Stamina Products Can Blow Me

I had a Stamina InTone Folding Recumbent Bike. I say had because a belt broke inside it about a month ago. I disassembled it to find the busted part and contacted the manufacturer for a replacement part. “Sure,” they said. “$13.99 covers the part, shipping, and handling and it will be to you in 7-13 days.”

Being the fool that I am, I took them at their word. However, after 13 days had gone by without a new part, I began to worry. I tried to call, but they were out of the office, so I emailed. No response 4 days later, so I call.

“We just found out today that we no longer have any parts for that bike. Do you know if you were already charged the $13.99? If so, I’ll issue you a credit.”

I didn’t know, but immediately checked my credit card statement and found I had been charged when I made the order and informed her of such. Then I inquired as to what would have happened if I hadn’t called. Would I have been left wondering for a month?

She assured me I wouldn’t have. That they would eventually have gotten around to emailing me back and letting me know the part was out of stock. At which point I presume I would have had to call and request a refund.

Then I stated that I was perturbed about this because when I ordered (and paid for) it on the 23rd, I was told it would be 7-13 days, which indicated to me that the part was in stock.

She was unperturbed and informed me that it probably was in stock at that time. I was taken aback for a moment, and then tried (and failed) to get her to explain to me what happened to the part between now and then.

She just said that there wasn’t anything she could do and they would issue me a credit as soon as possible. I told her that a credit would do me no good as I would be getting rid of the bike and would never purchase one of their products again. She explained that she actually meant refund. I thanked her for the refund and that was the end of the call.

Which brings us to the present… and now I need to go find a new folding exercise bike. At least I know which one not to buy. Feel free to leave suggestions in the comments.