Rules & Compensation

Few days back, I ordered some sensors ICs and receptacles which are supposed to be used in our project from a USA based electronic component distributor called “Digi Key”. I was very much annoyed while ordering because it took 4 hours for me to place an order and get that processed. Sales reprehensive was having lots of queries in her mind, like “Why you need these sensors? Why you are getting those sensors shipped in USA and then brought to Pakistan via a person, Last time you got your sensors and kit shipped to another address? What is the date of birth and complete name of the person who is going to receive this package?” I was like Why are you asking such questions? I got a reply “Sir, We are following the rules, these details are must for us to export the package.’

Actually my friend’s father was supposed to bring the package from USA to Pakistan, who is going to leave USA in morning on May 21. At that moment, my cell phone credit was over, my Go-CDMA credit approached to zero; I couldn’t get my credit card activated for online use and electricity was off. It took three hours to go on the right path and after that my Internet was not working, damn…! I was so much annoyed and after struggling for 4 hours and getting my task done, I went to sleep.

Next day, when I reached university, I was startled to see that by mistake Digi Key guys have selected shipping by 2 business days ( I selected this package earlier) where as I have requested for overnight shipment (Via chat and email), in this case my friend’s dad was not able to take the stuff with himself. I talked to Digi Key customer care representative regarding this and told them I needed this stuff in Pakistan on May 23, 2007 then she replied “Sir, You are absolutely right, Its our mistake, I am going to talk with my supervisor and we will resolve this matter soon”, After few hours, I got an email in which Digi Keys has resent the same stuff as compensation to me in Pakistan taking zero charges from me and they have apologized in written. The total payment they received from me was “$88” and resending the stuff to Pakistan took their “$150” including shipping.

I was feeling sorry for Digi Key guys but was happy to see that the response of customer care department.