Your Money: Stepping Up to the Plate
June 30, 2008
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You know what a bad hair day is, right? But have you ever had a bad *money* day? A day that becomes a week?
It all began when I made an online purchase at just under $100. I allowed three days for my echeck to clear. In the meantime, I emailed the seller.
He didn’t return my email.
(Strike One)
Once I received notice that my e-check had cleared, I waited an extra day, then emailed him again. He didn’t write back. At this point, I still didn’t have my purchase.
(Strike Two)
I dug up another email address from his site, sent him my receipt and proof of purchase, and asked him to send my product.
Later in the week, he wrote back with an apology. He also explained that his original email address was no longer valid. So, he was totally oblivious to my purchase.
Fair enough. These things happen. Right? But, then…
He suggested I check with my bank regarding my check going through. (My check had already processed, my money had been deducted from my account, and I had sent him all the info he needed.)
His reply ended with the words, “Let me know how I can help.”
(S-t-r-i-k-e Three) He’s out!
But, you know what? So was I.
- The seller had put it back on my shoulders to *fix* the problem. (He had my money but couldn’t access it until he fixed his email problem. His email address was tied into his merchant account.)
- He chose not to send my product, even though he had proof of my purchase.
- He chose not to call his merchant account to get the help he needed - so he could retrieve my money.
You know what I did, don’t you? I cancelled my order and immediately received my money back from the merchant account (not the seller).
Now, my intention is not to make you weary of online purchases. I’ve been buying online for many years now, and this is the first time I’ve run into this problem. I also offer my own two ebooks online and have had no such problem.
No, this situation was an exception to the rule. And as a customer, I resent being treated this way.
But… someone had to step up to the plate!
That *someone* was me.
You, too, have probably experienced situations in which you’ve had to *take back* the responsibility. Yes, even though you *shouldn’t have to.*
Can you recall an instance in your life recently? One which gave you pause?
- A family member overcharging on the credit card (which has your name on it.)
- The person who writes the checks paying the household bills late again (and sometimes forgetting to pay them at all.)
- A coworker, friend or relative taking advantage of your kindness? You place a catalog order for your friend, along with yours. When it arrives, she doesn’t have the money to pay you back (or no longer wants the product.) And this has happened more than once…
It’s true that none of these situations should become your problem. Yet, sometimes they do.
Today, take a look around you. Is it time for *you* to step up to the plate? To take back the responsibility? Yes, you may need to do the deed.
And here’s why.
Because your money is involved. And that’s a real problem. You see, another person will never respect your money the way you do. That person has not stood in your shoes and performed your particular work duties to earn that money.
That same person can’t appreciate that it might have taken you ten to twenty hours of labor to earn that bit of money. And if you dislike your job, it makes it even worse, doesn’t it? Those hours can seem like a hundred sometimes.
So, step up to the plate and do what you must to protect it. Prevent others from disrespecting your hard-earned money.
It’s your money. You earned it.
Darlene Arechederra leads the delightful series, “Coming Home: A Woman’s Journey to One-Income Living.” Women of two-income households who want to find their way back home from the workplace will enjoy this gentle, energizing jumpstart. Visit with Darlene at Afford To Stay Home.
Posted by Christina | Filed Under Money & Finance
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