I ordered some components from a wholesaler. I paid 2 months ago and have not recieved anything yet. What should I do?

Question:  I’ve been ordering various electrical components for my business products from the same local wholesaler for the past eight years. Recently, I sent him a check along with the usual, completed order form. The bank says he’s cashed my check but I still haven’t received what I ordered for nearly two months now. How should I proceed? I don’t want to offend the owner if he’s just made an accidental error.

Response:  You might first want to check with your local Better Business Bureau to see if this man has closed down his company, filed for bankruptcy or been receiving a number of inquiries or complaints like your own. If that agency can’t help you, you might check with your state’s comptroller’s office to see if they can tell you anything about this company’s current state of affairs.

Better yet, consider contacting a local attorney who can send an initial, somewhat friendly “demand letter” to this business owner on your behalf. Your lawyer can inquire if the company is having trouble filling your order for some reason or if they believe they shipped the goods to you but never got a confirmation from the shipping or delivery service. When such a letter is sent by certified mail on an attorney’s letterhead, you’ll usually get a prompt response. If you don’t hear back from the wholesaler, it will be up to you and your attorney to decide whether or not to file suit against this company.

Answered by Elizabeth Smith

Additional Resources

• Hiring a Small Business Law Attorney
• Better Business Bureau – U. S. Offices  
• Breach of Contract

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