Im personally conflicted as i understand that stress paired with being unwell makes it hard to do commissions, it's still really unprofessional to just leave people in the dark about their commissions. I don't feel comfortable contacting someone not involved about a refund so i might go ahead with the chargeback as i have yet to receive a message back on twitter.
Would it be best to give them notice first before doing so? like i request a refund first but if it goes answers within 48 hours i do a chargeback?
I've never been in this type of situation before so excuse me if im asking a dumb question lol
Edit: User on TH again, see updates at the end
I never thought I'd have to do this nor had I wanted to, but given the situation I feel there's little other choice.
Back on September 16th, I commissioned the user Azhakuiin for a chibi and a fullbody.
On September 28th, I was sent a sketch of the chibi and satisfied, I gave the okay to continue. 10 days passed after that with no word, so I texted them to see how things were going. On October 1st I recieved a text back saying they'd thought they sent it, but must not have and sent me the finished chibi. They also mention having been working on several sketches for the fullbody, which they would work on getting to me.
On the 14th of October, I text them again inquiring about the progress of the sketches. On October 17th, I get a response from them saying they had a medical intervention and hadn't been able to be on in a few days. They then send 2 unfinished sketches to show progress and say they'll be trying to work through their commission schedule this month.
I responded saying I loved the second sketch and I hope they get well soon.
They still haven't viewed my response to this day, and that was the last contact we had. They haven't been active on TH since then according to their stats.
After a month of silence, I started getting anxious so I messaged them on deviantart, saying who I was and that I wanted to check in. That message also hasn't been viewed.
On December 10th, after seeing some activity on their Twitter, I messaged them there saying mostly the same thing. That also hasn't been viewed.
I messaged them again on the 28th, after seeing some activity in their likes, but also no response.
So as a last ditch effort, I sent them an email on Dec 30th saying that basically I'd tried to contact them numerous times and if they can't complete the art then I would take a refund. I also mention if they don't respond, I will file a dispute.
Though, what I didn't realize when writing that, is the money was sent via friends and family, which means I cannot dispute it.
So seeing as they haven't responded to the email either, it just means I'm out of luck. So instead of the dispute, I figured I'd make this.
Here's the stash with all necessary screencaps.
Edit 1/04/2022: I was encourage to put this psa on artist beware, so I was requested to contact the artist one last time to prove no communication. I emailed them, no response again. I will be tweeting them directly to see if that gets a response.
Edit: 2/28/2022
Known socials
https://toyhou.se/kirakirakuiin
https://mobile.twitter.com/azha_pz
https://mobile.twitter.com/kirakirakuiin (nsfw)
https://mobile.twitter.com/asshaistired (nsfw)
https://kirakirakuiin.tumblr.com/
https://www.artstation.com/kirakirakuiin
https://www.deviantart.com/kirakirakuiin
https://mobile.twitter.com/1R1A_Vt
https://mobile.twitter.com/pingaint
Edit: 3/04/2022
Artist deleted their Twitter accounts
Edit: 3/11/2022
Added another link, artist apparently didn't delete the nsfw account just changed the user
Edit: 5/4/2022
Added a new url, vtubing account. They're actively taking comms
Edit: 10/29/2022
Added a new url
Edit: 11/10/2022
Active on new toyhouse, added new url. User has commented on several lf: commission threads please be wary!
I definitely agree with you there. I really don't feel right contacting the twin in regards to the refund and they could at the very least put up a bulletin or post addressing the situation, anything but radio silence.
As for your question, it's really up to you. I personally would want to give them warning first before the chargeback, if only just to provide more proof to use for the chargeback, since they clearly won't respond.
I've honestly never been in this position either, and I've commissioned quite a few people.
I'm sorry to hear you had this experience too. I never heard back from them either. I actually tried contacting them again last month and tagged them on Twitter, which is what caused them to lock all their accounts.
I'll update the thread with this info though! If anything comes of your situation don't hesitate to post an update here!