ComplaintsforStamp & Scrapbook Expo & Sandra Fagering

• Initial Complaint

  10/07/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Unresolved

  More info

  I booked this trip for myself and my sister in law in 2019. In march 2020 the trip was cancelled. I was told the event would be rebooked so I waited patiently for the first year. When it was finally rebooked we found out many vendors were not signing up and I was unable to attend the new date for 2021. I requested several times to be refunded my $903 and was told over and over again "I'm on the list". I have spoken to many people and have heard of no-one getting their refund. I was told this year (2023) I would be getting my refund but then upon inquiring was told circumstances change and now they still don't know when I'll be getting my refund. It's been over 3 years. There are many people in my position.

  Business response

  10/23/2023

  Due to Covid-19 and the government shutdown of all in-person events, our 2020 and partial 2021 show season were cancelled.  This did not come at the request of Stamp and Scrapbook Expo but was mandated by the state and local authorities.  On April 20, 2020, we sent an email out to our customers notifying them that we were not able to offer cash refunds due to the size and scope of the shutdown and that we could only offer gift certificates (which have no expiration date) for when in-person events resumed.  We understand that gift certificates are not ideal, but our 20-year full refund policy was not designed nor could withstand a government shutdown of this magnitude. 
  
  During the shutdowns, Stamp and Scrapbook Expo sent out multiple emails promoting online events and many consumers took advantage of these opportunities.  After 20 months, government restrictions were slowly being lifted and Stamp & Scrapbook Expo was able to host its first In-Person events in the second half of 2021. 
  
   
  
  On June 2nd 4th, 2022 & May 18th 20th, 2023 we hosted in-person events in *******, *******.  Guests have had two years to take advantage of using any gift certificates that they acquired prior/during shutdown.  Stamp & Scrapbook Expo will be hosting another ******* event on April 11th 13th, 2024.  Gift certificates do not expire and can be used towards admission, workshops, crop parties, merchandise, and the Mega Make & Take Extravaganza.  Guests can also inquire about using their gift certificate toward our host hotel in *******, *******. 
  
   
  
  This has been a long recovery but appreciate your patience in this matter.
  
   
  
  Sincerely,
  
   
  
  Sandra

  Customer response

  10/23/2023

   I am rejecting this response because:
  This is completely untrue.  We were told to pick if we wanted to get a refund or take the certificate.  I told them on MULTIPLE occasions I wanted the refund for myself and my sister. I have sent MULTIPLE emails requesting my refund and was told be patient,  be patient,  it's coming.  Then this year I was finally told I would definitely receive it this year.  After waiting for most of 2023 I inquired about when I would be receiving it and was told sorry... circumstances change! We were unable to attend the rescheduled events (that have many less vendors than originally were scheduled) and also my sister has to come from **. It has been impossible for us to reschedule.  We were promised a refund.  A woman just posted on social media that she finally received her refund after 16 emails and phone calls.  So because I haven't sent 16 emails yet I'm being punished? It's over $900!!! 
  
  

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