DO NOT PATRONIZE HORIZON OUTDOORS, HORIZON BLADEWORKS, NIC-NAC,
or whatever it’s calling itself this week to dodge the posse.
I was Scammed by Nic-Nac
I ordered a knife from Nic-Nac. What I received was awful: marred bolsters, chipped handle, a blade that won't fully deploy, and a handle finish that’s dull and dark, not the rich, vibrant green displayed on the Internet example. I believe Nic-Nac used “bait and switch” tactics to sell me an overpriced product—I paid $339 for what I described above. What I received was damaged and non-functional, not the very attractive item in the ad photo, but something far less than what I ordered.
Note 1: Bait and switch sales tactics are illegal.
But, soon after receiving the junk product and, at that time, still unaware of the scam that had been perpetrated by Nic-Nac, I brought my concerns about the quality of the product to Joyce, the Internet face of Nic-Nac—or at least tried to—and, in addition, I requested an RMA number, in accordance with Nic-Nac’s published “Terms,” so I could return the knife for a full refund. I did that through emails, as that is the communication method recommended in the “Terms” and an immediate response is assured there, even though it’s tough to discern through twisted syntax and comma bereft text that, I’m sure, must have been composed by a stoned juvenal. Here is the most concise and least confusing statement of Nic-Nac’s customer contact preference, although it still has its problems:
"For more immediate answers to any questions you may have please contact us via EMAIL."
Note 2: If Joyce’s behavior, acting for/as Nic-Nac, is not illegal, it is certainly unethical.
Joyce, however, wearing plastic jewelry and peacefully floating on her expansive thighs, responded to my emails with only her thick, stupid silence. Even though I was polite and businesslike, there was not a peep from Joyce. So, where was I in this game? Well, down $339, victim of “bait and switch,” Nic-Nac refusing to follow its own “Terms,” and thick-thighs Joyce, the only customer contact point, silent as Tater Tots® soaking in old beer.
Joyce is dumb; she’s very, very dumb. But I/we are not without recourse. Nic-Nac has had more than enough time—weeks going on months—to correct this problem. Enough time even for the slow-witted Joyce to respond appropriately.
If You've Been Scammed By Nic-Nac
The following is of interest to anyone who feels they have been scammed by Nic-Nac. The “File a Complaint” page of the North Carolina (where Nic-Nac hides) Attorney General Office web page states that:
"The Consumer Protection Division of the Attorney General’s Office enforces North Carolina’s consumer protection laws, which are aimed at preventing unfair or deceptive trade practices. We learn about such practices through consumer complaints filed with the office."
If you have experienced “bait and switch” tactics, or have not been allowed to return an item for refund, or have been “discouraged” from returning an item for refund, or, most assuredly, if you have been verbally abused by Nick Wagner—in short, if there’s anything that doesn't “smell right” about Nic-Nac—file a complaint with the North Carolina Attorney General and let that office build a case. Roy Cooper will be very interested in what you have to say, I’m quite sure.
You can either call 1-877-5-NO-SCAM or visit the North Carolina Attorney General, File-A Complaint web page:
http://www.ncdoj.gov/Consumer/2-2-12-File-a-Complaint.aspx
[If clicking on the above address doesn't take you to the Internet site, please cut and paste the address into your browser.]
http://www.ncdoj.gov/Consumer/2-2-12-File-a-Complaint.aspx
Also, if you are from another state, you can report your concerns to your state’s Attorney General, as Nic-Nac crosses state lines in the course of doing business. If Nic-Nac’s behavior is deemed serious enough, your Attorney General Office may issue a statement that warns against dealing with Nic-Nac.
Spread the word; I know I will. Good luck to all.
