Seller pays to order for Birthday Balloon Arch, refuses to refund couple – CBS Chicago

CHICAGO (CBS) – We’ve heard a lot about cancellation policies and confusion regarding COVID. Now we have a new one – the seller cancels, guarantees and then refuses to refund. That’s what happened to a suburban couple who were planning a big birthday celebration.

Alessandra Gallo has big plans for her husband Michael’s 40th birthday to reminisce about the good old days.

READ MORE: Jason Van Dyke is expected to be shipped to Illinois before the February release date

“We grew up on the North Side of Chicago, so Harlem Avenue was a big spot during the day, and that’s where he hung out a lot,” said Alessandra. “It’s just big and that’s exactly his personality.”

To make her vision a reality, Gallo hired CBA Balloons on Instagram to make her a flashy balloon dome, after seeing the stunning displays the company created for birthdays, weddings, and birthdays. and graduation ceremony.

“Her site is quite legit and has a good following,” Alessandra said.

CBS Ballon’s Instagram account has 300 posts, nearly two thousand followers and promises to turn “your space into a world of imagination”.

But a fantasy world is just what Alessandra gets for the $250 sent to the company via Zelle.

“It was frustrating,” she said.

Come back. Three days before the big event, Michelle, owner of CBA Balloons, sent a message titled “Urgent Note”. It said her entire team was infected with COVID and they were unable to serve ANY events that weekend.

The message also said customers could get a credit for a future event, but not cash back.

“It’s not right,” Michael said.

The booking form Alessandra filled out on Instagram said, “In the event of cancellations or unforeseen issues, we offer rescheduling / full credit / no cash refunds.”

“I think that could actually be a big misunderstanding,” Alessandra said.

READ MORE: LOCATION: Valentina Cruz, 14 years old and Luis Cruz, 12 years old, Of Gage Park

Alessandra never thought she would lose $250 if the SELLER cancels, and when she tried to text CBA Balloons about the policy, she said, “my number has been blocked.”

“So I tried calling. I went straight to voicemail,” she added.

On top of that, CBA Balloons is also connected to the company FHG Floral Event and Design. That company has an F rating and a series of similar claims on Better Business Bureau records.

And another red flag, one of Alessandra’s colleagues texted the CBA Balloons as a test to see what would happen if she ordered the balloon arrangement the same day Alessandra’s arch was cancelled. .

“She texted back within minutes, saying, ‘Yes, no problem, we can organize your event,’” Alessandra said.

Again, this is also the CBA Balloons weekend canceled on Alessandra and said it cannot accommodate any events.

“Be careful,” Alessandra said.

Luckily, Michael’s 40th was still a success, thanks to some last-minute decorations.

“Party City has really come at the end of the day,” said Alessandra.

But if you’re considering buying one of CBA’s Valentine’s Day packages, make sure you consider both your heart and your wallet.

The owner insists her policy is no refunds, even if she was the one to cancel.

MORE NEWS: Police warn businesses about recent thefts in the loop

Gallos insists they never imagined that included if the balloon company canceled there would be credit but no cash, even though the booking form they signed says exactly that.