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GainSaver (or Gain$aver) = Fraud?
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Gainsaver Sucks
I had a terrible experience with Gainsaver. When I opened the computer, a key fell off. I sent the computer back, and they credited my account, minus a 20% restocking fee. I called and asked if they restocked broken merchandise=will they sell it again???? Unbelievable.
I had a terrible experience with Gainsaver. When I opened the computer, a key fell off. I sent the computer back, and they credited my account, minus a 20% restocking fee. I called and asked if they restocked broken merchandise=will they sell it again???? Unbelievable.
Gainsaver Experience Horrible
Do NOT ever purchase anything from this company. Unfortunately, I found this thread way too late.
On November 30, 2007, I purchased two Power Mac G5 computers totalling $3699.67. The initial ordering and delivery of the equipment was not bad. I received the equipment on December 7th and promptly started to set up the systems for our graphic artists. The first system, the cd player wouldn't open. It would get stuck on the door flap. I was able to push the door flap down with my finger and the cd player would open. I called Gainsaver to see if there was a part of some type of discount they could give me for the cd player not opening properly. They promptly siad that I would just need to return the computer and they would send another one. I took that as it was and then continued on with setting up the 2nd computer. After opening the 2nd box, I noticed a huge GASH in the side of the frame (as if someone [probably the person that got this G5 before I did] took an axe and chopped at it). Also, this second computer had Leopard installed on it which our versions of software don't work on. At this point, I was willing to accept the cd player not opening properly and the huge GASH on the side of the computer until I had to try to reload Tiger on the 2nd G5 and it would keep failing the hardware tests. I was over it at this point.
I contacted Gainsaver and asked them to please take the two computers back and they promptly gave me an RMA number and said that they would replace the computers. I asked them how to ship the computers back to them and they said however you want. I spoke to LeAnn at Gainsaver who was quite rude and kept (cold) transferring me to some guy in a warehouse. Sorry, can't remember his name. Neither LeAnn nor the warehouse worker was willing to give me any kind of service.
There was no way I was going to pay $150.00-$175.00 to ship back two defective computers. I advised the "warehouse worker" that I was going to dispute the charge on my credit card, and all he said was "OK, I'm turning you into collections" and hung up on me. UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!
After reading through this thread and one other thread, I have completed my complaints with the BBB and the State Attorney General's office. All I want is for Gainsaver to pay for the shipping of the two defective computers back to them and refund my credit card. DO NOT DO ANY TYPE OF BUSINESS WITH THIS COMPANY!!
Regards,
Donavan
Do NOT ever purchase anything from this company. Unfortunately, I found this thread way too late.
On November 30, 2007, I purchased two Power Mac G5 computers totalling $3699.67. The initial ordering and delivery of the equipment was not bad. I received the equipment on December 7th and promptly started to set up the systems for our graphic artists. The first system, the cd player wouldn't open. It would get stuck on the door flap. I was able to push the door flap down with my finger and the cd player would open. I called Gainsaver to see if there was a part of some type of discount they could give me for the cd player not opening properly. They promptly siad that I would just need to return the computer and they would send another one. I took that as it was and then continued on with setting up the 2nd computer. After opening the 2nd box, I noticed a huge GASH in the side of the frame (as if someone [probably the person that got this G5 before I did] took an axe and chopped at it). Also, this second computer had Leopard installed on it which our versions of software don't work on. At this point, I was willing to accept the cd player not opening properly and the huge GASH on the side of the computer until I had to try to reload Tiger on the 2nd G5 and it would keep failing the hardware tests. I was over it at this point.
I contacted Gainsaver and asked them to please take the two computers back and they promptly gave me an RMA number and said that they would replace the computers. I asked them how to ship the computers back to them and they said however you want. I spoke to LeAnn at Gainsaver who was quite rude and kept (cold) transferring me to some guy in a warehouse. Sorry, can't remember his name. Neither LeAnn nor the warehouse worker was willing to give me any kind of service.
There was no way I was going to pay $150.00-$175.00 to ship back two defective computers. I advised the "warehouse worker" that I was going to dispute the charge on my credit card, and all he said was "OK, I'm turning you into collections" and hung up on me. UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!
After reading through this thread and one other thread, I have completed my complaints with the BBB and the State Attorney General's office. All I want is for Gainsaver to pay for the shipping of the two defective computers back to them and refund my credit card. DO NOT DO ANY TYPE OF BUSINESS WITH THIS COMPANY!!
Regards,
Donavan
Does anyone know of any reliable used Mac reseller, then? This is at least the second one I have heard several bad things about.
I found this thread too late
After 5 weeks so far so good. I bought a 15" PowerBook G4 1.5GHz, from Gainsaver, and all seems to be working so far. I tell you I was scared while it was being shipped, but it is here and works well, I was not impressed with the way they packed it for shipping but it did get here in one piece. They said it was in stock and they would ship the same day, it was shipped the next, but it went from CA. to Fl in 5 days, I am new to this site but the way you all slammed Gainsaver I felt as if I made the worst choice of my life, but as time marches on and my PowerBook keeps working all is well. Let us all hope that I am a reciepent of Gainsaver reading threads like this to improve their customer service and care they put into customer orders.
After 5 weeks so far so good. I bought a 15" PowerBook G4 1.5GHz, from Gainsaver, and all seems to be working so far. I tell you I was scared while it was being shipped, but it is here and works well, I was not impressed with the way they packed it for shipping but it did get here in one piece. They said it was in stock and they would ship the same day, it was shipped the next, but it went from CA. to Fl in 5 days, I am new to this site but the way you all slammed Gainsaver I felt as if I made the worst choice of my life, but as time marches on and my PowerBook keeps working all is well. Let us all hope that I am a reciepent of Gainsaver reading threads like this to improve their customer service and care they put into customer orders.
Gainsaver still ripping people off
My son is trying to get his money back from Gainsaver. He ordered a Mac weeks ago only to be told that it was not available. Then they had the audacity to tell him that he would have to accept a store credit instead of a refund. Hopefully the BBB will be able to help him soon.
DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FROM GAINSAVER
My son is trying to get his money back from Gainsaver. He ordered a Mac weeks ago only to be told that it was not available. Then they had the audacity to tell him that he would have to accept a store credit instead of a refund. Hopefully the BBB will be able to help him soon.
DO NOT BUY ANYTHING FROM GAINSAVER
I have concatenated the 3 outstanding threads on this subject into this one large thread.
Please read and understand.
Please read and understand.
Gainsaver Follow Up
Well...The saga continues. I recently commented on two MAC G5 computers that I purchased and want to "vent" some more. After going through the BBB and other avenues of complaining about Gainsaver,there was'nt much help from anyone. I contacted my credit card company to dispute the $3699.67 charge and they advised me they can't do anything unless we ship the computers back to Gainsaver. So, I bit the bullet and ate the $150.00 charge it cost me to send the equipment back to Gainsaver.
I called Gainsaver to let hem know that I would like them to refund my money for the computers and the shipping that I had to pay to ship back defective computers. I spoke to Steve Harper (says he's been working at Gainsaver for 18 years, yeah right!!!) who was willing to tell me anything I wanted to hear, but it was ALL A LIE!!! He was trying to be sly and told me that he would put in for the full refund. When I got the refund, it was for $2448.18. $1200 less than what it should have been. I finally got in touch with my credit card company again and they refunded me the remaining amount. I'm sure they are going after the company to regain those lost funds now. Good luck to anyone who has decided to do business with this company because I know that I won't ever do business with this company again.
It is now my lifelong goal to put these people out of business. Anyone interested in a class action lawsuit, please let me know.
Regards,
Donavan Hakes
AdServices Inc.
954-862-5361
Well...The saga continues. I recently commented on two MAC G5 computers that I purchased and want to "vent" some more. After going through the BBB and other avenues of complaining about Gainsaver,there was'nt much help from anyone. I contacted my credit card company to dispute the $3699.67 charge and they advised me they can't do anything unless we ship the computers back to Gainsaver. So, I bit the bullet and ate the $150.00 charge it cost me to send the equipment back to Gainsaver.
I called Gainsaver to let hem know that I would like them to refund my money for the computers and the shipping that I had to pay to ship back defective computers. I spoke to Steve Harper (says he's been working at Gainsaver for 18 years, yeah right!!!) who was willing to tell me anything I wanted to hear, but it was ALL A LIE!!! He was trying to be sly and told me that he would put in for the full refund. When I got the refund, it was for $2448.18. $1200 less than what it should have been. I finally got in touch with my credit card company again and they refunded me the remaining amount. I'm sure they are going after the company to regain those lost funds now. Good luck to anyone who has decided to do business with this company because I know that I won't ever do business with this company again.
It is now my lifelong goal to put these people out of business. Anyone interested in a class action lawsuit, please let me know.
Regards,
Donavan Hakes
AdServices Inc.
954-862-5361
As tmorris58 has said, I made the mistake of getting involved with Gainsaver.
I sent them a cashier's check for a G5 1.6GHz (M9020LL/A) and have received nothing but misdirection. To repeatedly tell a customer any item is ready, working, and awaiting shipment, only to reveal 2-3 days later that such was not true is fraudulent at any level. I was asked to send more money to buy a G5 1.8 ghz instead, a.k.a. the bait and switch. When attempting to talk to Mr. Harper, he is invariably annoyed with having to talk to me and quietly transfers me over to an answering machine after a brusque "Thank you for your call."
Sending an email has elicited the same unwelcomeness. I automatically receive a reply from them, "We will not respond to your email. Please call Toll Free: 800-844-4051 Thank you"
Thank you, indeed. Whether this is a general setting for their email address, or directed at anyone getting on their nerves, neither are even remotely positive business practices. I also receive a message from "MAILER-DAEMON@smtp23-02.prod.mesa1.secureserver.net " stating that "child status 100...The e-mail message could not be delivered because
the user's mailfolder is full.", undoubtedly meant to intimidate me. It's not working.
After filing my complaint with the BBB:
Company's Initial Response - Posted 02/15/2008
The customer has store credit per the terms and conditions at checkout
Consumer's Rebuttal - Posted 02/18/2008
I was supplied with a shipping time based on false information. Gainsaver told me my order was in proper working order and ready to ship, but upon calling three days later, I discovered that the order had not been prepared to begin with. Gainsaver stated a shipping date, did not keep it, and insists I wait indefinitely. According to FTC regulations, I am entitled to a full refund.
Company's Final Response - Posted 02/20/2008
Per the terms and conditions the item will ship with the method choosen by the customer. Shipping is not refundable.
At this point, the BBB says case closed, everyone go home, but they don't seem to get that gainsaver's credibility is forfeit.
By rules that override gainsaver's terms & conditions, I am entitled to a full refund, and only gainsaver is denying and dodging it. I don't want to find out what kind of suprise package they'll send me. Also of note is that they haven't specified any shipping date in their response either. Why does the BBB think this a satisfactory response? I can tell you anything, for instance I'm Davy Crockett, and the check is in the mail, anything to distract you long enough. Look over there, that sort of thing.
I'm not allowed to post a comment about gainsaver at the labbb site for a year. I have presented further complaint, but have been directed to contact the FTC and attorney general for my state.
I sent them a cashier's check for a G5 1.6GHz (M9020LL/A) and have received nothing but misdirection. To repeatedly tell a customer any item is ready, working, and awaiting shipment, only to reveal 2-3 days later that such was not true is fraudulent at any level. I was asked to send more money to buy a G5 1.8 ghz instead, a.k.a. the bait and switch. When attempting to talk to Mr. Harper, he is invariably annoyed with having to talk to me and quietly transfers me over to an answering machine after a brusque "Thank you for your call."
Sending an email has elicited the same unwelcomeness. I automatically receive a reply from them, "We will not respond to your email. Please call Toll Free: 800-844-4051 Thank you"
Thank you, indeed. Whether this is a general setting for their email address, or directed at anyone getting on their nerves, neither are even remotely positive business practices. I also receive a message from "MAILER-DAEMON@smtp23-02.prod.mesa1.secureserver.net " stating that "child status 100...The e-mail message could not be delivered because
the user's mailfolder is full.", undoubtedly meant to intimidate me. It's not working.
After filing my complaint with the BBB:
Company's Initial Response - Posted 02/15/2008
The customer has store credit per the terms and conditions at checkout
Consumer's Rebuttal - Posted 02/18/2008
I was supplied with a shipping time based on false information. Gainsaver told me my order was in proper working order and ready to ship, but upon calling three days later, I discovered that the order had not been prepared to begin with. Gainsaver stated a shipping date, did not keep it, and insists I wait indefinitely. According to FTC regulations, I am entitled to a full refund.
Company's Final Response - Posted 02/20/2008
Per the terms and conditions the item will ship with the method choosen by the customer. Shipping is not refundable.
At this point, the BBB says case closed, everyone go home, but they don't seem to get that gainsaver's credibility is forfeit.
By rules that override gainsaver's terms & conditions, I am entitled to a full refund, and only gainsaver is denying and dodging it. I don't want to find out what kind of suprise package they'll send me. Also of note is that they haven't specified any shipping date in their response either. Why does the BBB think this a satisfactory response? I can tell you anything, for instance I'm Davy Crockett, and the check is in the mail, anything to distract you long enough. Look over there, that sort of thing.
I'm not allowed to post a comment about gainsaver at the labbb site for a year. I have presented further complaint, but have been directed to contact the FTC and attorney general for my state.
It's Gain$aver! not Gainsaver or GainSaver
This is a very important thread, but I would guess that many would-be victims of this company will never find this thread in time before starting a purchase from them, because all of the posts seem to spell the company name with an "S" rather than a "$" as they do.
When you get an email adv from them, a dollar sign replaces the "S" and that is likely the way a curious would-be purchaser would copy the name into Google to check them out.
So I am adding the correct spelling of their name - as they themselves choose to spell it - in the hope that more potential victims will find this thread in time before being duped.
Also, their emails misleadingly appear to be about NEW computers and not the used junk they actually sell, as they are entitled "Apple Price Drops" which falsely implies that they are announcing that Apple itself has reduced the retail prices on certain models of NEW machines. Obviously, they are NOT a dealer (authorized reseller) of new Apple computers and have no business falsely giving this impression.
This is a very important thread, but I would guess that many would-be victims of this company will never find this thread in time before starting a purchase from them, because all of the posts seem to spell the company name with an "S" rather than a "$" as they do.
When you get an email adv from them, a dollar sign replaces the "S" and that is likely the way a curious would-be purchaser would copy the name into Google to check them out.
So I am adding the correct spelling of their name - as they themselves choose to spell it - in the hope that more potential victims will find this thread in time before being duped.
Also, their emails misleadingly appear to be about NEW computers and not the used junk they actually sell, as they are entitled "Apple Price Drops" which falsely implies that they are announcing that Apple itself has reduced the retail prices on certain models of NEW machines. Obviously, they are NOT a dealer (authorized reseller) of new Apple computers and have no business falsely giving this impression.
Be that as it may, when one searches for "gainsaver" in google, the site comes up as www.GainSaver.com, and this thread is the fourth in the list of hits.
However, I changed the title of the thread accordingly.
However, I changed the title of the thread accordingly.
It has been 4 months now
I have had no problems with this company and I have a good computer. My wife has a HP laptop from them for about five monts and it is working fine, so much so that my sister in law bought the same HP no problems, my step daughter got an older Ibook last year, she was not real happy, she needed more computer, found a good deal on an HP at Best Buy and gave the Mac to my daughter who loves it. I had some problems early on but I think that it happens with used stuff, pay a little extra for a warenty and you are set $100.00 for a full year replacement, oh I also bought a 200 gig external HD cheap and it is working as it should, when you buy used you are not getting something that is new, it sounds kinda dumb but if you go in expecting the product to be fuctional with wear and tear, pay for the diagnostics and warrenty, don't be so cheap, and you will get the machine you pay for.
I have had no problems with this company and I have a good computer. My wife has a HP laptop from them for about five monts and it is working fine, so much so that my sister in law bought the same HP no problems, my step daughter got an older Ibook last year, she was not real happy, she needed more computer, found a good deal on an HP at Best Buy and gave the Mac to my daughter who loves it. I had some problems early on but I think that it happens with used stuff, pay a little extra for a warenty and you are set $100.00 for a full year replacement, oh I also bought a 200 gig external HD cheap and it is working as it should, when you buy used you are not getting something that is new, it sounds kinda dumb but if you go in expecting the product to be fuctional with wear and tear, pay for the diagnostics and warrenty, don't be so cheap, and you will get the machine you pay for.
With all due respect, in my humble opinion this is distorted logic. You are buying trouble and on top of it paying extra for this outfit to maybe fix the trouble. You are never going to come out ahead this way as you are paying for aggravation and then paying again for them to try to resolve the aggravation. You will always come out further ahead by buying a new computer on sale, as your relative did, or buying a refurb only from Apple, or a pre-owned Mac from an Apple-authorized reseller like PowerMax, for example.
I don't know about your Windows computers bought from Gain$aver, as MacRumors is a Mac site, and that experience would not necessarily be relevant here because Windows users are accustomed to having trouble and grief with even their brand-new computers.
Mac users have higher expectations because they are accustomed to getting a trouble-free experience, and they are therefore rightfully more demanding, and are less likely to be deceived into accepting anything less than a quality, trouble-free experience the first time, with either a new or a refurb or a pre-owned Mac. They are not going to be satisfied with a promise that if they pay an extra $100 and the first piece of junk they are sent fails, the company will send another junker which maybe might work better.
And this whole business of Gain$aver telling customers who have purchased their units that their delays in shipping are due to their time needed to extensively "test" the unit is nonsense. They have no business advertising units for sale until after they have tested them thoroughly.
Today I bought a 24" Imac 2.16 Core 2 Duo from Gainsaver - has anyone had experience buying these refurbs from these guys? My plan is to put 3GB of memory & a 500GB SATA HD once it arrives. Should I be freaked out?? Some of these horror stories are indeed frightening.
I thought most brand new forum posters had good experiences with this merchant?
But yes, assuming you are a new customer, I'd cancel the order.
I thought most brand new forum posters had good experiences with this merchant?
I resisted the urge to point that out this time.. It's Friday (here), I want to try and be positive!
Is this your usual way of doing business? Buy first from an unknown seller, give them your credit card info and authorize them to charge your account, and THEN post a question about the seller to a forum like this? Haven't you got it backwards? Or is this the beginning of another shill thread from Gain$aver?
Ha no I'm not used to doing business like that - and I'm definetly not from Gainsaver. So far they've told me that the item will go out yesterday, and it didn't, so I've told them I'm cancelling the order unless it ships out today and I get a tracking number. I will do just that if they don't communicate better. I'll keep you all posted. I found the aluminum 20" from a better site for under $1,100 - so I"ll get that if Gainsaver screws this up. They wouldn't possibly charge me a 20% restocking fee if I canceled before the order went out right? Nothing to restock ha
I ordered a 1.5GHz 12" PowerBook from them when mine suffered from the non-proverbial spilled milk. GainSaver is the only place I know of that offers an optional 3-year warranty on used equipment and allow hardware upgrades such as larger hard drives and additional RAM. Apparently, 12" supply depleted after receiving the order so a 15" PB was sent for the same price.
Equipment is advertised as used, not refurbished. There's a difference. I worked to successfully get ink smudges off the keyboard; there's some scratches on the trackpad and a few dead pixels but the unit (typing on it now) is functional. Be aware that an Apple-brand power supply is extra and batteries (unless new is requested) may last only 1 to 1.5 hrs. Units come with Tiger pre-installed and no original software discs. However, AppleCare shipped me original (Panther) replacement discs upon request. Overall, I prefer the scuffs with a warranty and recommend the new-battery option.
The 700MHz PB is likely offered for such a low price because Apple indicates 800MHz is required for the current OS. And, the current Leopard OS will be mandatory to sync with the next version of iPhone firmware.
Equipment is advertised as used, not refurbished. There's a difference. I worked to successfully get ink smudges off the keyboard; there's some scratches on the trackpad and a few dead pixels but the unit (typing on it now) is functional. Be aware that an Apple-brand power supply is extra and batteries (unless new is requested) may last only 1 to 1.5 hrs. Units come with Tiger pre-installed and no original software discs. However, AppleCare shipped me original (Panther) replacement discs upon request. Overall, I prefer the scuffs with a warranty and recommend the new-battery option.
The 700MHz PB is likely offered for such a low price because Apple indicates 800MHz is required for the current OS. And, the current Leopard OS will be mandatory to sync with the next version of iPhone firmware.
Seriously, if you read this thread you will get some feeling for what a 3 yr warranty from them will be worth.
Shipping with Tiger and no disks is a copyright violation -- piracy flat out.
Shipping with Tiger and no disks is a copyright violation -- piracy flat out.
Older software
Etan1000
With all due respect, in my humble opinion this is distorted logic....
" You are buying trouble and on top of it paying extra for this outfit to maybe fix the trouble. You are never going to come out ahead this way as you are paying for aggravation and then paying again for them to try to resolve the aggravation. You will always come out further ahead by buying a new computer on sale, as your relative did, or buying a refurb only from Apple, or a pre-owned Mac from an Apple-authorized reseller like PowerMax, for example."
Being that you seem to work for a pre-owned Apple-authorized reseller like PowerMax. I must tell you if the prices were about the same and PowerMax was easier to find then Gainsaver I would have gone with them, but to be honest I have never heard of the company until today. I would have gone with Small Dog if I had gotten there first.
I needed a replacement G4, the edit software I use is made to work on Power PC Macs or spend $1k for a software upgrade, used Macs are needed and thank goodness there is still several companies in business. It is not always better to buy a new Mac but it is always nice.
I do not sell computers I just edit, good luck to all in fixing your problems or is it more in selling your products.
Etan1000
With all due respect, in my humble opinion this is distorted logic....
" You are buying trouble and on top of it paying extra for this outfit to maybe fix the trouble. You are never going to come out ahead this way as you are paying for aggravation and then paying again for them to try to resolve the aggravation. You will always come out further ahead by buying a new computer on sale, as your relative did, or buying a refurb only from Apple, or a pre-owned Mac from an Apple-authorized reseller like PowerMax, for example."
Being that you seem to work for a pre-owned Apple-authorized reseller like PowerMax. I must tell you if the prices were about the same and PowerMax was easier to find then Gainsaver I would have gone with them, but to be honest I have never heard of the company until today. I would have gone with Small Dog if I had gotten there first.
I needed a replacement G4, the edit software I use is made to work on Power PC Macs or spend $1k for a software upgrade, used Macs are needed and thank goodness there is still several companies in business. It is not always better to buy a new Mac but it is always nice.
I do not sell computers I just edit, good luck to all in fixing your problems or is it more in selling your products.
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