EDITOR'S NOTE: Amazon finally released the $409.49 of my gift card balance I had in my account! Apparently after this post, they realized they were getting a lot of negative views by visitors to this page and therefore expedited the resolution of this issue.
It's nice to know that an ordinary customer can take on the largest online retailer in the world (with an army of lawyers) and get resolution to a dispute.
Read the following post about my experience with Amazon to make sure they aren't withholding any of YOUR gift card balance. Also watch the humorous music video made by a United Airlines customer who fought to get reimbursed for his guitar the airline broke when he flew with them. It's a great video that has been reviewed by hundreds of bloggers and reporters!
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Many people are aware of the response that United Airlines had when they broke one of their passenger's guitars. The victim created a YouTube video to share their displeasure. It has been viewed nearly 16 million times. I suspect the financial loss that United continues to incur due to lost revenue from potential passengers FAR exceeds the cost of a replacement guitar for the victim!
Anyway, my story is about another “big gorilla in the room”… amazon.com. They have been withholding $409.49 of my gift card balance since May 26, 2016 with no explanation as to why they are doing it.
Everytime I contact them, I have to explain the whole issue all over again. REALLY? They actually have records of each conversation. Can't they just READ those to see what the last customer service rep has done to resolve the issue?
Below is the most recent online chat I had with Mageswari and Jieane. Their “help” concluded with:
This case was investigated and I will send another form for this and wait for 24 hours for the respond.
Amazon Gift Card Issue – Online Chat on 8/11/16
You are now connected to Mageswari from Amazon.com
Mageswari: Hello, my name is Mageswari. I'm here to help you today. Are you referring to gift card balance?
Me: Yes, I hope you can resolve this, Mageswari. I am soooooooo tired of repeating this issue, getting automated emails and NO resolution.
Mageswari: Okay. Let me connect you to a member of our retail team. It will only take a moment.
A Customer Service Associate will be with you in a moment. You will now be connected to Jieane.
Jieane: Hello Mark, how may I help you today?
Me: Please read the chat (above) so I don't have to type it all over again.
Jieane: Oh I'm so sorry Mark, please allow me a moment to check this for you.
Me: Take your time. I want to know why Amazon is withholding $409.49 of my gift card balance I have in my account! I have been stalled waaaaaay to long on this.
Jieane: Sorry to keep you waiting.
Me: If you resolve this now, you can take as much time as you want.
Jieane: Oh, thank you for that Mark, I'm still checking the last conversation.
Jieane: This case was investigated and I will send another form for this and wait for 24 hours for the respond.
Me: That continues to be Amazon's response. Then no one gets back to me with the findings of the investigation. How hard is it to find out why Amazon continues to hold my money?
Jieane: I'm so sorry, but we can't offer any additional insight or action on this matter. Is there anything else I can help you with?
Me: No.
(Chat ended)
So what shall I do next? Perhaps open a case with the Federal Trade Commission? What would YOU do?
So “buyer beware”! Check your Amazon account to make sure they aren't withholding any of YOUR gift card balance.