EVERYONE: File your complaints with The FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION. Your complaints can help the FTC detect patterns of wrongdoing, and lead to INVESTIGATIONS and PROSECUTIONS. These are not legal business practices. Obvious bait and switch scams; selling defective merchandise, misrepresented as refurbished, then referring you to the manufacturer if you want it fixed; attempts to remove serial numbers, a fair indication that the merchandise was probably stolen Help put these DIRTBAGS out of business and put them in prison where they belong.

I've ordered a few things from ecost and have had both good and not so good experiences with them. I ordered a refurbished Apple ipod from them and it arrived in a timely manner, looked like new, and works just fine. I've been using it for about 4 months now without any problems. I was very happy with this order.  
 
I also ordered an Aerobed (inflatable bed) from them about one month ago and it arrived in a very damaged box with an insufficient amount of packing material (which explains the damage), but fortunately the bed was in it's own box and this box didn't sustain any damage. It also seems fine and, aside from the poor packing job, I'm pretty happy with this order.  
 
A few days ago I ordered a refurbished HP laptop, a PC headset, and a Linksys wireless router. Although they stated that all three were in stock, only the headset and the router have been shipped. I hope that the computer will be shipped soon, but given the experiences of others mentioned below, I am a little concerned. A small delay is ok, but I'll have to see just how long this delay continues.  
 
I do have one fairly major concern about ecost, however. Judging from the lack of packing material in the box containing my second order (which was directly responsible for the damage the shipping box sustained while in route) and also from the reviews I've read below in which others have stated that they've had the same experience, I worry that I'll be scammed on this most recent order and I'll explain why.  
 
Based upon the fact that I planned on ordering many items from ecost (admittedly they've got very good prices), I purchased a Platinum Premium membership before my most recent order so that I could get free shipping on this, and future, orders. However, what ecost buried in the fine print is this: their free shipping is done via UPS Basic service. After calling UPS, I discovered that these shipments are (1) uninsured and so the purchaser assumes all liability for any damage to the shipment and (2) left without a signature, regardless of how secure the location is.  
 
Now, I don't blame UPS for this since they've made companies using this form of shipping aware of their policies. I DO, however, feel it is a bit, well, unethical for ecost to use this level of shipping without clearly indicating that this level is used for all free shipping offers under their Platinum Premium membership, especially given that one must purchase a membership to get this "free" shipping.  
 
So, let's take a hypothetical. Let's say ecost ships out the laptop computer I've ordered, ships it without the proper type and/or an insufficient amount of packing material (knowing full well that if the computer arrives damaged, they have my money and I'm left with a damaged computer and absolutely no recourse), and let's say it arrives damaged. I have no way to get a refund (due to their "All Sales Final" policy) and no way to collect any insurance (since they shipped it via UPS Basic), and therefore I must pay out of pocket for any repairs to the computer (which sort of defeats the purpose of saving money by buying a refurbished computer). So, ecost is in the clear and I am out the cost of my computer purchase.  
 
To be fair to ecost, they have not yet shipped out my HP laptop (but hopefully will soon, given that they claimed it was in stock) and so I have no idea whether it will arrive properly packaged, undamaged, and in like-new condition, as it should. I also have not yet received my PC headset and wireless router (which have been shipped), so I also can't say anything about my experiences with this order either. But you can be certain I will be updating this post and I'll be fair and objective about my experiences. The outcome depends on ecost.  
 
UPDATE: To date, I've ordered 3 refurbished laptop computers (one of which I alluded to above), a printer cable, a PC headset, a wireless router, a refurbished ipod, and an inflatable bed. The computers all arrived well protected and without any damage, and they were all in like-new condition. I should note that I shipped everything via UPS second day air (including the refurbished computer I mentioned in my original review), which involved an added expense, but at least everything was insured. About one month out, I've not had any problems with any of the computers. All other items I purchased (some of which I've mentioned above) also arrived without damage and have been working without any problems. So, overall I'd have to say that I've been very happy with the online purchases I've made through ecost. Some words of advice to others:  
 
1. The Platinum Premium membership has not been very useful thus far. I don't think it's worth the expense.  
2. Although the Platinum Premium membership provides free shipping, this shipping is done through UPS Basic service and is therefore useless if you wish to ship expensive items such as computers, TVs, etc. Be warned that there is no shipping insurance with this level of service and UPS reserves the right to drop the package without signature.....regardless of whether the drop-off point is secure. See above for more information. Personally, I'd never consider shipping expensive items without insurance and therefore UPS Basic is not appropriate, whether or not ecost provides it for free.  
3. Many items that you purchase from ecost (refurbished, for example) are "final sales", meaning you cannot return them to ecost should they fail. That said, it might be advisable to purchase a warranty if possible.  
4. I still have reservations about the way ecost ships their merchandise, and apparently others agree with me on this. The items too often arrive without sufficient packing material and thus risk damage in transit. Again, I'd strongly advise shipping insurance for this reason.

This review was modified by its author, fukada, on 10/20/09 2:37 PM.

I placed an order with eCOST in September 7th and have been charged $82.95 in September 11st. I have been waiting to get my package for three weeks. So far, I actually do not receive my package.  
 
At first, I sent an e-mail and then contacted customer service center. In fact, it didn't work!  
They told me that I have to send another e-mail to deal with my order! It really makes me exhausted. I could endure this no longer!  
I paid the money to eCOST already. Could I acquire my goods? PLEASE!

stay away for this retailer!....  
 
ecost.com billed my credit card in amont not authorize. item retured because of shipping damage 48hrs of delivery. ecost will not credit the amount  
 
placed order with ecost.com for one amount. they broke that amount in to two amounts and billed my credit card. they didn't box the item for shipping and was delivered riped opne, damaged, broken and parts missing. I contacted ecost.com by phone 2 mins after USP delivered, they ask me to send photos by email. I did, they said it will take about 2 weeks to review and get back with me. i contacted UPS and they came and picked up the item within 3 days of making dilivered and sent to ecost. 45 days later no credit and each time i contact ecost was told they would looking into and someone will contact me. call about 50 times, two months later ecost has keep my money and has had the item from my order. because of the way ecost billed my credit card, that i did not authorize I had to complete multiple paperwork and twice the cost me me to dispute with my credit card company. order was placed 07/15/09. as of 09/24/09 i have not receved any credit from ecost.

False Advertisement.  
Bought a HP laptop.  
Here's the link for it http://www.ecost.com/Detail.aspx?edp=50569182&navid=155441519  
They didn't give me my ext DVD±RW  
Call them up, they say even though it's listed under description and specifications it doesn't mean the dvd rw included. It only means its compatible with the laptop. Its like saying even though wireless 802.11a/b/g/n WLAN is listed, it isn't included. Might as well sell me a a empty shell of a laptop. eCost have no integrity or honesty, dont do business with them. I'm sticking to New Egg and Amazon.

I ordered 3 panasonic digital cameras for some employees. Understand that we order inexpensive cameras because of the work environments. We go through them regularly, so we are not looking for high quality images, just a decent camera. The cameras we received do not work well at all. The flashes give you a range of about 4 ft and they all hang up when trying to review images taken. I contacted ecost.com customer service to discuss a return and was advised to contact the manufacturer. I know that it was my responsibility to understand the return policy prior to ordering, but it just never dawned on me that an exchange would not be possible. Needless to say, the customer service rep was less than helpful and would not let me talk to anyone else.  
All I want to do is exchange these cameras for some decent ones.  
My recommedation is NEVER BUY FROM ECOST.COM!

Stay Away From eCost!  
I purchased memory for my desktop machine last July for $125. I still have not received the item, and worse still, I have called them five times and never got a clear response from them on the issue. Each call ends in "i will talk to a supervisor and we will contact you within 72 hours". They have never followed up. This is eCost's way of saying "Goodbye and F**k you"

I ordered a wireless router online that was listed in stock on a Sunday. Sunday afternoon I received a phone message from eCost to call and verify my credit card. I returned the call within minutes of receiving the message. Only to find out that eCost isn't open to receive calls on Sundays. They're open enough to call, but not to receive return calls.  
 
Fast forward, I call during their normal business hours and the product I had ordered is now backordered because my order was on hold and they sold out while I was unable to return their calls.  
 
It's hard to understand why a company can call you and leave you a message to call them back while they're closed. Since they are unable to fulfill my order, I will be taking my business elsewhere. This is not the first time this has happened to me at eCost. Really crappy way to do business.  
 
REPLY TO ECOST:  
 
Perhaps your credit department should leave a number that *THEY* can be reached at on Sundays, then. They left me the general customer service number. That number will not be answered on Sundays. I don't think your answer does anything to help, only to deflect the criticism.  
 
The issue is that you should not leave a message to call you back if you're not available for the return call less than 1 minute after you leave the message at the number you leave. You obviously can't process the order quickly if you call me about a credit issue (I presume because I was shipping to a work address instead of a billing address) if your credit people are not available to receive the return call.

This review was modified by its author, gwells, on 9/25/09 11:39 AM.

Easy to order. I've actually had several orders from these guys and each time the thing I order gets delivered. This last time, it was 4 different items and they all arrived before the 5th day.  
 
The only problem with this merchant is that if something goes bad with the product, they won't deal with it, but ask you to contact the manufacturer. It's a minor beef, since the manufacturers are good. Overall quality products. I'll be shopping with them again, too.

After 4 emails and 3 phone calls all dealing with pitiful customer service representatives, it seems writing a review on this website is the quickest way to get a problem sorted out since the Resolutions team seem to be checking this website and responding.  
 
So resolution team I address this to you. I ordered a Compaq notebook computer and paid via funded paypal (ie it was actual money not a credit card transaction) and an authorization of my actual money was sent to ecost. I then receive an email saying the notebook I ordered is back ordered despite the website saying it was in stock. I then called ecost and cancelled the order. That was the easy part. Getting ecost to understand that funded paypal authorizations dont just "drop off" like temporary credit card authorizations and that someone in their credit department needs to physically reject the authorization has been a whole other matter. The people on the phone say I will send a request to the credit department, the people on email say, you have not been charged, the authorization will just drop off and I am still out $331 dollars of my hard earned cash that is sitting in the paypal universe somewhere because apparently ecost have no concept of how paypal works. So I implore you ecost read this review and give my bloody money back!!  
 
My favorite part of this whole experience has been how the day after I have to cancel my order because they dont infact have the notebook they were advertising, the send out their "hot sheet" emailing advertising the exact same computer! Wonder how many other people ordered the non existent computer as a result of this.  
 
CANCEL THE PAYPAL AUTHORIZATION AND GIVE MY FREAKING MONEY BACK YOU SCAMMERS!!!  
 
EDIT:Thanks you Beverly for proving my point with another useless reply. As I stated in my review Paypal authorizations DO NOT CANCEL THEMSELVES! How freaking hard is that to understand? Someone in your office needs to cancel the authorizations physically. Take ote everyone, even the resolutions team is totally inept.

This review was modified by its author, amberweaversmith, on 9/29/09 9:50 PM.

On 7/31/2009 I purchased 12 Thinkpad X41 series tablet computers. These arrived on 8/5/2009 as ordered and I have been very pleased with this purchase. I made another purchase on 8/11/09 for more tablet computers. This time I ordered 2 more Thinkpad X41 series tablets that included docking stations and messenger bags and again, as expected, these arrived on 8/14/09 as ordered. This order also included 2 HP Elitebook 2530p computers which I selected from the same list on the website identified as “TABLETS” and from where I had selected the Thinkpad tablets. I had no indication these were not tablets similar to the Thinkpads. When they arrived, I opened one of the boxes and discovered these are not tablet computers, but notebooks. They do not have pen-enabled touchscreens. I did not expect to have a problem getting them exchanged. I called customer service on 8/17/2009 and explained the situation, hoping from a customer service standpoint that an EXCHANGE could be made. I still need and want 2 more tablet computers. I even found 2 more that would be adequate replacements. I was informed that I would not be issued an RMA because of Ecost's policy of ALL SALES FINAL. I called customer service back on 8/18/2009 to request consideration for an exchange and was informed that my request would be forwarded for consideration. I asked when I could expect to hear back on a decision and was told that it was customary for this process to take 2-3 days. I emailed ecost the morning of  
8/21 and that afternoon received an email from James in the eCOST resolutions department asking me to call. I called twice and left voice mail with no response. On 9/2/09, I sent another email asking James to please consider how much money ecost stands to lose if I terminate my company's relationship. As of 9/16/09, no response. I have offered to exchange for other tablets, pay the shipping of these tablets back to them, and nothing is getting their attention or consideration. I expect better customer service than I have received and DO NOT RECOMMEND SHOPPING ECOST.

I was nervous after reading all the negative reviews about eCost after I ordered a refurbished Dyson from them. The order arrived within the specified time limit and the vacuum looked like new, all of the attachments and the book were included which apparently is unheard of with refurbished sweepers. I did not have any difficulty with the company and the price was great. And by the way the Dyson sucks big time in the way it is suppose to!!!

This review was modified by its author, juna, on 9/10/09 5:21 PM.

My item arrived missing several non-vital components that the website said they came with, and the serial number was blacked out on the back. I've bought refurbished items in the past, and have never seen that before. It just has a shady feel, and I wanted a response as to why they felt that was necessary.  
 
After two weeks of constant e-mails to this company, my problem has still not been resolved. I've only received one e-mail (other than the automatic "We'll get back to you within 24-48 hours!" e-mail) which directed me to call customer service. I spoke with the customer service representative, who told me I'd receive a response by e-mail. I never did. I've e-mailed them several more times over the last few weeks, and still have not received a response.  
 
This is an unacceptable level of customer service. I will never buy from this company again, and would encourage others not to as well.  
 
09/11/09  
I was never sent a return label. However on the 9th I did receive another e-mail telling me to contact their customer service number (again) after I left a bad review with shop.google.com, and yet another "Your letter has been forwarded to the Appropriate department, you will receive a response within 24 to 48 Business hours." So it's not for lack of them being able to contact me, it's pretty much them straight up lying.  
 
Also obviously ecost.com has no idea what "recertified" actually means. I still very strongly recommend that you do NOT ever buy from this company.

This review was modified by its author, cynmoon, on 9/11/09 1:58 PM.

I ordered a GPS with delivery in 2-4 days according to delivery zone on UPS map. Product took 2 weeks to arrive. I called to cancel the order or send it back unopened, but they refused. THEIR DELIVERY SERVICE SUCKS!!

I ordered a refurbished Halo 3 Special Edition Xbox 360. I was unaware of this site and all week I had been dreading the order.  
 
Well low and behold this afternoon (4 days after ordering) my console shows up complete with everything as promised on the website.  
 
The box was a bit worse for wear but all the contents were in there and I plugged the system in and was able to go right to playing and using Xbox Live. And despite being "refurbished" it still had the seals in tact so my console is covered by Microsoft for another 2 years replacement!  
 
I had no problems with them accepting my payment, no lost shipments (got a UPS Tracking Number on Day 2) and everything was as advertised.  
 
I know I am not the majority but at least for my transaction I got a steal (entire Special Edition console for $214)