Online store refunds customer

AN ONLINE store accused of scamming a videographer of the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner has refunded the victim after a complaint was lodged with the courier service Ninja Van.

The newspaper last week warned the public against buying on sponsored pages on Facebook selling various products after its videographer was victimized.

It said the staff based in Zamboanga placed an order for one unit of Zhiyun gimbal stabilizer for mobile phones for P1,699 after the online store “Jurera” offered a 40% discount from its original price. It even posted video clips and photos of the product with this description: “Multi-function mobile phone anti-shake support, live broadcast, video, photo, high image quality without shaking, light weight, easy to carry.”

In the promotion, the seller also posted this and it leads to an order form: “₱1699 This is the ordering network, if you like, click the link below to place an order. https://zwj6.brwect.online/?m=Item&a=show&id=16615.”

The product was delivered February 2 by Ninja Van after informing the customer through a text message at this cell phone number 0915-4821499. Excited by his purchase, our staff opened the package with markings “Mobile phone stabilizer” only to find out that what was delivered is a cheap plastic cell phone holder sold online for only P299.

The videographer quickly phoned the Ninja Van delivery driver to return the item, but the man refused, saying, all returned deliveries will be charged against them. Our staff also complained to the Customer Service of Ninja Van on its Messenger platform, but were told to file a complaint with the seller and email them.

“I do understand your concern po, what we suggest po that you may coordinate po ito sa inyong seller through email po 640435583@qq.com and if hindi po ito ng reply within 5 days you may email na po ang aming support team support_ph@ninjavan.co para matulungan po kayo sa inyong refund,” replied Ninja Elghie.

But succeeding complaints to Ninja Van was futile. It only told the complainant to get back at the seller or store where the product was bought. “Please be advised that Ninja Van's accountability is to deliver the parcel of our clients with utmost urgency and care. Thus, any dispute regarding the parcel damaged, incomplete, or not as advertised shall be reported to the shipper,” said Ninja Irene.

Had the Ninja Van delivery man returned the money, it could have saved our staff from being scammed. Now, Ninja Van would not even help return the payment and get back the item despite our staff's immediate complaint to the Ninja Van delivery man. 

However, another Ninja Van customer service staff, Ninja Coremar, brought the complaint to the attention of her superior and refunded the P1,699 and she also apologized on behalf of the courier firm. The Mindanao Examiner returned the money to Ninja Van after the seller eventually refunded our videographer. 

Efforts to contact the seller through their cell phone numbers 0969-0499544 and 0969-049545 were all unanswered. The seller’s address is listed only as Talon Singko, Las Piñas, Metro Manila, Philippines and email address at kyleplus13@gmail.com.

The address may also be fictitious since it has no residential or building number and not even the name of the seller or store. The Mindanao Examiner said it would bring the matter to the attention of the Department of Trade and Industry. (Mindanao Examiner)