Dear ToyWiz,
Recently someone asked my four-year-old daughter what she would like for Xmas. She replied, “A purple unicorn.” Thanks to the power of the internet, a purple Beanie Baby unicorn arrived on my doorstep a few days later.
Then some other clever soul asked my two-year-old son what HE would like for Xmas. Having just heard his sister’s answer, he replied, “A yellow unicorn. With a guitar.”
Terrific. Purple unicorns are hard to find, but matching yellow ones? Really hard. But I found one on your Amazon store. I ordered on December 12th, thinking that would be plenty of time. And I chose you over other retailers since you are an Amazon reseller. My trusty Amazon. I then found a small stuffed guitar, and declared myself well prepared.
Until a day ago, when I received an email stating simply that my order has been cancelled. No reason, just cancelled. After chatting for a long time with some Amazon representative in India, we think the reason is simply incorrect inventory. But let me tell you, nothing is more frustrating than visiting the same web page to see that you still claim it’s in stock. WTF?
I know, this whole online retail thing is new territory for all of us, but I kind of feel like I just got dumped by my first love. No warning, just online betrayal. And the worst part? I was broken up with via email, with no explanation.
I’m not the kind of woman who goes postal over a Beanie Baby, but when you come between a boy and his unicorn? Expect a few waves.