Peak Karen remark right here.
A merchant took my money and did not give any update for weeks. Only after I accused them of being scammer they stated they posted an update on their social media of bank issues.
Is this normal in any part of the world or in history of transactions ever?
No, this is not normal or acceptable in the context of business transactions, either historically or in most regions today. The key issues here involve lack of communication, transparency, and customer service. Let's break it down:
1. Lack of Communication:
A merchant is responsible for keeping their customers informed about delays or issues with fulfilling an order. The burden is on them to proactively communicate via the channels they used to conduct the transaction (e.g., email, phone, or their website). Expecting customers to monitor social media for updates is unprofessional unless explicitly agreed upon as the main communication channel.
2. Transparency and Trust:
In commerce—both historically and in modern times—trust is fundamental. Merchants who fail to maintain transparency risk being perceived as dishonest or unreliable. If there were legitimate issues with their bank or payment systems, they should have promptly communicated this directly to affected customers.
3. Professional Standards:
While occasional delays or technical issues happen, established norms in commerce dictate that merchants address these promptly and respectfully. Blaming customers for being upset (or labeling them as accusatory when they express concerns) is contrary to good customer service practices.
4. Historical Context:
Even in older systems of trade, merchants were expected to honor their agreements, whether through direct communication or established reputation. Failure to deliver goods or services without explanation would often result in loss of business, reputation damage, or legal consequences.
If this happened to you, you have every right to feel frustrated. Depending on the amount involved and the merchant’s response, you may want to consider filing a complaint with relevant consumer protection authorities or pursuing a refund through your payment provider.
