Be warned. They mark items as in stock that they know aren't. They call you to "confirm" your order, when in reality they are calling to try to upsell you and hassle you about how what you just ordered is a piece of crap and you should of course give them more money for another item that isn't, or the one they are trying to clear out. Of course, I'm sure that if I'd ordered that item to begin with, it'd be that item that was a piece of crap. He actually said "honestly, the return rate is very high" (!). Charged credit card when item was not in stock, though it stated it was in product page. 13 days later email saying that item shipment was delayed by manufacturer. They are supposed to be a solid vendor from reviews in other sites, but I'd start shopping elsewhere.
I'd previously ordered some clearance items and hadn't had any problems with Abe's at the time. Then, over the summer, I ordered a Canon XT DSLR from them and got the "please phone to confirm order" message which turned out to be an attempt to sell me other items. Who does this? Got the camera for a great price though. After that, I ordered a Hoya circular polarizing filter and was sent a cheap generic Chinese filter. I returned it and was eventually sent email saying the Hoya filter was out of stock. Following the email instructions, I replied to request the order canceled and purchased a filter elsewhere. A few weeks later, they sent me the restocked Hoya filter. Had to return that one too. Ordered some other clearance filters. When I called after a month, they said my order hadn't gone through and the filters were now out of stock. I immediately went back to Abe's page ordered the clearance filters again and got them a week later. I now seem to have two more clearance orders in limbo and can't get through to customer service. Why do I bother?
Bought a Canon 30D as they had the best price. received a call from a salesperson trying to sell accessories but he wasn't too pushy about it. Camera arrived on time and works perfectly.
I made a huge mistake dealing with Abes of Maine. I bought a radar detector on December 19th and I was -promised- delivery before Christmas (and paid extra for it). The gift finally arrived on December 27th.
It gets worse. They sent me cheaper model than the one I ordered... but still charged me for the expensive one.
I obviously call and complain. They promise me a refund for the extra shipping and for the overcharge. I get the shipping refund but not the overcharge refund....and Abes tries to blame my credit card company! Today they once again promised to return the money they owe me so we'll see what happens.
As for the customer service staff, they spent more time transferring me from person to person (plus putting me on terminal hold) than dealing with their errors.
Bottom line--I'd never trust them to honestly or accurately handle any order. Buyer beware!
I placed a phone order for a Sony KDL40XBR2 LCD TV on the morning of January 15, 2007 from Abe's Of Maine electronics after seeing their advertised website of BBB Online certified emblem, "Satisfaction Guaranteed or Your Money Back!" quots and Visa certifications, and a host of other qualtity Merchant approval logos. Phil, the sales rep took my order for a Sony TV valued at 2769.99 plus a number of accessories, including a 3 year warranty for $349. The TV was a late Christmas present for my mom, who later that same day in the afternoon, informed me that the TV size would be too large for her space and asked me to cancel my order. I called the sales rep (Phil at Ext. 219) back at 5 pm that same day and informed him of my situation and that I will need to cancel my order# . After waiting about 35 minutes and being transfered to various people, Phil said that there was nothing he could do. But if I had called earlier to cancel it, then he might have been able to do something. The the "TV was already billed and my credit card transaction had already been processed". He said there was nothing he could do. He said I could call and speak with Lisa the manager at ext. 237 tomorrow, but that her answer would be the same. I was lead to believe that the Online Merchant was a reputable company. When I asked what Lisa's last name was, he said "He didn't know". Since I hadn't received any merchandise and the item had not been shipped, I don't see why I shouldn't have the right to cancel my order or change my mind. It doesn't seem like legitimate business paractices to not give a credit when the consumer never received any merchandise. Phil, said that I would recieve an order confirmation by email when I placed my order. However, the email confirmation only appeared when I asked to cancel my order. There was no information on the website or made know to me when I place the order that I would only have a limited amount of time to cancel my order prior to shiping. When I received the email confirmation, all my personal information was exposed including my full credit card number. by far my worst experience with an online retailer ever. I am only sorry I didn't see their bad reseller rating until now. Buyers be super ware!
March 5, 2007
After Contacting the BBB Online and posting a complaint with them on 1/15/2007, I received a call from one of the Manager at Abe's Electronice Center Inc. (Abe's of Maine), who was very helpful is granting me a credit for my order and the merchandise that I did not receive. My banks Visa department did nothing to help resolve my issues. I am satisfied with the out come with the Help of the Better Business Burearu assitance and follow-up.
This review was modified by its author, tomkats007, on
3/5/07 1:31 PM.
Purchased a new 32" LCD tv that didn't work properly when I received it, called manufacturer who told me to return it to the retailer as it was brand new. Called Abes where I was informed that once it leaves their store it's not their problem and I'm on my own. Seems they DON'T SERVICE WHAT THEY SELL
By far the worse online vendor I've ever dealt with!! ***BUYER BEWARE***
I purchased a projector and ceiling mount. I got the projector but never recieved the ceiling mount even though it was listed on the shipping list which came with the projector. I called several times to speak with someone from customer service and was placed on hold each time for upwards of 15 minutes. It's been two weeks and I have still been able to talk to someone in a postion of authority at Abe's. Tried emailing - no answer!
After purchasing the projector I also found out that the ceiling mount I paid $249.99 is listed on their website for $149.99. Before you buy from these yahoos read all the negative reviews first as it's my belief that most of the positive ones are bogus. I'll be filing a complaint with the better business bureau.
My wife bought me a camera lens, and shortly after completing the order, she received a call to confirm her order. The sales guy told her that for only $10 more, she could buy a much better lens. He went on to tell her that the 'better' lens normally sold for $250, but was on sale for $200. The lens that he convinced her to buy for $200 was a lens that could be bought for $120 to $140 at many different stores, including Abe's of Maine! After finding this out, my wife and I wanted to distance ourselves from this company as soon as possible. When I called to get a return authorization, I was hassled as to why I would want to return the lens. I was offered $25 off my order. I was pushed to keep the lens for a 30-day try-out period. Both offers I declined and returned the lens. I was given my money back, minus shipping charges both ways. I then bought the lens that I wanted from a much better store - B&H Photo.
The rating here on ResellerRatings shows that this company shouldn't get anyone's business. Unfortunately, there are several ratings websites that give Abe's of Maine a good rating.
This review was modified by its author, rugen, on
1/17/07 9:35 PM.
abes definitely has great prices, but their hard sell tactics are rather annoying. after making a purchase, abes will send you an email to confirm your order (which is annoying to begin with...i shop online so i don't have to deal with people). anyway, after they confirm your order, they try to sell you any number of accessories....and if you decline them, they suddenly get an attitude (sal, in my experience, gets really grumpy, even saying things like "oh, so you don't need a battery to work the camera" - neglecting to mention that he is trying to sell an upgraded battery!). if you want to deal with professional people, don't go here. if you can handle the bs, then the prices are good and it's worth the phone call.
I can deal with the aftersales but the Customer Service is incredibly poor! Order placed 8 days ago, Credit card charged same day, Confirmation received 3 days later, niether their "automated" system nor tracking through UPS generate any status, as if these are bogus numbers. Talking to someone in "Customer Service" is impossible. When they get to you (after 20+ minutes), they either disconnect or route the call to a Sales person who has NO interest in your problem. Was told two different ship dates by two different people. When challenged, the last one said to call Customer Service! Their email address is inop. NEVER Again!!!!!
This review was modified by its author, glamb23, on
1/11/07 9:15 PM.
I ordered a Pentax K10D body with a Tamron 28-75mm lens. I called to make the order and check that it was all in stock. There were no hard sell tactics to get me to buy extra stuff. Shipping was prompt and on time with e-mail updates along the way. A very good experience!
Update: Due to a defect in the camera (no fault of Abe's) I had to send it back. Abe's was very responsive and paid for return shipment.
This review was modified by its author, stevenas58, on
1/10/07 12:01 PM.
Ordered a H500 Bluetooth Headset through the website on Dec. 27th. It wasn't until I got my confirmation email that I noticed it said a 24-72 hour "processing" period for all orders. After waiting one week and seeing that the order status still said "processing", I called and was notified that they were oversold on an item (my credit card was charged anyhow) and it would maybe be restocked in a few days. They offered free overnight shipping, but since it's UPS I still probably wouldn't have my item until next week. Found another place online that sells the unit cheaper and it arrived in 2 days. This is my first experience with Abe's of Maine and will be my last.
Placed order on Jan 3. On jan 4 got an email from them stating that there was a "Problem processing my order" and I needed to call. When I called there was no "Problem"... They wanted to upsell me accessories which I declined. Very poor business practice. Email they sent was deceptive for sure! Was told that my order would ship on out that day. Verified that my credit card was charged that day, but so far no confirmation via email or their website that order has shipped.
Update: Did receive ship notification and tracking number on evening of 1/4 so they did ship as indicated on phone earlier the morning of the 4th. I was pleased to have this confirmation as promised.
Update: Ordered camera and carry case. Received camera but not carry case. Bacordered according to invoice with shippment, but still charged full amount. Also camera was in an unsealed box and did not even have plastic factory protection over lcd screen of camera (which is usually the case) and some finger smudges on it. Appears that they may have shipped me either a returned unit or replaced their store demo?? Digital file counter was at zero but that could have been reset. Don't have a good feeling about this company!
This review was modified by its author, alanfink, on
1/14/07 10:18 PM.
