I adopted a saying a while back as my motto: “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.” While I still think this applies, I now believe something is missing from that statement: What they didn’t tell you is, it might not kill you, but it will most likely push you around, kick you while your down until you’re spitting up blood, possibly crap on you, then kick some dirt on you as it walks away, leaving you sobbing and in pain. Harsh? Probably, but it seems life is that way.

Ok, so I’m not in the Christmas spirit today, and yes, I’m probably in a REALLY bad mood. For that, I apologize. I’m just sick and tired of fighting with idiots that for whatever reason think they are better than you. Let me fill you in on my latest drama.

I had planned to order a set of books for my son from a company called Sonlight Curriculum, a supposedly Christian company that sells homeschooling materials. I’ve heard excellent things about their curriculum and was excited to try it out. They are somewhat pricey, but my kids are worth it. My husband didn’t receive a Christmas bonus this year, which makes gifts a little lean. Fortunately Sonlight Curriculum had a “time payments” option. My order was almost $1,100 and time payments required a down payment of around $300, followed by monthly payments for anywhere from 3-6 months. Sounded like a great idea, and I could pay it off early with our tax return.

I placed our order online, not anticipating any issues. It was pending a credit check. I had no worries and was all psyched to receive our new books and materials! To my surprise however, I receive an email stating that we were not approved. Floored, I called them to find out the problem. They explained we did not meet their credit requirements and they were sorry but basically, “Sucks to be you.”

This was news to us, considering we purchased a home a year ago with a great rate. We have not had any sort of issues being approved for credit anywhere else. I asked to be transferred to their finance department and was told Anne was not available because she was picking up her child from school. Curious – a homeschool curriculum employee does not use their products? That doesn’t speak well of Sonlight’s curriculum or materials.

I finally get through to Anne the next day. I told her there must be a mix up, because my husband and I have worked hard to make sure our credit is in good standing and cannot imagine why there is an issue. She was short, less than helpful and rude. She said, “she was not able to give out the score they received but that it was below their ‘threshold’ and there was nothing more she could do for us.” At this point I’m worried about identity theft, so we go online, get copies of our reports from the three credit agencies, and pour through them, expecting to see something shocking.

Instead I see excellent payment history, and good scores. I emailed Sonlight showing the scores, proving that not only did we meet their threshold we exceeded it. Sadly, Anne was out of the office again (rather convenient) and was told my information would be given to a supervisor that would contact me soon.

The supervisor, Eldina, called me around 4PM. She says that “while my report shows a TOTALLY different score, their system has something much lower and they will be going with their score. She says that while she understands my ‘disappointment,’ she cannot help.” After I argue with her for several minutes, she finally says she will contact Transunion DIRECTLY and find out what’s going on. “Great, we can finally get this resolved!” I thought. Yeah right.

She calls back again with some elaborate story about four different ways to obtain credit scores, saying she spoke to Transunion (a bold-faced lie) and while the score I have is valid, their system has something different and they still refuse to approve us. I’m livid now and launch into a tirade about how I will tell everyone I know about this and how poor their customer service is. She says I can do whatever I want and that she understands my disappointment (again, obviously reading from the angry customer script). I’m not disappointed! I’m pissed and angry because these morons have the wrong information and refuse to believe otherwise! Don’t patronize me with your empty “I’m sorry,” or “I totally understand.” If you understood or cared at all you’d be asking your crappy customer service where the disconnect is and make an effort to fix this!

Immediately after the call, we contacted Transunion, only to learn that Sonlight Curriculum never spoke directly to them. That part was a flat out lie! They use a third-party service to obtain credit scores that obviously had wrong information. Still, no matter what I said or did, it wasn’t good enough for Sonlight Curriculum.

Let me say this: First, I’ve worked around credit and finance. When you see a decent score, great payment history and a sizable down payment, you make exceptions! No matter what your crappy computer system and inaccurate reporting service says.

Second, in a terrible economy when large numbers of people are unemployed, and you have a paying customer with a down payment double what you’ve asked for, you do your BEST to work with them!

Third, Hell hath no fury like Katie Carson scorned. Maybe one person can’t make a difference, but she sure can yell REALLY LOUD. That’s what I plan to do. We are a hard-working family that deserves more than a brush off from a company that is supposedly Christian. You don’t LIE to me, make me feel like somehow I’m not worthy or you, and then expect me to just take it. No sir, not this girl.

Their information is flat out wrong. I sent proof and have confirmation from Transunion. If they want to argue that with me, I’m up for the fight. At this point, I will be taking my business elsewhere, where we are actually appreciated and will tell everyone my honest opinion of Sonlight Curriculum, and it won’t be pretty.

Updated 12/22/2009: Changed out post photo – the original was a bit harsh.

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