Sports Authority Ordered a x-mas gift for my son on-line paid for one day shipping never received item, when it arrived it was defective sports authority has not corrected the situation OMAHA Nebraska

I purchased a canoe for my son on December 22, 2007 for Christmas. The canoe was in stock at the store but I noticed an on-line special offering 15% off and GUARANTEED shipment by 12/24/2007 if ordered by 12/22/2007 at 11:00 a.m. EST. I ordered the canoe a paddle and a pump. On December 24, 2007 I received everything except the canoe. I immediately contacted the Sports Authority and UPS. UPS stated that the item contained hazardous material and that it was sent back to the Sports Authority. I contacted the Sports Authority and asked for a refund on the canoe and my overnight shipping fee of $124.00.

I told them that the canoe was in stock in a local Sports Authority and that I would just pick it up. They told me that it would take up to two weeks for a refund. They promised me a call back, or an e-mail which never came. I called three times with no avail. Two weeks later I finally received the canoe. The canoe was missing two plugs. I had to go out and purchase these seperately at a cost of $32.50. I figured that since I still had not heard from the Sports Authority about the refund that it would be a waste of my time to call about the plugs.

Yesterday January 15, 2008 I called the sports authority again. I was promised again an e-mail or a call from a "SUPERVISOR." The customer service representive was not rude but acted as if my request for a refund of the shipping charge was something that I MAY NOT be entitled to. She blamed UPS. She also never even touched on the issue of the missing plugs. She apologized for my INCONVENIENCE but offered me nothing! I told her that UPS did get the package but it was labeled HAZARDOUS MATERIAL and that they could not deliver it to me. I am insulted as a consumer. I have been patient and have heard nothing.

I would also like to mention that this ruined my son's Christmas. He received a paddle and a pump. His whole two week vacation from school could have been used to enjoy his canoe but instead nothing. We were willing to pick one up but the Sports Authority refused to give me the refund. My hands are tied here and they don't seem to care at all.

Linda
portsmouth, Rhode Island
U.S.A.