Q:


Hi Doc, I need your advice on this one. I ordered 2 used tables from a vendor. They had 
them in stock. My new office was still being built so I requested a Sept 25th Delivery date. 
I planned on opening Oct 1st. The 25th came and no  tables. I called the vendor and they 
told 
me they were running behind and my tables wont be delivered until 1st or 2nd week in 
October. They also told me the tables weren"t even upholstered or service checked. I am 
outraged!!!  and 
now have an opening date and patients scheduled(thanks to your Smart Start book) and NO 
TABLES. I thought this vendor was a decent company but I am getting shafted. I reported 
my disgust to the manager of the main branch. He apologized but that don't cut it. What do 
you think about this? Should I ask for some kind of compensation (money or discount on 
another table) ?? Its too late to cancel the order(plus I paid in full). I am outraged and 
disgusted that this happened. Those tables should have been ready to go and delivered as 
requested. Help!!  

A:

I would write a letter like this

Dear ....

This is to advise you that I have given you and your company amble time to provide the 
two tables I have paid for in full. As far as our initial conversation, it was brought to my 
attention that the tables I purchased were in stock and awaiting to be shipped to my office 
only days prior to my opening days. As you know, this is far from the truth as no tables 
are presently available and furthermore, it was brought to my attention from the main 
office, that there are no tables presently serviced and ready for shipment until possibly the 
second or third week in October. You were well aware that my opening date and anticipated 
need for these tables is October 1, in plenty of time for delivery when my payment was 
sent.

Please be advised, that I expect delivery of temporary like tables for my use, until the tables 
I paid for are sent and that these tables be used by me at no additional expenses. I also feel 
that some compensation be made for my inconvenience, I leave this to your discretion. I 
also request you both call and reply to this letter within the week, after which I will have no 
choice but to withdraw the sale and possibly seek legal counsel and notify the Better 
Business Bureau, as well as other consumer venues and chiropractic publications. This is 
no way to begin a professional career, and since your company is the sole reason for any 
professional services being delayed and the loss of potential income being lost as well, you 
may be accountable

Please reply by October 6, 2000 or better yet, please send the temporary tables to my office 
immediately