I had an issue with another company I had made a credit card payment with and was not happy with the quality of the goods. The expression you are looking for is 'jointly and severally liable'. If you pay by credit card and the goods don't come up to scratch the credit card company is as liable as the goods supplier and you can sue them. Try using those magic words and see how quickly you get your money back. good luck and I am glad your job situation has worked it's self out.