I understand your frustration, happened to me several times. Actually, I’ve experienced similar also with KD, Ali, FT or Neals.
Well, first good thing: you have your money back. Second good thing: there was an interaction.
Since I have some experience in retail and warehouses, I must admit it’s not difficult to have a discrepancy between system stock and real stock. So my assumption is that their system was showing 1 available piece (or maybe 2-3), and while you placed the order they’ve sent an order to the warehouse to ship the item. And then it started: “we don’t have it”, “maybe another warehouse have it”, “maybe that’s the system stock artifact”, etc. etc. etc. They kept trying to find system stock for a month, and then they’ve finally found out they really don’t have it.
I know, it shouldn’t be this way. But perfect accuracy in stock vs system, is just an utopia. People steal. factories send different quantities than they claim. Human error is something very common too.
Man, you should just chill out and order another flashlight. Or two. Bargain purchases in China have one thing in common: you may be sure they worked once you receive the item.
So summing up, I’ll never give up FastTech. I keep buying hosts there since it’s hard to get so good price anywhere else. Seldom I buy other things. But among maybe 60 orders, I had problems with maybe 2. Always ended up positively.
You just need to get used to different approach to customers in China. “We don’t have it” is enough to excuse especially when you get your money back. No harm, no fault.
It’s just different culture (I mean here also technical culture or customer appreciation). While “the west” masters the perfection in customer care, they already start it. They learn how to satisfy “west” customer since it’s totally different to their home market.
Man, if you expect the same service level as in Rolex watches store, you’ll always be disappointed. People buy in China because it’s so way cheaper. But these prices are justified by cuts and savings on other “sale-surrounding” aspects. You don’t get so long time warranty. You don’t have such a good customer service. They keep making mistakes, but still - I don’t find it as done on purpose. Just China is behind with service level we got used to by the expensive country-based companies.
Just go to Africa and check their customer care service level. You’ll be lucky if your hotel room is equipped with door and windows.
Last (but not least), there’s always a brutal truth: you don’t like it? You don’t buy it.
Stay healthy, all the best to you.