Stamp Supplies Dealer is deaf and illiterate.

Dealers are mortal. They take vacations, get sick, go bankrupt, even get arrested  ...

Without knowing who you bought from, there's really no way of telling you what happened or what to do -- it'd all be guesswork. Don't even know how badly you want the book (I once paid for books, didn't arrive after more than 2 months, got a refund, books arrived another month later even though labels clearly show shipped 3 months earlier, contacted the dealer again to pay for the books). So there's nothing wrong with going that route -- file claim for refund, you can always pay the dealer again when the book arrives.

Would you consider naming the dealer in a more generic inquiry fashion: Haven't received paid items from "Supplies Dealer Name" after 1½ months, with no response to 6 emails and 6 phone messages. Does anyone know if anything has happened to this dealer?

Given the pandemic and age of many stamp dealers...  ,  but hopefully it's just a mix-up or an extended vacation.

A couple of years ago I purchased a number of lots from an auction without paying attention to the auction introduction info.  A year or two later I happened to glance at the sub-title of that auction catalog as I was re-organizing that shelf, and saw that it was the estate of an old dealer friend of mine that I hadn't seen in nearly a decade.  I called the auction firm and they confirmed it was same person (we called him by his nickname, but the auction catalog listed his formal name).  Didn't realize I was still buying his stuff, even after he had gone to the great stamp vault in the sky...  Brought back a lot of good memories, but also the realization that stamp dealers/collectors often don't last longer than our stamps.

Indeed, if it is Subway, they've been having a lot of problems with keeping up with supplies, updating website, shipping... this year.

I haven't ordered from Subway well over 5 years. Learned over the decades to always call in my order to confirm stuff was in stock. Plus, back then, there were a couple of staff that were very knowledgeable about inventory and could sell you stuff that wasn't listed in either their catalog, ads, or website. Unfortunately, those guys are gone. Past couple years, I hear mixed bag of reviews from other buyers -- almost like hit and miss. And this year, likely due to pandemic restrictions (remember PA was one of the first to shut-down businesses even if briefly) and problems getting re-supplied from European manufacturers, the gripes of non-shipment/non-response have mushroomed.

Bottom line, if it's Subway, I'd file the claim first. As mentioned, you can always pay them again if the shipment ever arrives...

ronlayton , Six weeks of attempting to contact the non-responsive dealer is more than enough. File a merchandise not received claim with your credit card provider.

The no response thing - especially phone - would drive me crazy.  I've also bought supplies over the last 6 months with no problems (Matildas, iHobb, and several ebay sellers).  And the few problems I did have (stamp dealers and auction houses) were all late March or early April, and each was quick to respond to my queries. One guy was in Spain, seemed to only barely understand my email, but called my cell to assure me it was a quarantine issue (with a really thick Spanish accent)!

Always believing in "one more chance" though... personally, I'd send one more email with "Important" in the subject line, explain exactly what I intended to do if no communications followed within X (say, maybe 3?) days, and then, if no response your conscience is clear when you file against them.

I thought Subway was a member of APS, so if they are that is another path to file a complaint for failure to send material for money accepted. If they advertise in Linn's you can complain to them.

Al

I used to only buy from Subway but had to go elsewhere since they seemed to be out of stock of some of the items when I ordered. For example, they never seemed to have some common size mounts in stock. Given shipping, I did not want to do two orders (Subway and someone else) or wait.   In the Internet age, other sellers gavethem a lot more competition in price and shipping expense.  Shipping cost was another issue with Subway. 

Problem solved. The book suddenly appeared in my mail box exactly 2 months after it was ordered. They tried to hit my bank for the payment again but I called the bank and they stopped payment since the first payment was on record. During this time I have sent 10 emails and called and left messages at least as 10 times. No answers to emails or returned calls. I doubt if I will ever deal with Subway again.

Glad you received the book.

After the stress you've been through, you shouldn't have any doubts.