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Attack of the iClones
Okay, the iClone saga. I'm cutting for space, because I don't use the word "saga" lightly. I need to get all the facts down because this might get uglier before it's over. Hence this might only be interesting to those who are endlessly fascinated by how difficult my life can be. And of course anyone who wants to participate in the quiz at the end.
Jan 17:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
kavieshana spends a pleasant hour or so distracting me from work with a text message conversation. However, it makes me realize how inefficient and inadequate the numeric text messaging is on the Motorola Razr (there are other problems. The charging port is starting to act a little iffy, the screen is becoming pocked, and when we call T-Mobile for service they look at our profile and say, "Wow. Your phone is old.") I decide I need a new phone with better texting tools.
Jan 18: After very little surfing, I realize that T-Mobile has a really, truly crappy phone selection. Any hot new phone that's remotely appealing only has special deals and promotions for new customers, not us smelly, revolting existing customers. I decide maybe an unlocked phone is the way to go. More expensive, but no need to sign my life away for 2 more years. After more surfing on eBay, I slowly realize the only decent texting phone doesn't include a camera (Blackberry). I don't use my phone as a camera often, but it's awfully nice to have the option. Palm Treos look promising, except only used, slightly banged up units in my price range. Gradually I'm lured over to the so-called iClone phones, which come brand new for same price as used Treo. Seem to offer everything I'm looking for and more. I settle on a seller in California (not easy, most of them are in Hong Kong) because I don't want to wait weeks for shipping. Sit back and excitedly await my new toy.
Jan 23: Phone arrives via Priority Mail. I'm pleased by speedy shipping. I somehow keep my hands off it long enough to finish my shift (needs to charge anyway). I take it into the hospital with me and somehow keep my hands off it long enough to get some work done there. It turns out to be 40% cool, 60% annoying. One thing it does do right is play video files (8 GB SD card, so you can in theory watch a whole movie). When the video iPods first came out I chuckled at the idea of anyone watching a movie on a 1-inch screen. Seeing the possibilities on this phone, I become enamored with the idea of carrying a movie with me for those very rare occasions when I'm stuck in a waiting room. Anyhow, if you'd care to read my complete review, it's here at Amazon. And while you're there, ask the mook selling one for $235 what the hell he's smoking.
Jan 24: I find an extremely useful online forum, which is encouraging -- until that moment I was starting to believe I was the only person on the planet who owned one. The bad news is the unbearable buzzing noise heard by my callers is most likely a loose wire inside the phone, and the only options are to take the phone apart and try to solder it back onto the board, or exchange it. I opt for the second and contact the seller. He tells me to send just the phone back for exchange, which I do Priority Mail. Sit back and await the replacement with mixed feelings.
Jan 25: I see the commercial for the T-Mobile G1 for the first time. Of course. It's okay, no way would I be able to afford it. Plus Tery thinks, and I agree, internet access on a cell phone (which is really this phone's biggest selling point) is kind of silly when I only leave the house twice a week.
Jan 29: I receive a message from the seller that he's shipped my new phone. He includes a USPS tracking number and everything. This is when things start getting interesting.
Jan 31: Disappointed that phone hasn't come yet. I sit and quietly fume that the seller chose to save a few bucks and send it regular post. Ah well.
Feb 4: Now getting a bit impatient. The phone by itself doesn't weigh that much and shouldn't take this long by first class mail. I email the seller saying so, in still civil, but getting less so, tones.
Feb 5: Seller is very apologetic. He claims he couldn't get any supplies from Hong Kong during the Chinese New Year (which is Jan 26-Feb 2, I looked it up. And all of Hong Kong shuts down for a solid week??? Also note that nowhere on the auction page does it say anything about Hong Kong; in fact, specifically states "Item Ships From: California," which remember is specifically why I chose this seller. Plus he has a million other auctions for these phones, why does he need to wait for Hong Kong?) Still doesn't explain why he didn't get right on it Feb 3, or what was up with that phantom tracking number he sent me on the 29th. My suspicions are growing slowly but steadily. He assures me I've been given "priority status" and that I could expect the replacement either by the weekend or the beginning of next week (this week).
Feb 7: Phone still hasn't arrived. My unhappiness grows.
Feb 9: Phone still hasn't arrived. Unhappiness is slowly becoming rage. I wonder what he meant by "priority status." I reflect about what a better seller I am. I dabble in sales, not a brisk trade, and certainly not busy enough to lose track of my unresolved transactions. But if I had forgotten about a customer like this guy obviously forgot about me, I'd shell out the extra for express overnight shipping because the mistake was all mine. Of course, I also would have taken the time to inform my buyer that Hong Kong was closed and there would be a delay.
Feb 10: Phone still hasn't arrived. My rage is full blown. I mean it: I feel dizzy, I'm so angry. My vision starts blacking out around the edges, I'm so angry. I want to VOMIT, I'm so angry. I email the seller expressing as much of it as I can without crossing the line into verbal assault and battery. I have a very short temper, but I have to be pushed pretty damn far before I'll show it to complete strangers. I call him a liar (vis a vis phony tracking numbers), I inform him I'm cancelling the transaction even IF the phone arrives at this point, and tell him if I don't receive either the phone (so I can return it again) or a refund by the end of the week, I'm filing a claim with eBay and disputing the charge with my bank. I hop back on eBay to find another phone, carefully excluding anything resembling one of these iClones from my search. The problem is now my wish list includes video capability, which I didn't care about much before. After extensive, extensive research (that I wish I had done more of before settling on the i9) I find the Motorola Q9h. This seems to fit the bill nicely - not as sexy as an iClone (no touchscreen), but I trust Motorola for functionality and user-friendliness. I remember how much I loved the Razr's quality and design compared to the Nokia, how I swore allegiance to Motorola forever after. Again, anything in my price range is used. I settle on a lightly scratched unit, and remind myself that a used Honda is still a better car than a new Daewoo (to make an analogy).
Feb 11: Bad seller is strangely silent compared to his instant reply to my last complaint. I receive an email from the Motorola seller that my phone has shipped Priority Mail (please let this transaction have a happier ending). I spend the whole day happily reading glowing reviews about it. First phone still hasn't arrived. I react this time with glee (because it makes my rage more righteous), and reflect how exponentially angrier I would have been if I had held out for just one more day before ordering the Motorola. Might even have saved myself a stroke this way. Now I just want to end it with ccslickscompany (that's his eBay handle) and start my happy on-the-go life with my Q9h.
Feb 12: iClone still hasn't arrived.
EDIT: Feb 14: iClone still hasn't arrived. Filed dispute with Paypal. Thanks for your encouragement,ms_hecubus!
Also, in all this timekavieshana hasn't texted me again once.
All this is still good news for her if she wants the fancy case I bought for the iClone which is useless to me now. Or anyone else with an iPhone? Let me know. I want all traces of this nightmare out of my house.
I think that brings us all up to speed. What do you all think?
[Poll #1347899]
Speaking of bad eBay sellers, I never heard back from that seller who whined about my negative feedback when he sold me that faulty software. I thought he was going to live with the black mark and I was never going to see my $9.99 again. Imagine my surprise when I received notification of his request that I withdraw it, because he had "resolved the dispute." My first reaction was "Are you high?" because I hadn't gotten a refund or anything, so how was it resolved? Unfortunately the form you fill out when explaining why you are denying the request doesn't have any room for sarcasm.
Jan 17:
kavieshana spends a pleasant hour or so distracting me from work with a text message conversation. However, it makes me realize how inefficient and inadequate the numeric text messaging is on the Motorola Razr (there are other problems. The charging port is starting to act a little iffy, the screen is becoming pocked, and when we call T-Mobile for service they look at our profile and say, "Wow. Your phone is old.") I decide I need a new phone with better texting tools.Jan 18: After very little surfing, I realize that T-Mobile has a really, truly crappy phone selection. Any hot new phone that's remotely appealing only has special deals and promotions for new customers, not us smelly, revolting existing customers. I decide maybe an unlocked phone is the way to go. More expensive, but no need to sign my life away for 2 more years. After more surfing on eBay, I slowly realize the only decent texting phone doesn't include a camera (Blackberry). I don't use my phone as a camera often, but it's awfully nice to have the option. Palm Treos look promising, except only used, slightly banged up units in my price range. Gradually I'm lured over to the so-called iClone phones, which come brand new for same price as used Treo. Seem to offer everything I'm looking for and more. I settle on a seller in California (not easy, most of them are in Hong Kong) because I don't want to wait weeks for shipping. Sit back and excitedly await my new toy.
Jan 23: Phone arrives via Priority Mail. I'm pleased by speedy shipping. I somehow keep my hands off it long enough to finish my shift (needs to charge anyway). I take it into the hospital with me and somehow keep my hands off it long enough to get some work done there. It turns out to be 40% cool, 60% annoying. One thing it does do right is play video files (8 GB SD card, so you can in theory watch a whole movie). When the video iPods first came out I chuckled at the idea of anyone watching a movie on a 1-inch screen. Seeing the possibilities on this phone, I become enamored with the idea of carrying a movie with me for those very rare occasions when I'm stuck in a waiting room. Anyhow, if you'd care to read my complete review, it's here at Amazon. And while you're there, ask the mook selling one for $235 what the hell he's smoking.
Jan 24: I find an extremely useful online forum, which is encouraging -- until that moment I was starting to believe I was the only person on the planet who owned one. The bad news is the unbearable buzzing noise heard by my callers is most likely a loose wire inside the phone, and the only options are to take the phone apart and try to solder it back onto the board, or exchange it. I opt for the second and contact the seller. He tells me to send just the phone back for exchange, which I do Priority Mail. Sit back and await the replacement with mixed feelings.
Jan 25: I see the commercial for the T-Mobile G1 for the first time. Of course. It's okay, no way would I be able to afford it. Plus Tery thinks, and I agree, internet access on a cell phone (which is really this phone's biggest selling point) is kind of silly when I only leave the house twice a week.
Jan 29: I receive a message from the seller that he's shipped my new phone. He includes a USPS tracking number and everything. This is when things start getting interesting.
Jan 31: Disappointed that phone hasn't come yet. I sit and quietly fume that the seller chose to save a few bucks and send it regular post. Ah well.
Feb 4: Now getting a bit impatient. The phone by itself doesn't weigh that much and shouldn't take this long by first class mail. I email the seller saying so, in still civil, but getting less so, tones.
Feb 5: Seller is very apologetic. He claims he couldn't get any supplies from Hong Kong during the Chinese New Year (which is Jan 26-Feb 2, I looked it up. And all of Hong Kong shuts down for a solid week??? Also note that nowhere on the auction page does it say anything about Hong Kong; in fact, specifically states "Item Ships From: California," which remember is specifically why I chose this seller. Plus he has a million other auctions for these phones, why does he need to wait for Hong Kong?) Still doesn't explain why he didn't get right on it Feb 3, or what was up with that phantom tracking number he sent me on the 29th. My suspicions are growing slowly but steadily. He assures me I've been given "priority status" and that I could expect the replacement either by the weekend or the beginning of next week (this week).
Feb 7: Phone still hasn't arrived. My unhappiness grows.
Feb 9: Phone still hasn't arrived. Unhappiness is slowly becoming rage. I wonder what he meant by "priority status." I reflect about what a better seller I am. I dabble in sales, not a brisk trade, and certainly not busy enough to lose track of my unresolved transactions. But if I had forgotten about a customer like this guy obviously forgot about me, I'd shell out the extra for express overnight shipping because the mistake was all mine. Of course, I also would have taken the time to inform my buyer that Hong Kong was closed and there would be a delay.
Feb 10: Phone still hasn't arrived. My rage is full blown. I mean it: I feel dizzy, I'm so angry. My vision starts blacking out around the edges, I'm so angry. I want to VOMIT, I'm so angry. I email the seller expressing as much of it as I can without crossing the line into verbal assault and battery. I have a very short temper, but I have to be pushed pretty damn far before I'll show it to complete strangers. I call him a liar (vis a vis phony tracking numbers), I inform him I'm cancelling the transaction even IF the phone arrives at this point, and tell him if I don't receive either the phone (so I can return it again) or a refund by the end of the week, I'm filing a claim with eBay and disputing the charge with my bank. I hop back on eBay to find another phone, carefully excluding anything resembling one of these iClones from my search. The problem is now my wish list includes video capability, which I didn't care about much before. After extensive, extensive research (that I wish I had done more of before settling on the i9) I find the Motorola Q9h. This seems to fit the bill nicely - not as sexy as an iClone (no touchscreen), but I trust Motorola for functionality and user-friendliness. I remember how much I loved the Razr's quality and design compared to the Nokia, how I swore allegiance to Motorola forever after. Again, anything in my price range is used. I settle on a lightly scratched unit, and remind myself that a used Honda is still a better car than a new Daewoo (to make an analogy).
Feb 11: Bad seller is strangely silent compared to his instant reply to my last complaint. I receive an email from the Motorola seller that my phone has shipped Priority Mail (please let this transaction have a happier ending). I spend the whole day happily reading glowing reviews about it. First phone still hasn't arrived. I react this time with glee (because it makes my rage more righteous), and reflect how exponentially angrier I would have been if I had held out for just one more day before ordering the Motorola. Might even have saved myself a stroke this way. Now I just want to end it with ccslickscompany (that's his eBay handle) and start my happy on-the-go life with my Q9h.
Feb 12: iClone still hasn't arrived.
EDIT: Feb 14: iClone still hasn't arrived. Filed dispute with Paypal. Thanks for your encouragement,
ms_hecubus!Also, in all this time
kavieshana hasn't texted me again once. All this is still good news for her if she wants the fancy case I bought for the iClone which is useless to me now. Or anyone else with an iPhone? Let me know. I want all traces of this nightmare out of my house.
I think that brings us all up to speed. What do you all think?
[Poll #1347899]
Speaking of bad eBay sellers, I never heard back from that seller who whined about my negative feedback when he sold me that faulty software. I thought he was going to live with the black mark and I was never going to see my $9.99 again. Imagine my surprise when I received notification of his request that I withdraw it, because he had "resolved the dispute." My first reaction was "Are you high?" because I hadn't gotten a refund or anything, so how was it resolved? Unfortunately the form you fill out when explaining why you are denying the request doesn't have any room for sarcasm.
no subject
no subject
no subject
no subject
It will be fun explaining my complaint to them, it seems really convoluted and complicated, and their forms tend to favor simplicity. We'll see. I gave the guy by this week to offer some response, so I think Sunday I'll be within my rights to file.
no subject
no subject
I'm going to file Sunday, since the deadline is 10-60 days from the auction date, not from when the seller suddenly decided to become a crook. I'm only debating which is the best way, through eBay, dispute the charge with my bank (not sure if that's even an option anymore, or even if it ever was, since I used Paypal direct from my checking, not a credit card), or both.
Worst comes to worst I'd still like the phone back, since they're selling like hotcakes on eBay despite being pretty crappy.
no subject
I hope ebay decides in your favor and quickly.
no subject
Filed the dispute a little while ago. We'll see. Thanks for talking me through this.
Yes, that review was helpful to me.
Along with making you funny x2, does this Motorola have movie-watching capabilities?
Re: Yes, that review was helpful to me.
Re: Yes, that review was helpful to me.
Perhaps they should include funny x2 on the label from now on. Like if they did a study of people with this phone, and only you showed signs of increased funniness, they'd still have to warn potential customers of the chance that they too are at risk of becoming funnier. That's the law.