My experience with Chess Bazaar

Well,I've bought a dozen sets from C.B. and had a few issues and aggravation, unresolved until I posted a thread here.This happened a few years ago,but the memory is pretty fresh.

However they "do seem interested in ultimately making customers happy"!

I'd still be happy to buy from them,if I see things looking up.I'm dying to get their Ceska Kublovka set,which is backordered ,but I just  don't have the confidence in their current quality.This is one time I hope I am wrong.

Personally,I hope everyone gets what they paid for and expected.

I bought from C.B., two nice 4'', triple weighted King sets. I found C.B. to be professional and honest. One of the cases got damaged in transit and they replaced it without any aggravation. It was for a present.  I would buy from them again without hesitation.

You are spamming the wrong thread.

This is to add to my post which started this recent string of messages about current experiences with Chess Bazaar. I am a recent, returning chess player and buyer of chess pieces. Since November 2020 I have bought three sets of pieces and a 7” travel set from CB. There were quality and/or courier charge issues on all purchases, and a lengthy email discussion regarding the cost of a return of one complete set of pieces, that was required as evidential proof before CB would replace them. It seems that CB like to barter, and argue a point, before finally agreeing to the fair course and then they settle things. Their products are priced fairly and are quality pieces. With all their special discounts, nothing seems to be sold at full retail, so what is the ‘real’ price. Bargaining, and smoke and mirrors seem part of the process of doing business with CB. Such a waste of time for everyone. During this buying cycle with CB I have amassed a substantial lifetime store credit which I have repeatedly asked to be paid out to me. I do not wish to sit with an iou against future potential purchases. I have a number of items backordered that I would like to purchase, a Ceska Kublovka set is at the top of that list. But given my history of dealings with CB I am reluctant to buy more. I am especially reluctant because since November 2020 I have been vehemently addressing with CB that the 7” Magnetic Travel set D0103 they sold me isn’t as advertised - neither the pieces nor board have sufficient magnetization. It is well made and looks nice - but it is not fit for purpose. It is too costly to return, but to date CB refuse to issue a credit for it. This further adds to my reluctance to buy more from them, and to my insistance that they refund my store credit. That is my money, not theirs. Holding me over a barrel isn’t the way to build my confidence nor will it entice me to buy anything else from CB. In the meantime I have bought other items from Royal Chess Mall and House of Staunton, with some minor issues from both, that were taken care of immediately, promptly and with no back chat, excuses or refusals to help. Big customer service differences - when one is recognized as a legitimate longterm potential and not part of a strange ‘bazaar’ like approach to doing business or treating clients.

CB’s inability to recognize that they sold a set not fit for purpose their fault, or mine. Nor is your written depiction of me fair or appropriate for this forum. You do not know me, nor I you. CB’s bargaining barter attitude is a poor business principle, and their choice not to refund a serious buyer on an item that isn’t as advertised is a mistake. My observations about CB are one of principle - sell items as advertised, and look after your customers as they represent your profit.

Sound67 and theendgame3 - rudeness and snipes at fellow chess.com forum members… Neither of you know me, or my background. Childish comments belittle you, not I.

What a waste of time, trying to have an intelligent conversation, and alert fellow chess players and equipment purchasers of problems with suppliers. Instead one gets gutter snipe comments and personal attacks for no reason or purpose. We are all welcome to our opinions and options in dealing and discussing them. Childish gibes serve no purpose anywhere or at anytime. Continued personal attacks reflect back on you, not me.

It is indeed a pity you choose personal attacks over reason in discussions. Personal attacks have no place anywhere, anytime. My beef with CB is indeed small in the scheme of the world right now; but holding onto a clients money isn’t their right. That is my complaint and alert to other chess.com members. It is far from being a mama’s boy ….. a phrase you seem as fixated on as I am as to CB doing the principled, right thing for its clients and reputation. Calling people names and repeatedly so is up to you. It is a pity you chose to do so in this forum.

Names are names, facts are facts. You don’t know me, and I don’t know you. So I don’t call you names, or make character assumptions and snipes. You are welcome to think what you will. If you knew me, you would soon realize that you are 1000% wrong. Again, this isn’t the forum for name calling. No where is appropriate for that, but perhaps one day we should meet - at my karate dojo.

sound67. You really have no idea as to how to conduct an intellectual discussion or debate. Pity

Really it is pathetic that a suppler should be able to keep one’s money that is greater than the cost of 1-2 decent full sized sets of pieces (not the cost of the small travel set which is tiny in the scheme of the money of mine CB hold onto). You must have a disposable income budget larger than mine if you are able to just walk away from what is owed to you. Do you have a thing about violins - I ask because you seem incapable of an intellectual debate without character sniping.

Chess Bizarre is notorious for bad quality and sketchy customer service. It is often a hit or miss when purchasing from Chess Bizarre.

In fact, it is the case with most Indian sellers and their Western resellers these days. The service and quality is in the toilet, especially with these high volume companies.

House of Staunton isn't any better. I bought a mini magnetic travel set from them and the rook had a weight sticking out.

The only way to guarantee service and quality is to buy from NOJ. With NOJ, you will never see a scratch or dent, or feel the need to return an item. And they will never ask you if you want to buy another item for faster shipping for replacements!!!

 

 

 

 

@dbrit7 you are still a paying customer. It should not matter what amount you spent.

They should give you the product as advertised or refund your money without hassle and none of that "store credit" garbage, which forces you to buy another low quality item from them.

Thank you for your intelligent, well rounded observations. I have made several HOS purchases, when several quality issues have surfaced, HOS expediently took care of everything, with no evidential proof beyond photographs. HOS replacements arrived quickly and matters were dealt with. With my specific Chess Bazaar issues they ask for items to be returned, then expected me to cover the Indian Import duties …..and months later we are still ‘discussing’ resolutions. I have my name on the wait list for NOJ, and am also looking at other private sellers to fill some gaps in my collection.

I would hate to lock this thread if this does not stop. PLEASE READ:

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*munches popcorn*

Sounds67 - again that is a personal attack. Do you not read posts from the Chess.com moderator? Regarding etiquette. My financial situation and purchasing decision and patterns are frankly none of your business.

Sounds67. I repeat again, you know nothing about me. Exactly upon what basis do you feel qualified or permitted to call someone a racist. You seem blindly obvious of any common courtesies, and certainly blind to the polite reminder posted by Chess.com regarding etiquette in forum posts; although such respect applies equally well to discourse anywhere, anytime.

Another thread gone to sheet, and once again Sound67 is at the center of it.  Disappointing.  

That image and the inference you allude to has not been posted by me. This is not the forum for your snipes. Please find another avenue for your character assassinations.