Patience may be a virtue, but it can cost you when you’re waiting for merchandise. I’m constantly hearing from consumers who show extraordinary patience waiting for items they ordered by phone, mail or via the Internet.

In some cases, merchandise is out of stock. Other times, orders exceed expectations, and companies simply fail to keep up with demand.

Consumers may also be victims of fraud. They order merchandise from what seems to be a legitimate website. When the order fails to arrive, they return to the website or call the phone number printed on their online receipt—only to discover both disconnected.

Whatever the reason, you have to act quickly to protect yourself. The longer you wait, the less likely it is that the company will be in business when you call to complain. You may also jeopardize your consumer rights.

The Federal Trade Commission requires sellers to ship items ordered by phone, mail or online within the time specified by the merchant or within 30 days if none is noted. If a seller can’t ship the items within the deadline, it has to notify you, give you a chance to cancel your order and send a full refund if you do.

If delivery has been longer than you expected, contact the company to request a refund. You can always reorder when the item is in stock or order it from another company.

If you choose to cancel, it’s ok to do it by phone, as long as you follow up by mail or email so there is a written record. The company is required to refund your money within seven business days for orders paid by cash, check or money order - or within one billing cycle for credit card orders.

It’s always safer to pay with credit when you’re placing an order for delivery. It’s virtually impossible to get back cash or a check from a lax or fraudulent merchant. But odds of recovery are good if you pay with a credit card.

All you have to do is dispute the charge with your card issuer. Just remember: You have to send the letter within 60 days of the first billing statement you received that shows the questionable charge.

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