddy experience.. I know there are a group I will NOT look at.. well, I look..when I see it's them.. I move on!!

[maslex]

I've ordered from them many times before and have always had very quick shipping. Matter of fact, I remeber I ordered something on a Friday and received that Monday. I'm sure some people have had issues with them just like any other store or online store, but I've never had anything bad happened with me. Give them a try.

[bigbabyblues]

I've ordered from them many times before and have always had very quick shipping. Matter of fact, I remeber I ordered something on a Friday and received that Monday. I'm sure some people have had issues with them just like any other store or online store, but I've never had anything bad happened with me. Give them a try.

My experience was just like this! I ordered a cart not long ago when someone posted about their $29.99 price. I ordered it on Friday and it arrived on Tuesday. It was their website though, not an ebay store, I don't know if that makes a difference or not.

I would not hesitate to order from the again.

[Pooh_Girl]

I'm sorry for anyone who has a bad experience with Custom Crops. I've used them quite a bit lately and I've had great success with them. I've also went directly throught the Custom Crops website and not through Ebay. My DH bought the Cricut machine, Design Studio, Jukebox and 5 or 6 cartridges for me and we have had no problems with shipping. That's what I hate about going through Ebay (even though I buy a lot of stuff from there) you never really know what you are going to get and it's just so much of a gamble.

[123SA]

I placed 2 orders over the holiday season and received my orders quickly and correctly. Great prices too!

[emg05]

I placed an order in January and received one item, but was told the other was backordered. I cannot tell you how many times I've had to e-mail them and ask about the other product, for which they already charged me. I still haven't received it.

Do not order from this business. They are extremely direputable. I have e-mails telling me they will send it and I don't receive it. I'll be contacting my bank next week and hopefully they can do something, since it is fradulent. If not, I'll be looking at another way to hold them accountable.

I hope this helps someone. The owners of this business are not decent business owners/people, in my opinion. Watch out!! I have never encountered such dishonesty in my online dealings with businesses.

Emg05

[mom2faith]

OH CRAP!! Why did I not check with my DIS Friends before I placed my order!! DARN!!!

I just ordered 3 carts on Sunday and paid extra for Priority shipping to Canada (because it has a tracking number and it is quicker). I wanted these items for the 14th, but I guess I am going to be SOL on that one.:sad2:

I will keep you posted on the status. Out of curiousity, what is their EBay user name? I was trying to search for it, but could not find it.

Amy

[mom2faith]

Now I am in a full fledge panic!! All 3 phone numbers I have for them appear to be disconnected!!

Can anyone assist me with contact information?

Here is what I have:

877-563-1233
630-689-1147
800-348-9007

I am so dumb to order and not check it out first!!!

I am just sick over this!!

Amy

[RadioNate]

Now I am in a full fledge panic!! All 3 phone numbers I have for them appear to be disconnected!!

Can anyone assist me with contact information?

Here is what I have:

877-563-1233
630-689-1147
800-348-9007

I am so dumb to order and not check it out first!!!

I am just sick over this!!

Amy

I was able to get through using the 1-800 number. I do see you are in Canada and I would bet they don't accept toll free calls from international locations.

The 630 number seems to be having issues but I didn't get the usual disconnection message. I get the rapid busy signal that generally indicates a circuit problem.

Send them an email. Before you panic, they are quite hit and miss. I was a 'hit' you may be too.

[mom2faith]

Thank you!!

The 630 number does that busy thing too, sometimes here it means the line has been disconnected, so I jumped to conclusions!! (PANIC!!)

They finally returned my emails and I am calming down. It was the phone numbers that scared me.

I am crossing my fingers I am a "hit" too!!

Amy

[Holibuy]

WARNING--Do not order from Custom Crops unless you are prepared to have a long wait and be very frustrated. I ordered a Zutter Bind-It-All on February 16th and just received it yesterday(March 10th). It was supposed to be "in stock" and ship in 5-7 days. I tried to contact them about the delay but it is impossible. The phone numbers on the website are ALWAYS busy and they don't respond to email. There is no way to check on your order. They certainly do not deliver as promised and I will NEVER order from them again. Too bad because their prices are great.

[mom2faith]

It has been 11 days for me, and I finally got a tracking number....that does not work!!

They are down right liars, I have to say. Everyday from day 3 they told me it would be shipped within 24 hours. They also said they would uprade it from Priority International to Express. They did not. I paid extra for Priority, and the item would've arrived in time, but now they are not going to :(

The final straw for me was this form letter from them saying that the tracking numnber may not work because of USPS and not them. Umm, NO!! I order from the US all the time and if the USPS site says that you package has not been received, it means all they have done is printed a label, but not actually mailed the package. They are bold faced liars, and it really makes me mad!!

I have filed a Paypal claim, so I guess we will see how it goes.

IMHO - spend the extra $$ and know you are actually going to get your items.

I will let you know when/if I ever get this order.

[piratesmate]

<snip>
The final straw for me was this form letter from them saying that the tracking numnber may not work because of USPS and not them. Umm, NO!! I order from the US all the time and if the USPS site says that you package has not been received, it means all they have done is printed a label, but not actually mailed the package. <snip>

I'm sorry you're having trouble with your order. :( But I wanted to say that the USPS tracking info can be useless. I ordered some things before Christmas that came via USPS & the tracking number continued to show the message you get when a label has been printed right up to the day my order was received. (And I was starting to be quite worried I wouldn't get my package I can tell you!) Somewhere on the USPS site it says that the information is only updated at night or something like that, but in my experience it isn't nearly that often. It depends on whether or not the package actually gets scanned at a facility.

[mom2faith]

It has been 15 days since I placed my order (with upgraded shipping to ensure quick receipt).


The tracking number still does not work.
Paypal still has it listed as Pending Review.
I still have not received reply to my emails and the cannot get through on the phone.
I contacted BBB today as I am done with this. A reputable company would at least respond to emails as far as I am concerned.


Live and learn, I was so excited about the prices I did not thoroughly check them out. Ooops!!

In all the years I have shopped online this is the first time I have actually LOST money. I mean I have gotten misleading items off of Ebay , etc before, but I have never actually gotten nothing before. I think that in the 5 or 6 years of online shipping to only be out $135 US, I am probably doing OK - right? (It is sad when you start to expect to be ripped off online).

Oh well, I will keep you all posted.

Amy

[lovingthemouse]

Don't give up - I was in the same place four weeks back - their web site held one of their specials on Cricut carts - it said 2-4 business days to ship, well that turned into 14 days. I did get 2 emails with many excuses so I told the lady I was going to my message board and tell everyone what poor service they were providing. Amazingly I got a notice that it had been shipped. I have ordered from them once before with fast service then. Now, I'll think twice.

[BarbE2187]

I ordered the Cuttlebug last Monday. The item has still not shipped..I emailed them Wed asking when it would ship and was told that it would ship Thursday.

I emailed them again Friday, got an apology and an offer of a 10.00 discount on my next purchase.

I emailed them back and asked for the tracking number after they said it had shipped. They gave me a tracking number and according to ups..this is the reponse I received..


>>> UPS could not locate the shipment details for your request. Please verify your information and try again later.


I will never order from this company again. I ordered 73.00 of products. I'm beginning to think I will never see this purchase and I"m contacting the Better Business Bureau..

Better stay clear of this company!

[joyflnoyz]

I must say I am very disappointed. I placed an order **March** 1st, it was partially filled.
at that time I was told my cartridge would be in 3/27, that came and went , no cart.
Next email: Oh, we are so sorry..we are expecting it in on April 17th. Well 4/17 came, I emailed them on the 18th (sat) reply came today
"Oh, we apologize for the delay, we expect it on April 30th."
NOWHERE on the web site when I placed my order did it say anything about it being backordered (It does now)

It's already been SIX WEEKS since I ordered it. SIX WEEKS that they've had my money. Another TWO weeks?? THREE delays??

I'm getting (insert your favorite cuss word for angry here)
and starting to feel as if I've been "taken"
I just want what I paid for 6 weeks ago. It's already too late to do the project I had planned for it

blowing off steam here

4/21 Before I went to bed, I composed and sent an email to the vendor, detailing how unhappy I am, that it is illegal to charge for something not sent and some of the stories I've been sent. I cc the Chicago area BBB, and mentioned the Illinois Atty Gen office.

We'll see what happens..

Got a reply : nothing addressing my concerns, just a "notification of refund"

My return email to them last night:
Please: I didn't ask for a refund. I asked for my order to be complete.

Interesting that no one has responded to my email personally..not concerned
about making a customer happy? keeping a customer?
Why did it take the mention of the Illinois Attny General to even get the
response of a refund?

is anybody there? Does anybody care?

no response. Has anyone noticed that there is no physical address for them posted anywhere?

Interesting that others who ordered AFTER I did received their items and I'm still waiting.
:mad:

Maybe it's time for that letter to the AG's office If everyone did so, something might happen

[joyflnoyz]

Oh, does anyone know what name Custom Crops is using to sell on Ebay? I've done a few searches, but can't find Custom Crops there..I just want to AVOID any purchases with them

[mom2kce]

I ordered 4 Gypsy units through Custom Crops in November, they charged my credit card that day...I live in Canada, so also had to pay the exchange difference.

I was told that I'd get a confirmation note stating the products were shipped shortly.

One week later, nothing...two weeks later, I didn't have any confirmation from them that the product had been shipped. :confused3

The products were obviously Christmas presents, and we gave ample time to them.

I was told they were coming. :thumbsup2

3 weeks go by, and I sent yet another e-mail to say we still hadn't received a confirmation that it had been sent. :confused:

Janet helped me and said, they had NOT been shipped yet as they had been back ordered. :mad:

I was not given any e-mail stating this, I had assumed the products were coming.

So I asked when the shipment of units would get to them, she said on December 19! :sad2:

Of course the day after I would be leaving town on holidays.

And with 5 days before Christmas, there would be no way for it to get from there, through customs/border and to me in time.

I was so annoyed, I should have been told that they were back ordered, my credit card should not have been charged until the product was shipped.

So I had to cancel the order, as there was no way it'd get to us on time to give them to the friends/family who purchased them.

When I got home and got my MasterCard statement.... I LOST $70 due to the exchange rate being different on the day they charged me and on the day they refunded me.

It makes me wonder how often this happens to other people!

At the bottom of all her e-mails, she said "Custom Crops strives to be a 5 Star Business every day!".

I wouldn't give them 1 star for the poor service I got.

Didn't get a single product from them, yet I'm still out $70! :mad: :sad2:

I sent a note stating the above, that I shouldn't be out the $70 and they have yet to respond.

I won't shop there again. And I've spread the word to my scrapbooking friends too...there are lots of us; who won't shop there again.

[jrsmom]

I ordered two Storybook carts on cyber Monday, it took a little over a week for my order to arrive.

I just ordered two of the new Easter carts a few days ago, I am hoping that they will be here by the end of the week.

Vickey

[lovingthemouse]

After my previous posting above, I took advantage of a sale they ran before Christmas, and from start to finish "Ashlyn's Alphabet" took 8 days. I was pleased and emailed them to say so too. Got a nice email back saying they were happy this experience was better than the last (I'm sure they like good publicity). Guess it depends on what is in stock and when they actually get the order out.

[dumbodame]

Could I suggest trying Hallmark Scrapbook to all of you? They carry most of the items that you have mentioned.

I have placed many orders with them, and have been MORE than pleased with their prices and their customer service.

As a matter of fact, I placed an order with them last Tuesday. They e-mailed me my tracking number within 3 hours, and my package arrived on Friday.

[bskts4bj]

I placed an order last Monday and it arrived tonight. No problems at all with the order. In fact, I've ordered from them several times (including cyber Monday) and this order took the longest to arrive I believe.

Brenda

[TifffanyD]

I placed an order last Thursday and got shipment notification yesterday. Totally falls within their 3-5 business day turnaround, esp considering there was a holiday in there. Sent USPS Priority so I should have before the weekend :thumbsup2