eCost.com = bad experience

[haansgruber]

I recently attempted to purchase an item from ecost. What a horrible experience that was. I paid for 2 day shipping so that I could expedite the shipment due to my urgent need at the time. Their operator was a black woman with an obvious attitude toward a white male. She sounded like a broken record, all she could say was; Would you like me to cancel the order? Over, and over, and over. At first I said no, but, I also don't want to pay for a service that I'm not receiving. She said: That's not the way it works sir. We order the item, then we ship it 2 day when we receive it. I told her: I am not waiting for you to order an item and send it to me after you receive it, who knows how long that might take. Why are you selling an item you don't even have in stock, or in your warehouse? To which her broken record reply refrained once more: Would you like me to cancel the order? So, finally I said yes, yes I want you to cancel it, I'll go and get one myself. Then she threatend to hang up on me stating that I was being rude. What do these folks think they are doing and who do these folks think they are?

I will never order anything from eCost.com again, they lost their chance. One experience like this is all it takes for me. It's not worth the hassle to order online. The few bucks you might save ends up being a headache 99% of the time. I'll be shopping in a local electronics store from now on.

Caveat Emptor -- let the buyer beware

peace,

haans

[benboise]

Before shopping at e-cost I'd read many from a long list of e-cost store reviews. Most were very good, but I concentrated on the bad reviews. There was a thread, in the form of being given the really hard-sell to buy accesssories and other accoutrements. Or maybe the common thread was just from the act of communicating with employees. But the majority of reviews were good and so were the prices. So I shopped e-cost. (DRUM ROLL)

I, too, ordered recently from e-cost- 10 days ago. I bought it off their "hot sheet", that is things discontinued or close-out, and priced to move. A Sony digital (no tape needed) voice recorder (up to 16 hours, voice activated), at $22 a huge savings from the same model sold 'anywhere' else. Sony factory refurbished, 90 day warranty. Standard postage, took 4 days beginning following morning. 1 gripe maybe, the shipping cost was high, almost $10 for such a little thing. But still less than half-price compared to other sellers.

One thing different with my experience: didn't speak to anyone. Just found and placed my order. Checked out. They sent confirming e-mail immediately, and shipped it DHL, allowing me to track the shipment all the way to my box at home. Just with a click on the e-mail.

I will buy from e-cost again. Sony has a new camera coming out in late June, and e-cost is taking pre-orders for the same-- for almost $100 less than most anyone else taking pre-orders.

I suggest always reading others' shop reviews-- concentrate on the bad ones. Try to get an idea of what can or might happen worse-case. Don't buy anything you don't want to-- and avoid speaking to anyone or doing anything but place your order. If they're on the up and up- and everyone who plans a long and profitable existance truly is, then rest easy. And be patient, don't be sucked into the "'Priority 2 or 3 day delivery', or 'possible next day delivery' or 'Overnight delivery'-- let it come to you".

Benboise
Bargain Hunter
Have laptop, Will travel