"After encountering copious, random, nondescript recommendations in a variety of locations, Jandaman still didn't seem like the most appealing dealer around. The somewhat shady site design (which still hasn't change for the better) didn't help either, so it took me a while to consider making a purchase.
When that happen, Jandaman turned out to be slightly better than anticipated.
Slightly.
The item I wanted wasn't available when I first checked their site. I checked back daily--since they had the best price at the time--until it showed up as "in stock". The order was placed immediately, and payment was via Paypal. (Had CC been the only option, I probably would have been reminded to check ResellerRatings.)
Jandaman's server sent a prompt email confirmation, but it took them almost four days to ship this one item. And while shipping was solid, there was no tracking provided.
When received, the item was as described, but one of the peripheral pieces didn't function. I thought it was dead until research on the developer's site mentioned hardware incompatibility, and suggested that a replacement be requested of the retailer. I contacted Jandaman several times: twice via email (as a standard message, and through their site form), twice via the provided IM accounts, and once over the phone (left a message).
There was a whole lot of nothing.
Why this company would offer up *all* that information and STILL remain unreachable is beyond me. As of today, I'm using an alternative for which I had to pay extra and obtain elsewhere, and that dead little-piece-of-hardware-that-should-have-been-replaced is collecting dust.
This entire situation makes me recommend Jandaman only as an absolute LAST resort if you're expecting more of a company.
Whether it's run by a single person, or small collective doesn't matter; they clearly don't give two s***s about customer service. So, apart from receiving the desired item(s)--translation: "not being swindled... to a degree", it'd be folly to hope for much else.
For those of you that don't require a refund, exchange, or some sort of interaction with the company's "support" department, count yourselves lucky.
_______________________________
August 2010 Addendum:
In the aftermath of this:
***********
7/20/10 2:30 AM
I'm sorry to hear you received subpar service. I have checked my emails and don't show any customer issues outstanding. Can you email jandaman @ jandaman.com with your order number and I'll try to get this issue resolved asap.
Jandaman's (acquired: Console Accessories) jandaman
***********
...there was communication (10-11 emails total) to make amends for the non-functioning piece in need of replacing. The item wasn't sent the next day, but at the end of the working week; this was stipulated, along with talk of the the item arriving Monday. With no mention of tracking, it was a lot of waiting in the dark and trusting in the seller's word. (A polite tone over email means little when it still amounts to Empty Talk.)
As it was, Monday offered nothing in its passing. A wait until *Friday* (a full WEEK after the announced send date) yielded nothing, too; no email, no comms of any kind. Was it forgotten? You decide. "...I'll try to get this issue resolved asap."
It took two emails over two days to the owner (the second marked "high importance") to get his attention and to inquire about the delivery status. Subsequently, a second shipping attempt--phrased like a guarantee for Wednesday, was delivered the day before (postmarked Aug 3rd), and arrived the very next day (Aug 4th, Wednesday). No tracking info was provided although when the envelope arrived, there was a delivery confirmation plastered on it--something that *can* be tracked at USPS's site. Was it meant for Jandaman and not the customer? If it was also for the customer--doubtful!, did Jandaman not think it was necessary to make it known via email... perhaps because of that implied guarantee? Or perhaps it was inherently low priority? Or perhaps he can't be bothered to notify folk of such things as a standard business practice? Or perhaps he doesn't want customers knowing delivery specifics?
Who knows, and really... who cares?
Although the replacement item works, this follow-up experience shows that both communication and shipping are consistent (and major) points of contention, or ambivalence, for purchases with Jandaman. It took a good long time--YEARS, in fact--AND this post at ResellerRatings to get the original purchase fulfilled. There was loss of money (and arguably, time) in the whole of the transaction, so calling it "adequate" at this point would be inaccurate.
Bottom line: You might wonder if "customer service" is something tackled only when the seller remembers, or even receives, your message(s). (There were clearly organizational difficulties on his end based on this most recent and final dealing.) If you don't mind having to nag him with inquiries and requests for clarification--which is, in retrospect, something that he seems to *encourage* given the myriad listed methods of communication... or, don't mind struggling with unpredictable service/support to get errors resolved, you might enjoy making purchases from Jandaman.
But to be realistic, there are *plenty* other suppliers of such wares online and worldwide; it would be silly NOT to shop around for better service--even if it means paying a tad more for peace of mind."
"Ordered an M3DS Real Perfect Bundle. Excellent price. Shipping was quick and well packaged. I wouldn't hesitate to buy from Jandaman again or recommend them to anyone.
A+ Thank you!"
"Fair pricing, my order arrived exactly as described, on-time, worked perfectly, was packaged very well for shipping and I had no problems whatsoever."
"Ordered a CycloDS evolution from Jandaman and it has arrived today. Probably would have arrived faster if it wasn't during the holidays. As for the product, it has arrived in one piece and it works great. I don't know how but the CycloDS case has a bunch of minor scratches on it and a small dent on the side but for the low shipping cost, I'm not going to complain and it's something I can live with as long as the CycloDS itself didn't come damage. Overall I think Jandaman is a reliable site to purchase from that also handles their customers quite well. I would absolutely purchase from the site again!"
"Products came as promised, however I was unable to get support through any of the listed methods. Had to file a PayPal dispute in order to obtain support from seller."
"This store is worrying me to no end. I have ordered a black Cyclo DS and, though I do not expect to have received it yet, I did expect to get some customer support. I have yet to receive the support I have been looking for. Attempts to contact Jandaman through e-mail, AIM, and through their 866 number have been futile. I want to be able to trust this merchant due to so many positive reviews, however, my experience thus far has been a negative one. My order does not even appear on the Jandaman.com website even though payment has been sent through paypal and I have an order number. This has been very worrying for me because all I have asked from Jandaman is for him to confirm he has received my payment and that my order will ship sometime soon. Hopefully this will all be cleared up but for now I am forced to warn other people away from Jandaman.com.
After numerous e-mails I have received a reply! All is well and my item has been shipped. I eagerly await for its arrival.
-Edit-
INCREDIBLE! I have just been made a believer. Communication was terrible, however, I woke up today and had the item I ordered in my hands already. Turn around to receive? 2 days! Ordered on Wednesday and received on Friday. Awesome."
"-edit:
Jandaman contacted me about the missing item and shipped a new one which arrived 2 days later.
much thanks for the quick response and correction of the error.
-
Ordered a black cyclo ds evo
price was good and shipping was reasonable and quick (I ordered on 7/3 received 7/8)
HOWEVER... I opened the tin and only the microsd card reader was in it, no cyclo ds evo cart.
I sent an email using the 'contact us' form on the website. Hopefully this gets cleared up quickly. Not happy though, especially since this was supposed to be a gift for someone who is only visiting for the weekend.
"
"Order was processed and shipped very quickly. Received notifications for order and shipment. Received shipment at the expected time frame. "
"I'm a UK resident and have not had previous experience purchasing goods from America.
I was a little hesitant at first, but Jandaman's excellent feedback and competitive prices were enough to persuade me.
I purchased a Dreamcast VGA box which arrived well packaged and free from damage. It took about a week and a half to arrive after Jandaman had e-mailed me that it had been posted.
I connected the VGA box to my Dreamcast and PC monitor and the graphical difference in games compared to my old CRT television is immediately noticeable. Games such as Soul Calibur, REZ and Shenmue look absolutely stunning in high resolution: clear, crisp, sharp, detailed and vibrant. Dreamcast games never looked so good!
I highly recommend Jandaman and would gladly do business with him again.
Thanks Jandaman :)"
"I purchased an R4DS cartridge for the Nintendo DS from Jandaman on 12/03/2007 06:13 AM. I received confirmation the next day that my product had shipped. I received the product in perfect condition in 1 week. Shipping was through USPS, and the shipping price reflected that, Many stores overcharge you for shipping, Jandaman did not. The cartridge is in perfect working condition, I was able to set up everything without any problems. I am still currently enjoying my new cartridge. I highly recommended this site to friends and family."
"Bought the EZ Flash 3 and received it fine. Packed nicely but didn't come with any instructions (expected). Was able to update the EZ Flash 3 device with the latest software but I get an "fat filesystem error" when I format the ez disk portion. Called and emailed Jandaman about this but never got an answer about this. I did originally email him on help setting it up which he did help me."
"Jandaman.com is an excellent seller and honors his warranties! I received my item less than a week from when I initially ordered it. I had an issue with some type of memory corruption after 3 months of normal usage, contacted Jandaman using both e-mail and telephone (he answered in under three rings), and was sent a new item with a return envelope for the corrupted one the next day. I could not be happier and look forward to doing business with Jandaman again in the future!"
"ordered late Thursday night, received the package on friday of the next week. I used the cheap usps shipping option, so overall I am very pleased the turnaround time. I would order from Jandaman again."
"I have no idea about this store prior to this purchase. I came across this store from maxconsole user comments and did a brief on-line check and proved it is a trustful site to buy backup game stuff.
Pro: Received my item as described. Shipping charge is very reasonable. Trustful site. Verified Paypal Seller.
Con: Slow email response (2-days turnaround), Canadian shipping is unusual slow (Purchased on Aug 8, mail posted date Aug 24, received Aug 29).
All in all, I am satisfied since I received the product and it is working great. I was never left in cool water as I always received response back even it took longer than I hope for."
"I made 3 purchases so far:
1. EZFlash 3 2G:
Ordered 2G version. It arrived, but failed to operate properly. Jandaman replaced it like WOOSH, with a 4G version (as the 2G was out of stock). It worked. 10/10 here.
2. EZPASS3:
Ordered. Arrived in about a week (from the day I sent the check), worked flawlessly. 10/10 again.
3. Supercard SD Rumble:
Ordered. My check was screwed up in the process, got confused with another. Jandaman offered a free upgrade to Supercard SD (which had GBA support). I turned him down because he was so generous, but geez... he's got a 10/10 again, and it isn't even here yet :P"