I was buying a new BlackBerry phone (unlocked GSM) from Samstores. I ordered it and got a confirmation for it; however, I got an email the following day that the one I wanted was not available and they talked me into getting a refurbished. Now, the refurb came in and it required activation. The battery was worn on the edges, so I sent it back and paid for the return. I called my sales associate on two occasions and he told me I would get my refund the moment they get the phone back. His name is Benny. He keeps telling me he would get to me on the issue, but never does. I was told awhile ago their policy doesn't allow refunds, only exchange.
Consumer Complaints & Reviews
I ordered a specific DVD unit from their website; they switched it and sent me a different unit. I returned it, and they kept it for 4 weeks before sending it back. When I called them and said I was sending it back again and to refund my money, they refused saying that the unit had been delivered over a month ago. I sent it back anyway and executed a chargeback on my VISA. The charge back was approved, and SamStores kept the unit (and they still have it, now for more than 2 months). A week ago they turned the matter over to a collection agency saying that I owe them the money back anyway, even though they still have possession of the unit. I will be contacting every government and private agency I can to try and have this "bait and switch" operation shut down. No damage other than realizing that this is just another scam operation that needs to go away.
I purchased a cellphone online on April 9, 2010 from Samstores. The sales rep said that the item was shipped on the 9th of April from Elk Grove Village, IL to Okemos, MI (approximately four hours of driving time). On April 12, 2010, after UPS' deliveries for our address were completed, I called Samstores to request a UPS tracking number. They said they did not have a tracking number and the item will be shipped today, the 12th. I said that the rep told me the item was already shipped on the 9th and I would receive it on the 12th.
They said it will definitely be shipped on the 12th. On the 13th, after the UPS delivery had come and gone, I called to ask for the tracking number and they gave me a tracking number. They said that the package was shipped on the 12th. The UPS tracking number I was given only shows that UPS received billing information on the 12th, and the package had not been shipped yet.
I contacted UPS to determine the ship date and they said that the item was shipped on the 13th. On the 14th at 18:00 EST, I received the package. The package and the contents were damaged and the item was not the item I ordered. I immediately contacted Samstores and told them that I am returning the incorrect, damaged item for a full refund on the 15th of April via FedEx, and I provided a tracking number for them. The package was delivered to them on the 16th and they refused delivery. So, they were made aware of the problems beforehand and knew that the return package was being delivered because I had provided them with the tracking information.
Dealing with this company is very difficult, as they do not do what they say they will do and the information they provide is false and misleading--both in the shipping and item description. The phone I received was for use in Europe, not in the U.S.A. as the rep had said it would be. And the phone's keypad had Arabic letters. I am frustrated and disappointed. This online purchase experience is the worst I have ever had, and I purchase many things online without incident. This company is fraudulent and they do not respond to my requests for a refund, that is why I am writing to you. Please contact me should you require additional information or documentation. Thank you.
