On Feb 3, 2023, I ordered 12 sets of Victorinox Serrated wood handled steak knife sets for a customer. Apparently, what looked like the serrated ones were straight edge. Katom shipped 3 of the 12 sets, and when I received them, I called and asked what was going on with the order. I told the person on the phone that I needed the backordered ones checked and to cancel them if they were not serrated. She checked and assured me they were serrated.<br />
When the rest of the order arrived, they were all straight edged. I contacted returns, and was asked for photos of the knives. I sent the photos on 3/15/23. Mikaela G responded with the info that the part number ordered was the straight edge spear point knives. I was given a return authorization and was informed there would be a 25% restocking fee.<br />
I called sales and talked to Sarah H on 3/15. She sent a sales quote for the 12 sets of serrated knives to me and I discussed the return and 25% fee with her. I told her I would not return the knives while losing 25%, and would sell them on eBay, and buy the serrated knives elsewhere. We agreed to have me buy the serrated knives from Katom, and that I would be charged a 10% restocking fee after placing the order and return of original knives was received by Katom.<br />
I placed the order on the same day, and shipped the return in 2 shipments to Katom on 3/16/2023. The return(s) were received by Katom on 3/21/2023 at 8:39AM. <br />
I received a refund of $319.97 on 3/21. I called about the rest of the refund and was told it was processing. I received the final refund of $959.92 on 4/10/2023. Total refunded was $1279.89. The sale was for $1687.44. The 10% restocking charge would have been $168.70. The restocking fee charged was $407.55, the 25%.<br />
I called many times, and was told that the difference ($238.81) would be refunded. It never was. I talked to Mikaela a few times during this process, and she verified the sales dept agreed to 10% restocking charge to get the last sale. I have never received the money owed me. ($238.81)<br />
My experience with Katom and their customer service is one of, if not the, worst I have had with any Vendor in my life. I feel I was misled and ignored or put off through the whole process. At this point I would tell anyone to avoid dealing with them for any reason. Use another vendor or do without the product.<br />
Patrick O<br />
La Grande, OR<br />
