Fabulous Party Centurion - Misleading advertising and information

I had a highly frustrating and misleading experience with Fabulous Party Shop regarding their colour powder.

On Wednesday, 03 September 2025, I contacted the shop and was told the powder was in stock. On Saturday, 06 September 2025, when I went to purchase it, I was told there was no stock in store and that I would need to pay first before they would order it. I paid in good faith.

On Sunday, 07 September 2025, I informed them that our event had been cancelled and requested a refund. They refused, claiming the powder was “specially ordered” and therefore non-refundable.

This reasoning is unacceptable and contradictory:

On WhatsApp I was told the powder was collected from their warehouse, which proves they do stock it.

Their Facebook page and website openly advertise the 1kg tubs as “in stock” and “in store.”

In another WhatsApp message, I was told they “only stock tubes,” which directly contradicts their own advertising.

The facts are clear: this was not a special order, it is a product they promote as part of their normal stock. Refusing a refund under these circumstances is misleading and unfair to consumers.

I am escalating this matter to the Consumer Protection Bureau and strongly caution others to think twice before paying upfront at Fabulous Party Shop.