The thread seems to be getting a tad off task. Personally I do not think
@hotshot 's comments are disparaging regarding A4U, hotshot is simply stating others' experiences. Hotshot has always offered alternative suggestions for members concerned about their authentication status.
When I have had an issue with A4U, three times now, hotshot has always responded to each member who posts and states they're good, but that one may need to try reaching A4U through alternative methods. Because of posting on this thread I was able to get a response after being initially told I would receive a response within 24-48 hours, and then after posting here two weeks later, received an email stating item was authentic; but then did not get the PDF certificate for an additional three weeks after finally being told the bag was authentic and would receive documentation the following week.
The second and third time I waited two full months without a response from A4U. I followed the instructions on their website for every detail and paid through PayPal prior to submission (as done previously). I followed up via email several times and got an automated response each time saying my email was received. After TWO full months, I finally opened a PP claim and there was never one response from A4U. PP closed my case roughly two weeks later and returned the funds.
For those that do not use FB, and follow A4U's website instructions this can be rather frustrating. If time is of the essence, even if A4U's experts are the best (
which no one is disputing), their processes are not up to par for a business with their reputation. That's the issue. If you read the thread from the first post this has been happening on and off for years.
There needs to be a person aside from Lesley to review email and send requests to each brand expert. The same needs to happen with FB messenger. There needs to be a back up in the administration department to send out documentation if someone is not available to do so. This person should also be able to advise the customer of any delays. This would solve any communication issues, and if there was a delay, the customer could opt to wait or obtain another service.
Because of this there are two sides, those that are leery to attempt to use A4U again due to lack of response and those that stand behind them because they have very capable experts and have not experienced a delay or no response whatsoever. I understand why members swear by A4U, but believe the issue here is the lack of processes, communication and customer service so every customer receives the
SAME experience. If the opposite happened to those who have always had a good experience, I think we can all agree one would be disappointed, even upset.
I appreciate
@hotshot always giving suggestions to each member that posts and gives both sides of the experiences for one to make their own decision. That is the purpose of the thread after all, for every member to ask questions, post their experiences, without judgment.
