"2 trips to the Burlington Vt store - both BAD - first one, my wife's Ipad mini couldn't receive messages - they said they had to wipe it clean and reinstall software- 4 hours later, they said it was done - we could not log back in - had been loaded with a foreign email address we had never heard of. had to spend weeks proving to Apple (real Apple) that we owned it, then take a 4+ hour trip to a real Apple store to get it fixed.
2nd trip, I just got an Iphone 6 last Tuesday - I called Small dogs to get AppleCare - was told to bring the phone in, they would check it quickly and sell me the warrantee. Drove 1 1/2 hours to get there, now they need the receipt! When I told them about the telephone conversation of the previous day, I was ignored and told they needed the receipt!!!!!!
Bad customer service - I wrote to Apple to strongly suggest they cut ties with this outfit as they are detrimental to their reputation."
"I thought I was doing the right thing buyer a computer locally. They sold me a defective machine and when I called about it they told me I had to get in line and wait 3-5 days. It's been 6! I have called to check on it several times leaving voice messages and no one returns my calls! Terrible! Stay away!"
"Still shaking my head on this one. I had a confirmed bad hard drive on a brand-new Mac. Apple management called Small Dog and tried to get them to order me a new one ahead of time so that I could save the extra hour-and-a-half (each way) trip to Burlington for diagnosis, and they flat-out refused. I raised the issue with the CEO, who said no one had any recollection of talking to Apple about the issue, even though I had names and everything. The guy was a jerk and blew the whole thing off. Really, really disappointed and can't recommend this company."
"Just bought a Mac laptop. Sales folks there are smarmy, argumentative, self-important and condescending. The same low regard for customer service and respect experienced at the repair counters (prepare for a long wait in line!) The tech folks will not answer direct questions about the services (whether due to lack of knowledge or refusal to explain themselves to a customer or other). As Apple prices are basically the same all over, I recommend you consider other Apple dealers in the area of an online purchase. Expect underlying disdain for the customer/customer's knowledge as part of the buying process there. "
"Purchased an IPad and was told by a Small Dog salesman I needed a AirPort Express to print to my Hp printer. I purchased one at $99 and when I couldn't get it to work I called Apple only to find the AirPort was not compatible with my printer. I bought a new printer and I was able to print without using the AirPort Express. When I tried to return the AirPort Express I was told a new model of AirPort Express was out and the one I had was now outdated and Small Dog would not take as a return or issue a credit. Small Dog is not concerned with customer satisfaction."
"Purchased a MacBook Pro in 2010 w/AppleCare. Had some problems with it working properly. Now, looking to purchase a new MBP and saw one (with identical specifications), for less at Best Buy. I asked Small Dog, if they would match the price for a returning customer. They told me, "no, it just depends on who you want to support." Well, my response was, " I'm looking to support whoever can provide the best price for the identical item." Only proves their name suits them well: "small" in many ways including thought."
"Good mac supply house. I have purchased from them for decades (Yes this is true.). Originally they were a small discount Mac shop but have become larger and more legit and have had their prices reigned in. Is that a bad thing? Well I trust them completely and I cannot say the same for many other online retailers. Do I still buy from them instead of some super cheapo place? Yes, because I will not have a horror story as you absolutely can get into with the cheap price online retailers. If reading these stories doesn't convince you then one experience will (lol)! I will not take a chance of coming up with no present or piece of hardware for work when there is a deadline coming up so Small Dog gets my business. Thanks again Don! After all these years and flawless execution on your part a supportive review is the least I can do in return!"
"Absolutely horrible!!! I have had to take my laptop in to the South Burlington location on THREE OCCASIONS just for a simple screen replacement. Every time they replace my screen I open the laptop and the ENTIRE screen falls off. Why is it so hard to correctly install a screen?? ALSO, I am currently waiting for them to call me and tell me my computer is ready for pick up (although I doubt the screen issue will ever be resolved as long as I continue to bring my laptop into this "business"). They said my computer would be ready on Saturday, it is now Tuesday. I am a college student and this is extremely detrimental to my studies. I have called twice now to check on my laptop to see if I can pick it up and both times I got "transferred" or "put on hold" up to five different times!! Finally, when I talked to a "technician" he said my computer would be ready in 2 hours. They never called. The next day I called and after a half hour of waiting on the phone I was told my laptop was just beginning to have work done on it.
In conclusion, this business really just screws you over and I only brought my laptop back to them on three different occasions because I'm trying to get my moneys worth. When I finally have my laptop returned to me and if the screen is still falling off, things are going to get ugly and I will demand a refund.
Worst customer service I have ever experienced. Never go here."
"This seller has good prices, but doesn't seem to care about the customer. If you are looking for a low price and lots of options, this might be a good choice. On the other hand, if a supportive and helpful relationship is important to you, avoid this reseller."
"Small Dog Electronics’ focus is far from customer satisfaction, but rather its aim is to exploit its customers as much as possible. When I brought in my computer a second time to be fixed for a number of issues that were supposed to be addressed the first time I brought it in, they assured me that I would be placed at the top of the list at no extra cost to me, and all issues would be addressed immediately. Four days went by without a single phone call or contact from them. By the fourth day I contacted Matt (service manager), who easily dismissed the issues as just being human error, and telling me that there was nothing else they could do other than to finally bring my laptop in for diagnose at that moment.
When I explained to him that every day that I am working without a computer it represents a financial loss to me, he expressed no concern or intention to solve the problem. If they were to provide me with a replacement laptop, it would have to be done for the price of $1,000.00, and only after the replacement laptop is returned they would refund my money to my account.
There is a good MAC store in Colchester, where people are nice and none of the absolute ridiculous disregard for customer satisfaction is ever an issue. Small Dog Electronics in S. Burlington is absolutely unprofessional and I would not recommend purchasing any major products there, but rather shop online or in Colchester, where professionalism is a priority."
"I wouldn't rely on this company if your purchase is time-sensitive. It took them two days just to tell me that I didn't meet their "security screening", and they wouldn't sell me an iMac, because I was making my purchase from Germany on my american credit card, and shipping to my permanent address in the states. I live part time in the US and part time in Germany, and really needed the computer for a project when I arrived in the states.
They sent me an email the first day asking to call them, which I did, and the sales associate asked for my CC info again, which I provided. He assured me the order would be shipped later that day. The next day, I still hadn't received any tracking info. I emailed them a few times, with no response. Finally, when I emailed someone directly, they responded that they wouldn't sell me the computer.
As a customer, it doesn't seem like I should have to chase them around to find out wether they are going to sell something to me or not. I could have already bought this from another place with a more sensible credit card policy (I've had ZERO problems with these types of purchases at other retailers in the US).
As many other reviewers on the web have said, they DON'T answer emails, and they provide pretty poor service should a special situation arise.
I would spend a few dollars more next time and go someplace that values their customers a bit more. "
"I bought a just-released iPhone case from Small Dog when they were one of the first to offer it for sale. They were also the lowest-priced reseller. The case was listed on their web site as due to ship in 1 to 3 days. I received several emails regarding progress of the order, and it shipped as promised on the 3rd day.
The package left Vermont on a Friday, and arrived in California on Monday, well packed and in good condition. Can't ask for more!"
"Avoid. Claim that they have items in stock, but you will have to wait a month to get your order or it will be eventually cancelled for a bogus reason. And don't bother emailing their customer service you won't get a reply anyway."
"I have to say that these guys run a class act. They really do care about customer satisfaction. There was a typo on the website for an IMAC indicating that the wireless keyboard, mouse were part of the package although the unit had the wired set pictured and listed in other areas of the description. They honored the advertising, as well as a price discount for the original package 7 days later. The focus was always on my satisfaction. I didn't think this type of service existed any longer in this era of price shopping and internet flexibility. I was a MacMall customer in the past, but will always order from SmallDog in the future. Plus, the little dog models they give you are a nice, classy touch. "
"EASY CHECKOUT
FAST SHIPPING
GREAT PRODUCTS
What more I can I say. Highly recommended."