3/5
posted Feb-12-2004
Edit 3/12/04:
I wanted to update this based on my third order with ecost. This one did not go so well. My principal complaint is with their "handling" fee. I haven't read all the other reviews, but I'm sure it's mentioned. My issue is not that they have one (OK, I think that its a little disingenuous to advertise free shipping, but charge handling, but they do show it as a line item before the completion of your purchase). I had more of an issue with the amount of the charge. Before, although they showed a fee at checkout, the amount ultimately charged was significantly less. On my last order, I was charged a $4.99 handling fee for a Secure Digital memory card, which is, what, maybe an inch long and weighs about an ounce? That's too much. When I called (the box had just been delivered, but I hadn't opened it yet), I received no sympathy from the eCost CSR (not that I really expected any), and no help ajusting the price, since I had noticed that it had gone down since I placed the order. When I said that I was going to refuse the shipment (since I hadn't opened it), I was told that I would be subject to a 15% restocking fee (in ADDITION to a charge for BOTH shipping and handling), unless I had an RMA#. When I requested one, I was told that it would take 3-5 business days to issue (I'm still waiting). And, by the way, they would still charge me for shipping and handling. The CSR was not rude, but not overly helpful, either. In short, these guys aren't the worst out there, but they aren't the best, either. If you want quality service, go to someone like Newegg or Amazon.
I have ordered from eCost twice, now. In both instances I recieved my order promptly, they notified me when my order shipped (although, on the last order, 1 of the 2 items was backordered, and they didn't notify me that the second half shipped - but no bigee there). My orders arrived in good shape, as advertised. Prices were excellent; good experience all around. Others have apparently had difficulty with them, but not me, so far. I will say that when I called them with a innocuous general question (not a complaint), I thought that the CSR was a little short (but I've unfortunely seen a lot worse), so maybe it's a Customer Service issue with others. When you don't have a problem, you tend to be insulated from those kinds of issues. I'd definitely buy there again.
This review was modified by
rgillespey on March 12 2004 07:47:57 AM
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posted Sep-19-2004 
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![Share](javascript:share_rating({"review_body":"This was my first purchase with this merchant, and I have no complaints. The price was good, my order shipped promptly via UPS (as opposed to USPS like many of the cheapo vendors do). The product arrived within a few days in good condition. Communication was good, as well. I would do business with these guys again.","link":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/PC_SuperStore_Erie_Computer_Company\/review\/321880#comment321880","store_thumb":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/thumbnail\/PC_SuperStore_Erie_Computer_Company.jpg","store_name":"PCSuperStore - Erie Computer Company","username":"rgillespey","rating":"5"}, "single");){kind=link}
![Share](javascript:share_rating({"review_body":"I\u0027ve just completed my first transaction with this company. It turned out sort of ok, BUT, if you have a problem with your order, don\u0027t even think of being able to resolve it through an email. Their contact address only triggers an automated BS response. They don\u0027t even pretend to read it. The canned response does list a local phone # (202 Area Code, I think), but I didn\u0027t try it. They also don\u0027t honor what\u0027s on their website. They advertise FedEx Ground shipment if an optional purchase is chosen. I chose one of the options, and my order shipped USPS anyway. I even included my expectations in the comments section of my order. That being said, the USPS shipment actually got here as quickly as FedEx would have (this time), but that\u0027s not the point. For my order (inkjet printable DVD media), the price was good, and the first one, at least, burned fine. So be careful with these guys. If you know what you are ordering and its a low dollar item, they will probably be OK. If you have a problem with your order, though, good luck.","link":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/shopampm\/review\/161446#comment161446","store_thumb":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/thumbnail\/shopampm.jpg","store_name":"shopampm","username":"rgillespey","rating":"2"}, "single");){kind=link}
![Share](javascript:share_rating({"review_body":"Excellent! I can understand the high reseller rating, based on my experience. Price was good, arrived quickly via FedEx. Received emails all along the order\/delivery cycle. Customer sat. leaders like Newegg had better be looking over their shoulders at these guys (or maybe looking ahead).","link":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/z_buy\/review\/138289#comment138289","store_thumb":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/thumbnail\/z_buy.jpg","store_name":"z-buy","username":"rgillespey","rating":"5"}, "single");){kind=link}
![Share](javascript:share_rating({"review_body":"EDIT: This is a follow up to take something back that I had said earlier, and to add something else. First, I was incorrect to say that this wasn\u0027t a dual fan setup. It didn\u0027t look like the picture on the box, but it did have two fans. The second thing that I wanted to say was that it turned out to be DOA when I finally tried it in a system. No workee. Nada. Avoid these losers at all costs! (As if you needed someone to tell you that after you read the reviews here.)<br>I ordered a dual fan 580 watt power supply; received a single fan supply (although the box said \u0022double fan.\u0022 I sent an email about it - no reply. Now, I really don\u0027t have that much of a problem with the descrepancy. Heck, $14 for that PS, you wouldn\u0027t expect all that much - except for a reply to my inquiry. That doesn\u0027t say much good about their customer service. I\u0027d be a little careful of these guys. BTW, shipping was reasonably fast, and the price was as agreed.","link":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/US_Depot\/review\/129253#comment129253","store_thumb":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/thumbnail\/US_Depot.jpg","store_name":"US-Depot","username":"rgillespey","rating":"1"}, "single");){kind=link}
![Share](javascript:share_rating({"review_body":"No problems. I ordered a 6 port USB 2.0 card on the 26th of Feb. It was delivered on March 1. It wasn\u0027t very well packaged - just bubble wrap taped over the card package - but nothing seemed to be damaged (I haven\u0027t used it yet, but it looks fine). The retail box was kind of wierd, one side said (and pictured) a 2 port hub, the other side a 6 port hub, but the correct product was inside. And, hey, wadda ya want for $7.99 shipped? I\u0027m satisfied. Would use again.","link":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/TurboLed\/review\/128638#comment128638","store_thumb":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/thumbnail\/TurboLed.jpg","store_name":"TurboLed.com (formerly upgradecenterinc.com)","username":"rgillespey","rating":"5"}, "single");){kind=link}
![Share](javascript:share_rating({"review_body":"Edit 3\/12\/04:<br>I wanted to update this based on my third order with ecost. This one did not go so well. My principal complaint is with their \u0022handling\u0022 fee. I haven\u0027t read all the other reviews, but I\u0027m sure it\u0027s mentioned. My issue is not that they have one (OK, I think that its a little disingenuous to advertise free shipping, but charge handling, but they do show it as a line item before the completion of your purchase). I had more of an issue with the amount of the charge. Before, although they showed a fee at checkout, the amount ultimately charged was significantly less. On my last order, I was charged a $4.99 handling fee for a Secure Digital memory card, which is, what, maybe an inch long and weighs about an ounce? That\u0027s too much. When I called (the box had just been delivered, but I hadn\u0027t opened it yet), I received no sympathy from the eCost CSR (not that I really expected any), and no help ajusting the price, since I had noticed that it had gone down since I placed the order. When I said that I was going to refuse the shipment (since I hadn\u0027t opened it), I was told that I would be subject to a 15% restocking fee (in ADDITION to a charge for BOTH shipping and handling), unless I had an RMA#. When I requested one, I was told that it would take 3-5 business days to issue (I\u0027m still waiting). And, by the way, they would still charge me for shipping and handling. The CSR was not rude, but not overly helpful, either. In short, these guys aren\u0027t the worst out there, but they aren\u0027t the best, either. If you want quality service, go to someone like Newegg or Amazon. <br>I have ordered from eCost twice, now. In both instances I recieved my order promptly, they notified me when my order shipped (although, on the last order, 1 of the 2 items was backordered, and they didn\u0027t notify me that the second half shipped - but no bigee there). My orders arrived in good shape, as advertised. Prices were excellent; good experience all around. Others have apparently had difficulty with them, but not me, so far. I will say that when I called them with a innocuous general question (not a complaint), I thought that the CSR was a little short (but I\u0027ve unfortunely seen a lot worse), so maybe it\u0027s a Customer Service issue with others. When you don\u0027t have a problem, you tend to be insulated from those kinds of issues. I\u0027d definitely buy there again.","link":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/eCost\/review\/124585#comment124585","store_thumb":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/thumbnail\/eCost.jpg","store_name":"eCost.com","username":"rgillespey","rating":"3"}, "single");){kind=link}
![Share](javascript:share_rating({"review_body":"On Jan 5, I placed an order for some video games priced at $5 each. I subsequently received email confirmation my order showing the purchase price of $5. The following day I received notice that 4 of the games were ready for in store pickup. When I went to the store, I presented my credit card completed my purchase, and received a receipt for the 4 games at $5.25 each (including tax). Today, after reviewing my online credit card transaction record, I found that I have a charge for $83.96. On calling their Customer Service Department earlier today, I was informed that Best Buy reserves the right to (essentially) retroactively and unilaterally change the amount that they charge their customers, if they decide it was a mistake. Man! And I thought that the Cable companies were arrogant! I purchased these items for the stated price, that price was confirmed, and a receipt was provided to me at their store again confirming that price. Now, I\u0027m not worried about losing my money. I\u0027ve already disputed the charge with my credit card company. But, be advised when dealing with this company-This is an excerpt from their Terms of Use statement from thier website: \u0022Best Buy reserves the right to revoke any stated offer and to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions, including after an order has been submitted, whether or not the order has been confirmed and your credit card charged\u0022.<br>","link":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/Best_Buy\/review\/117315#comment117315","store_thumb":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/thumbnail\/Best_Buy.jpg","store_name":"Best Buy","username":"rgillespey","rating":"1"}, "single");){kind=link}
![Share](javascript:share_rating({"review_body":"Not great, not terrible. Sort of like what J.C. Whitney used to be (haven\u0027t ordered from those boys since I was a lad). Good prices on tools and gizmos, if you pick and choose carefully. Bear in mind that even if they say \u0022free shipping,\u0022 they also charge and handling fee. When I placed an order in January, one of the items was back ordered until May 31 (they don\u0027t have a clue about real time inventory systems). In the process of following up on that one item, I was told multiple different stories about when (and if) they would fill it. This company seems honest enough, just not very competent. Ultimately had to re-order the one item.","link":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/Harbor_Freight_Tools\/review\/84899#comment84899","store_thumb":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/thumbnail\/Harbor_Freight_Tools.jpg","store_name":"Harbor Freight Tools","username":"rgillespey","rating":"4"}, "single");){kind=link}
![Share](javascript:share_rating({"review_body":"I just bought a floppy drive from this company. It was $8, with free shipping. They processed and shipped my order quickly (via FedEx), and communicated well with me during the process. My drive arrived well packed and in good shape. Highly recommended.","link":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/XtremeGear_buyxg\/review\/70087#comment70087","store_thumb":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/thumbnail\/XtremeGear_buyxg.jpg","store_name":"XtremeGear.Com \/ buyxg.com","username":"rgillespey","rating":"5"}, "single");){kind=link}
![Share](javascript:share_rating({"review_body":"I was recently looking for a GPS system. I found one that met my requirements that was on sale from buy.com. When I was researching the going online price for this system, I ran across Vanns (of whom I had heard, but never purchased from before). They had it for, like twice the price that buy.com listed it. I also noted Vann\u0027s Price Match policy, conspicuously posted on their website. So, (mostly to see if these guys were bogus, or not), I called them up. Like the previous poster, I was refused a price match. In my case, they didn\u0027t even bother with the \u0022authorized reseller\u0022 excuse. I was told that their policy was an \u0022if we choose to\u0022 sort of thing, and that buy.com\u0027s price was a lot better than they could do, so I should buy it there (which, in fact, I did). I wasn\u0027t treated impolitely, or anything, but I can\u0027t help but wonder what businesses are thinking when they employ these kinds of tactics. Nobody\u0027s got a gun to their heads, forcing them to price match at all, so why advertise something that they will virtually never honor. They don\u0027t have to say, \u0022If you have to ask how much it is, you don\u0027t need to look here\u0022 (although that may not be bad advice, either), but they could just state that they don\u0027t price match internet prices, and eliminate bad customer shopping experiences.","link":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/Vann_s\/review\/69447#comment69447","store_thumb":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/thumbnail\/Vann_s.jpg","store_name":"Vann\u0027s","username":"rgillespey","rating":"2"}, "single");){kind=link}
![Share](javascript:share_rating({"review_body":"I ordered some batteries and a \u0022whole-house\u0022 type UF Remote Control system from this company, and received it in a reasonable amount of time (about a week, as I recall). They had good prices on what I ordered and my shipment arrived in good shape, so I have no complaints. I would do business with them again. One word of caution, however. When I received my order, they actually shipped me more than what I requested (or was charged for). This tells me that these guys may have some inventory control problems. A company that will screw itself, will definitely pass that on to its customers. This time, I ordered one and got two, next time I could order two and get one. Maybe it was just a one-off situation, but I\u0027ll bear this in mind for future orders. One other thing. Their shipping charge doesn\u0027t show up during checkout (which is lame), however (at least at the time that I ordered) if you purchase at least $50 worth of stuff, shipping is free - which it was for me).","link":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/MCM_Electronics\/review\/68383#comment68383","store_thumb":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/thumbnail\/MCM_Electronics.jpg","store_name":"MCM Electronics \/ mcmelectronics.com","username":"rgillespey","rating":"5"}, "single");){kind=link}
![Share](javascript:share_rating({"review_body":"I bought some cooling fans,some Arctic Silver thermal compound and a sound card from this company late last year, and I have no complaints regarding their price, products or service. Based on my shopping experience, I would use them again. That being said, I do have a problem with something that I saw on their Website (excerpted):<br>\u0022...SVC will be giving away a FREE CLEAR ACRYLIC CASE on March 31 to a randomly selected SVC customer who has left resellerratings for SVC. To qualify, you must (1) leave a resellerrating, either GOOD, BAD, OR NEUTRAL, and (2) email freecase@svc.com with your order number and your resellerrating user id.\u0022<br>I find this kind of fishing for compliments to be questionable, at best. Come on, this is actually a reputable company that can afford to stand on its own record without these kinds of \u0022vote early and often\u0022 kind of marketing ploys. I have heard that SVC is under new ownership. Hopefully this does not signal the direction in which this firm is moving.","link":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/Silicon_Valley_Compucycle_SVC_svcompucycle\/review\/68210#comment68210","store_thumb":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/thumbnail\/Silicon_Valley_Compucycle_SVC_svcompucycle.jpg","store_name":"Silicon Valley Compucycle \/ SVC","username":"rgillespey","rating":"5"}, "single");){kind=link}
![Share](javascript:share_rating({"review_body":"Consistantly on of the best online vendors out there. Tops in customer service. Their prices are not always the very best, but always competitive. I might even spend a few more bucks on something (a few more) just to get these guys vs. some of the other sketchy shops that you run across.","link":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/Newegg\/review\/68179#comment68179","store_thumb":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/thumbnail\/Newegg.jpg","store_name":"Newegg.com (USA)","username":"rgillespey","rating":"5"}, "single");){kind=link}
![Share](javascript:share_rating({"review_body":"I ordered a power supply from this firm. The price was good, with free shipping. My order arrived in about a week in good shape (although I would think that it would be pretty hard to damage a power supply), so no complaints. Although I don\u0027t believe that they notified me when my order was shipped, I was able to access my account online to find out status. Recommended.","link":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/BuyPCDirect\/review\/68175#comment68175","store_thumb":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/thumbnail\/BuyPCDirect.jpg","store_name":"BuyPCDirect.com","username":"rgillespey","rating":"5"}, "single");){kind=link}
![Share](javascript:share_rating({"review_body":"I recently ordered a CPU cooler from this company. The price was good, they shipped my order quickly, it arrived in good shape. No problems. Although this was my first order with these guys, and it was a simple, no-brainer kind of transaction, they performed well. I would do business with them again, based on this experience.","link":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/Openlinx\/review\/68168#comment68168","store_thumb":"http:\/\/www.resellerratings.com\/store\/thumbnail\/Openlinx.jpg","store_name":"Openlinx","username":"rgillespey","rating":"5"}, "single");){kind=link}