Perhaps try sending them another note? Sorry for all this :( sounds exhausting having to chase them up
Who: mariguana (TH) / byronbae (dA)
What: Custom Cinnadog ($45)
When: January 18, 2019
I paid for a custom Cinnadog from mariguana (byronbae on deviantART) on 1/18/2019, which were $40 base price + extra for other trait add-ons. The total transaction was $45 after adding 1 $5 trait to the custom base price. They mentioned there would possibly be a long wait time due to taking multiple slots. deviantART journal, claim proof, and payment proof below.
I waited with no update until I received notification on 5/3/2019, where mariguana/byronbae let everyone still pending know that they were having IRL issues, but should still expect sketches soon. Hearing nothing for several more months, I messaged them again on 9/15/2019 asking for status updates. They replied that they would be able to potentially get their queue done in October. On 11/28/2019, with no other updates in October and November, I asked for a refund.
I received a reply that they were willing to refund me but had no income, so I would need to wait until January. I let them know what I paid and waited for an update. I do not follow mariguana/byronbae directly on deviantART but checked their page to see if they were active, and noticed they posted a journal on 1/3/2020 mentioning the outstanding commission issue. They claimed that they would be working on refunds and pinging people involved. As of 1/27/2020, no communication has occurred and no refund has been issued. I commented to ask status updates, but it has now been over 1 year since the initial transaction.
I was patient to see if they would respond to a comment on their journal post, but nothing. Sent another note on deviantART, but at this point it feels futile. My last note wasn't even replied to, though it was read. Just don't want anyone else to have to go through all of this.
A year is a pretty long time regardless. I understand having unexpected irl issues, but I doubt their list is SO LONG that they can't do a few within 365 days. Even if they can't, that's not the buyers fault. I sound unempathetic, but it is a business transaction and somebody didn't get a product that they paid for. Either way, op has full rights to post a buyer beware. I wouldn't commission someone who hasn't filled their current queue in over a year.
Not trynna start a fight, it's just my opinion ^^ If you still feel otherwise, that's okay too.
Seeing as I have asked repeatedly for updates and a refund only to get ignored or delayed is the reason this is posted. I am only looking for a resolution. I understand IRL issues but when you repeatedly promise things by certain deadlines and don't do them, it becomes a problem.
i took a look at their DA and it seems like their selling two cinnadogs so maybe they're trying to scrap together some money for refunds?
either way it's not a good look to make promises and never fulfill them, i get being overwhelmed by owed art and having IRL issues but when it comes to art the one who was payed to do work, they are responsible for getting the work done in a timely manor and provide.
the fact that it's been a whole year and not even getting a WIP makes me worried as i know i would be really pissed.
also
marcie-
lets hope you dont have to wait a whole year with no updates/WIPS on day.
Palaidlion has waited long enough for their commissions and if the artist cannot provide then they should refund them ASAP or get the work done. It's their job, they cant just push online commission work to the side because those people paid for their services. They may have IRL issues that they are dealing with but that doesn't give them a pass for putting all of this work off for this long.
A small update - I sent a dispute through PayPal, fully aware that there's a 180 day period to do anything, but since it directly messages the seller, I'm hoping the refund request is seen. I also checked with my bank to see if the bank itself could do anything, since it was debited to my card via PayPal, but they have a time period limitation too. Almost exhausted all of my options. As mentioned, they were trying to sell some adopts to get money, but... after selling one, I still have no refund. We'll see what happens, but I'm fairly certain nothing will at this point.
Edited to add: Yep, PayPal rejected the claim almost immediately due to the 180 day issue. I guess I'm screwed.
You should be able to go to your bank and have the money returned to you if you provide the proper proof.
SquidsInTheAttic Unfortunately, even with the proof, my bank has a policy that they won't investigate outside of a 60-day period from the transaction posting. I went in person today and received that answer. :(
I assume that maybe you've talked to the cinnadog group?
if you cannot get into contact with byronbae then maybe contact another mod or the owner of the species (best to note the DA group as a whole though so the right people can address it) I dont know if that'll help but i think it's worth a shot if you haven't tried yet.
