ADVICE: No Communication

[metallik-hasse.livejournal.com]

I'm looking for advice, I don't think this is beware territory yet.

An artist I highly admire was doing a sale on original art. I missed the store sale, but I thought I'd write them an email and see if they still had a piece I wanted. They promptly answered and said they did. I asked if I could place a down payment on it, and then pay the rest by the end of the month. They agreed.
I sent the first payment, but didn't receive a confirmation of it being received. It didn't seem to weird at the time.
I sent the rest recently, and asked for confirmation. I didn't receive anything, and they were posting online, so I sent another message over quick asking if they received the money. I haven't gotten an answer to that one either.

I dropped into their stream, and they literally ignored me. I didn't mention the payment, but rather asked what media they were using etc. They did not acknowledge me at all the while time I was there (and it wasn't a busy chat).

Now I'm super nervous and might just ask for a refund. It's a lot of money and these are red flags. Does requesting a refund sound fair?

EDIT: Received full refund.

Comments

[kayla-la.livejournal.com]

Absolutely. They've dropped the ball here. I would ask for a refund, give them a week, and then chargeback if you're able.

[metallik-hasse.livejournal.com]

I don't want to seem too harsh by mistake. Do you have suggestions of what to write?

[kayla-la.livejournal.com]

"Heya! I haven't heard anything from you in a while regarding my product or payments. I would like a refund as soon as possible, please. Thank you for your time!"

Upfront without being rude or leaving room for argument is the way to go. If they're suddenly willing to give you what they owe you, it's up to you whether or not you take the product or the refund. If they ignore you entirely, chargeback.

[metallik-hasse.livejournal.com]

I appreciate your help. I'll send that over tonight if I still don't hear from them in the meantime, and update this post accordingly.

[baron von clop (from livejournal.com)]

How long has it been since the completed payment?

That said, it's very unprofessional if it's been over a few days. Perhaps try sending one last e-mail mentioning something along the lines of a refund if they don't answer within a timeframe.

Did you pay via PayPal? Should be an easy win for you if so, and sending them a dispute may also prompt them to finally pay attention to you.

[metallik-hasse.livejournal.com]

I'll have to ask my boyfriend (has his account) but if I remember correctly, the 17th of May.

[baron von clop (from livejournal.com)]

Oh, yeah, that's been plenty of time; almost a week, including a nearly full weekend. You should absolutely send another message asking for a response or refund, especially if it's, as you said, a lot of money.

[metallik-hasse.livejournal.com]

I think I might forgo the piece and go for the request of refund. This situation has kind of tainted the painting for me. Not to sound dramatic.

[latiro.livejournal.com]

That's pretty low on the artist's part to flat-out ignore you (even on their stream) despite you paying them.

Here's hoping you get your refund.

[metallik-hasse.livejournal.com]

I was really bummed and kind of embaressed in the stream, to be honest.