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How I got ripped off by Monolith Loudspeakers

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WARNING: long post, but I wanted to explain things in detail.

On the first of November of 2011 I ordered a Magma Driver from Monolith Loudspeakers. After waiting for two months, I found out (and yes, I FOUND OUT, because I had to ask the owner of the company repeteadly to get the information) that my pedal had not shipped when I was told that it had and that there had been a problem with the Magma Drivers and that they were working on solving the issue. He gave me the option of getting back my money or wait to see how things developed. I said I would check in after a week to see how things were going and that I would make a decission then (this was around the beginning/middle of January). I finally decided to get a refund.

I waited for a couple of days and I didn't receive my money, so I sent an e-mail to Monolith on the 24th of January. The reply was that it would take a couple of days, so I kept on waiting.

On the 31st I sent another e-mail, just in case the builder had forgotten about my refund and because I needed the money to buy some recording gear with my band. I got a reply on the 4th of February in which I was told that they were expecting a payment and that he would PayPal the money then. I really needed the money for all the recording stuff, so I replied the owner that same day, explaining my situation. Got another reply telling me that he was working on my refund.

13th of February: I send an e-mail that goes literally like this: 'I'm sorry but I can't keep waiting for the refund. Please, paypal me the money'. No reply so far.

Today I've called Monolith five times and no one picks up the phone.

So basically, I've thrown away 459$+shipping costs...just writing this for you guys to be warned and to see if I can get someone from Monolith to read this...
 
I love/hate these threads. I feel like I've seen too many of them.

I love them because if/when the owner shows up, it's better than reality TV.

I hate them because, honestly, there are no winners. You are out $500. That sucks. The owner probably isn't trying to scam you intentionally, but are probably just about to go under and have creditors that are meaner and scarier than a customer through the internet.

I hope things work out for the best!
 
In the Doom/Stoner thread, dude always seemed like a stand up and sincere guy. I know he had a lot of his Magma preamps breakdown and he was working on fixing all of them. It sucks to see this happen. Hopefully this gets resolved.

You paid with paypal? Open a dispute! You'll get your money back.

Also, this. I know disputes are supposed to be made within so many weeks, but I think in situations like this it won't matter.
 
I think I payed directly with my VISA but I'm not a hundred per cent sure...is there a limit of time to open a dispute?

There is, but perhaps you can call Paypal and explain the situation. 888-221-1161 say customer service to get a human.

Also if that doesn't work, then contact Visa. They will fight for you too. Let us know how it turns out!
 
Sorry to hear about your troubles. Running a business like this by yourself is not easy but I understand your frustration. I had to send my Magma back for repairs as Wade unknowingly used some PCBs that failed over extended use. He did not know that his supplier had sent him faulty PCBs. I just got my Magma back Monday fully functional and repaired and it sounds awesome.

He runs the shop himself and I know the Magma issues really took their tole on him. Not trying to make excuses for him nor justify your situation, but he is a good guy. Try giving him a call tomorrow.
 
Yeah if he gets hit with a charge back it's going to cost him a lot more than his refund. I am just curious how VISA handles this since it was them paying Paypal, then Paypal paying the builder.

Did you open the complaint with Paypal or VISA?

Unless he can provide proof of shipment Paypal will just refund the money.
 
Not yet. I think I'm going to call Monolith tonight and give them one last chance to settle this situation. If I get the money in my PayPal account this night, tomorrow morning I'll contact my bank to withdraw the complaint.

Figures. I just wanted to check before I steered others away. Monolith has an account here. So I don't understand why they aren't in here defending themselves. Seems ridiculous to me. I was actually considering some of there stuff, but forget that. Not worth the hassle.
 
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