DO NOT USE: ipodmechanic.com problems

[artmaltman]

Well, the forum is not letting me edit and update my note.

I'm on travel but I've been told that a package arrived from ipod mechanic on Monday Sept 17. So it is possible that I've now received the Shuffle. I'll find out when I return Sept 28. I can't wait to check the post mark to see when it shipped.

In the mean time, I would not personally do business again with a firm that is so difficult to communicate with. But you might decide it is worth it to save money or for other reasons. It's up to you.

Art

[Shameless1]

Originally Posted by artmaltman

Well, the forum is not letting me edit and update my note.

I'm on travel but I've been told that a package arrived from ipod mechanic on Monday Sept 17. So it is possible that I've now received the Shuffle. I'll find out when I return Sept 28. I can't wait to check the post mark to see when it shipped.

In the mean time, I would not personally do business again with a firm that is so difficult to communicate with. But you might decide it is worth it to save money or for other reasons. It's up to you.

Art

Well I happen to live in the same neck of the wood as them, and guess what I used to do collections for a living. I would be willing to help anyone out that is still having a problem with them. I would like to get a bunch of people at the same time. Would love to call the Kalamazoo police to meet me at this guys house to file a fraud case on him. If you are interested please PM me I will need more information from you before I could do anything. I can explain in PM's

Shameless

[artmaltman]

Since I posted this notice of having problems with iPod Mechanic, I feel obligated to post an update. I have received the iPod shuffle that I ordered. Seems to be precisely as advertised. I have no complaints with the product. My concern about ordering from them in the future would be the difficulty of communicating with them. As I mentioned earlier, they refused any email communication from me until I demanded a refund.... Their telephone seemed to be permanently out of order.
Art

Originally Posted by artmaltman

Well, it seems most likely that I've also been burned by iPodMechanic.

I ordered an iPod Shuffle in early September from them, online. They charged my credit card Sept 5. After a few days of hearing nothing back I tried to reach them by email, and phone, and by their web contact template. I've been trying daily. No response. Nothing.

Finally today I sent a brief email today "cancel my order" in the title. They respond once, saying that it already shipped (without saying when) and they gave me the post office shipping number.

But low and behold, the post office has no record of this having shipped. Either the post office made a mistake, or iPodMechanic lied.

I'm just wondering how many more days to wait, to be fair, before I file a dispute. I'm thinking 5 business days to give it time to "ship".

And how to dispute it? I can dispute it via my credit card easily but this vendor apparently uses Google as an intermediary.

What a damn shame. IPodMechanic's web site makes them look so valuable. From now on I research a vendor before using them!!!!!

At the very least, even if the item eventually arrives, their customer communication is so bad that they are a non-starter as a vendor.

Yuk.

Art

ps: I called my credit card company and there is no rush to dispute the charge, within 90 days is fine. So I will wait two more weeks to see if the unit arrives. I'm just going to chill out. Their customer support finally got back to me and insists it shipped. Again, even if I receive the unit, their lack of communication is very troubling.

[sleepermaxima]

I have sent an email via the Google Checkout asking what was up with the order a few days after placing the order. Nicholas Woodhams (the owner of iPodMechanic for those of you that don't already know) repsonded about 4 days later saying, "Rest assured your item has been shipped and is on the way."

After waiting for about 2 weeks total I sent an email to Nicholas on Tues the 25th stating,
"Hi Nick,
I will be forced to dispute the $98 charge on my CC if you cannot produce 2 iPod Shuffles at my door by Saturday."

The Shuffles arrived Friday. I never rec'd a reply from that message. My wife rec'd that package and discarded the envelope they were shipped in so I don't know what the postmark date was... you and I will have to draw our own conclusions as to weather that last mild threat made a difference.

I hope this helps anyone else that finds themselves in the same situation. But if you have not yet placed a transaction with iPodMechanic DON'T DO IT. You are much better off paying retail!

[Codylabrador]

I am looking for information for filing complaints with the BBB and the Michigan Attorney General and/or a Michigan consumer protection organization.

I just finished shipping my 20GB iPod to iPodmechanic for the third time to repair a powering down problem. I was initially charged over $150.00 to repair the iPod and, after paying to send it back the second and third time for repair "under warranty", I found that they had charged my credit card an additional $29.00!

So, I now have a 20 GB iPod that still loses power while sitting idle and I am $180.00 poorer.

Please share any information you have with me on how to report iPodmechanic. I would like to help keep others from experiencing my frustration and charges.

[Codylabrador]

BBB Reliability Report
BBB® Serving Western Michigan
40 Pearl St NW Suite 354
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
(616) 774-8236 (800) 684-3222
www.westernmichigan.bbb.org

iPod Mechanic
5837 Portage Rd
Portage, MI 49002-1724
Telephone: (866) 457-8734
Fax: (269) 344-5135
http://www.ipodmechanic.com

The BBB reports on businesses, both Accredited and non-accredited. If a company is a BBB Accredited business, it is stated in this report


BBB Definition:

report - A summary of activity reflected in a company's BBB file. Includes basic business background, BBB membership information, and BBB complaint activity over the previous three years. Also reports may include any known government actions, advertising issues or other information that results from activity conducted by the BBB.

.

Principal: Mr. Nicholas Woodhams, Owner
Customer Contact: Mr. Nicholas Woodhams, Owner
File Open Date: December 2005
TOB Classification: Computers-Service & Repair
BBB Membership: This company is not a member.

The BBB has requested basic information from this company. The BBB has not received a response. Without this information, the BBB may not have current information concerning such things as the company's management or its nature of business.

Customer Experience

Based on BBB files, this company has an unsatisfactory record


BBB Definition:

unsatisfactory record - A company has an "unsatisfactory business performance record" with the BBB is based on the experiences reflected in BBB files. This file condition results when the company has failed to resolve or respond to complaints, repeatedly failed to respond or resolve issues in a timely manner, failed to resolve the underlying issues for a pattern


BBB Definition:

pattern - More than 2 complaints involving the same allegations usually within 12 months that are significant in relation to the company's size and volume of business.

of complaints, failed to honor their commitment to mediate or arbitrate disputes or honor mediated agreements or arbitrated decisions, failed to substantiate, modify or discontinue false advertising claims that are challenged by the BBB, or failed to discontinue unauthorized use of the BBB name and logo, a Federally protected trademark.

with the BBB due to failure to respond to one or more complaints and or two or more otherwise unresolved


BBB Definition:

unresolved - The company failed to resolve the complaint issues.

complaints. However the business has resolved


BBB Definition:

resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.

most complaints presented to the bureau.

Our file contains a pattern


BBB Definition:

pattern - More than 2 complaints involving the same allegations usually within 12 months that are significant in relation to the company's size and volume of business.

of complaints concerning delay in repair of ipods. According to consumer complaints, the company's website states a repair quote will be provided in 24 hours and 24 hour LCD repair, however, does not provide the repair quotes or LCD repair within the advertised 24 hour time frame.

In June 2006, the BBB of Western Michigan contacted Nick Woodhams, owner of Ipod Mechanic, in regards to the large number of complaints received. The BBB was assured by Mr. Woodhams that he would respond to all complaints.

Unfortunately, the company failed to honor their statement to the BBB.

When considering complaint information, please take into account the company's size and volume of transactions, and understand that the nature of complaints and a firm's responses to them are often more important than the number of complaints.

The BBB processed a total of 121 complaints about this company in the last 36 months, our standard reporting period.Of the total of 121 complaints closed in 36 months, 82 were closed in the last year.
Advertising Issues


BBB Definition:

Advertising Issues - Claims alleging print or electronic media advertised claims or practices misrepresent the service or product offer.


Resolved


BBB Definition:

Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.


1 - Company offered a partial (less than 100%) settlement which the consumer accepted.
1 - Company resolved


BBB Definition:

resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.

the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to the BBB.
2 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to the BBB.
1 - Company resolved


BBB Definition:

resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.

the complaint issues, but not within the BBB's timeframe.

Contract Issues


BBB Definition:

Contract Issues - Claim of alleged failure to honor contract or agreement, work performed without authorization, or invalid contract.


Unresolved


BBB Definition:

Unresolved - The company failed to resolve the complaint issues.


2 - Company failed to resolve the complaint issues through the BBB voluntary and self-regulatory process.

Billing or Collection Issues


BBB Definition:

Billing or Collection Issues - Claim alleging billing errors, unauthorized charges, or questionable collection practices.


Resolved


BBB Definition:

Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.


2 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to the BBB.
Administratively Closed


BBB Definition:

Administratively Closed - The BBB determined that the complaint could not be satisfactorily settled using standard methods of voluntary dispute resolution


1 - The parties could not provide sufficient information to support their positions nor were they agreeable to make reasonable efforts toward resolving the issues of the dispute.
No Response


BBB Definition:

No Response - The company failed to respond to the complaint.


2 - Company failed to respond to the BBB to resolve or address the complaint issues.

Sales Practice Issues


BBB Definition:

Sales Practice Issues - Claims of alleged sales presentations made in person or by telephone that contain misrepresentations of the product or service, high pressure sales practices, failure to disclose key conditions of the offer, and verbal representations not consistent with written contractual terms or agreements.


Resolved


BBB Definition:

Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.


1 - Company resolved


BBB Definition:

resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.

the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to the BBB.

Delivery Issues


BBB Definition:

Delivery Issues - Claims alleging delayed delivery of ordered merchandise.


Resolved


BBB Definition:

Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.


6 - Company resolved


BBB Definition:

resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.

the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to the BBB.
2 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to the BBB.
1 - Company resolved


BBB Definition:

resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.

the complaint issues, but not within the BBB's timeframe.
Unresolved


BBB Definition:

Unresolved - The company failed to resolve the complaint issues.


3 - Company failed to resolve the complaint issues through the BBB voluntary and self-regulatory process.
No Response


BBB Definition:

No Response - The company failed to respond to the complaint.


10 - Company failed to respond to the BBB to resolve or address the complaint issues.

Repair Issues


BBB Definition:

Repair Issues - Claims of alleged incorrect diagnosis of a problem, delay in completion of repair, or inferior workmanship.


Resolved


BBB Definition:

Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.


7 - Company resolved


BBB Definition:

resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.

the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to the BBB.
1 - Company offered a partial (less than 100%) settlement which the consumer accepted.
16 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to the BBB.
3 - Company resolved


BBB Definition:

resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.

the complaint issues, but not within the BBB's timeframe.
Unresolved


BBB Definition:

Unresolved - The company failed to resolve the complaint issues.


5 - Company failed to resolve the complaint issues through the BBB voluntary and self-regulatory process.
Administratively Closed


BBB Definition:

Administratively Closed - The BBB determined that the complaint could not be satisfactorily settled using standard methods of voluntary dispute resolution


1 - BBB determined that despite the company's reasonable effort to address complaint issues, the consumer remained dissatisfied.
1 - The parties could not provide sufficient information to support their positions nor were they agreeable to make reasonable efforts toward resolving the issues of the dispute.
No Response


BBB Definition:

No Response - The company failed to respond to the complaint.


13 - Company failed to respond to the BBB to resolve or address the complaint issues.

Service Issues


BBB Definition:

Service Issues - Claims of alleged delay in completing service, failure to provide promised service, inferior quality of provided service, or damaged merchandise as a result of delivery service.


Resolved


BBB Definition:

Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.


4 - Company resolved


BBB Definition:

resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.

the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to the BBB.
6 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to the BBB.
Unresolved


BBB Definition:

Unresolved - The company failed to resolve the complaint issues.


2 - Company failed to resolve the complaint issues through the BBB voluntary and self-regulatory process.
Administratively Closed


BBB Definition:

Administratively Closed - The BBB determined that the complaint could not be satisfactorily settled using standard methods of voluntary dispute resolution


1 - BBB determined that despite the company's reasonable effort to address complaint issues, the consumer remained dissatisfied.
No Response


BBB Definition:

No Response - The company failed to respond to the complaint.


3 - Company failed to respond to the BBB to resolve or address the complaint issues.

Customer Service Issues


BBB Definition:

Service Issues - Claims of alleged delay in completing service, failure to provide promised service, inferior quality of provided service, or damaged merchandise as a result of delivery service.



BBB Definition:

Customer Service Issues - Claims alleging unsatisfactory customer service, including personnel's failure to provide assistance in a timely manner, failure to address or respond to customer dissatisfaction, unavailability for customer support, and/or inappropriate behavior or attitude exhibited by company staff.


Resolved


BBB Definition:

Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.


6 - Company resolved


BBB Definition:

resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.

the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to the BBB.
2 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to the BBB.
1 - Company resolved


BBB Definition:

resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.

the complaint issues, but not within the BBB's timeframe.
Administratively Closed


BBB Definition:

Administratively Closed - The BBB determined that the complaint could not be satisfactorily settled using standard methods of voluntary dispute resolution


2 - BBB determined that despite the company's reasonable effort to address complaint issues, the consumer remained dissatisfied.
1 - The parties could not provide sufficient information to support their positions nor were they agreeable to make reasonable efforts toward resolving the issues of the dispute.
No Response


BBB Definition:

No Response - The company failed to respond to the complaint.


1 - Company failed to respond to the BBB to resolve or address the complaint issues.

Product Issues


BBB Definition:

Product Issues - Claim alleging a product does not meet the expectations of the complainant, including defective merchandise.


Resolved


BBB Definition:

Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.


1 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to the BBB.
Unresolved


BBB Definition:

Unresolved - The company failed to resolve the complaint issues.


1 - Company failed to resolve the complaint issues through the BBB voluntary and self-regulatory process.

Refund or Exchange Issues


BBB Definition:

Refund or Exchange Issues - Claim of alleged failure to honor company policy or verbal commitment to provide refunds, exchanges, or credit for products or services.


Resolved


BBB Definition:

Resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.


2 - Company resolved


BBB Definition:

resolved - The company resolved the complaint issues.

the complaint issues. The consumer acknowledged acceptance to the BBB.
2 - Company addressed the complaint issues. The consumer failed to acknowledge acceptance to the BBB.
Unresolved


BBB Definition:

Unresolved - The company failed to resolve the complaint issues.


2 - Company failed to resolve the complaint issues through the BBB voluntary and self-regulatory process.
Administratively Closed


BBB Definition:

Administratively Closed - The BBB determined that the complaint could not be satisfactorily settled using standard methods of voluntary dispute resolution


1 - BBB determined that despite the company's reasonable effort to address complaint issues, the consumer remained dissatisfied.
No Response


BBB Definition:

No Response - The company failed to respond to the complaint.


1 - Company failed to respond to the BBB to resolve or address the complaint issues.


Additional File Information

In May 2007, a consumer reported to the BBB that the company may have moved from 832 Weaver Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI to 5837 Portage Road, Portage, MI.

The BBB was unable to reach the company by phone to confirm the address change, but the Portage address is listed on the company's website.

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Report as of October 1, 2007
Copyright© 2007 BBB®, Inc.

If you choose to do business with this company, please let the company know that you contacted the BBB for a report


BBB Definition:

report - A summary of activity reflected in a company's BBB file. Includes basic business background, BBB membership information, and BBB complaint activity over the previous three years. Also reports may include any known government actions, advertising issues or other information that results from activity conducted by the BBB.

.

BBB reports may not be reproduced for sales or promotional purposes.

The information in this report has either been provided by the company or has been compiled by the BBB from other reliable sources.

As a matter of policy, the BBB does not endorse any product, service or company. BBB reports generally cover a three-year reporting period, and are provided solely to assist you in exercising your own best judgment. Information contained in this report is believed reliable but not guaranteed as to accuracy. Reports are subject to change at any time.

[Codylabrador]

I found this link for the Michigan Consumer Protection Agency of the state attorney general's office:

http://www.michigan.gov/ag/0,1607,7-...2077--,00.html

Has anyone filed a complaint with this agency (and can share their ID number or reference) so that I can mention it/them when I file mine?

[justdiana]

I sent in a 2GB nano and a 80 GB iPod that the Apple store genius told me needed new batteries. I included a note explaining this and requested they "buy" the nano to offset charges for the 80 GB. They received my iPods 11/16. I emailed them on 11/27 to find out what was going on. (How long does it take to diagnose an iPod?!) After several emails I was told that they had scavenged the nano for parts and my 80 GB needed $139 repair for a bad logic board. I told them I wanted the iPod back. It took several emails and one phone call to get the iPod sent without paying the "cancellation fee"

Very shady - very unprofessional

[iMechanic]

For all those who are currently doing business or are considering doing business with iPod Mechanic.com DO NOT DO IT!!!

If you currently have an iPod/iPhone in their hands and are having issues getting it back here is the cell phone number for the owner: 269-365-1116. I have been hearing from several sources that this business won't be around much longer due to multiple pending investigations.

Sincerely,
Disgruntled Ex-iPod Mechanic

[lletton]

A month ago, I would have defended iPod Mechanic to anyone. I had a repair done about 2 years ago and the turnaround time was about a week, and it was the most seamless transaction and process I had ever experienced. It really was terrific.

But in Dec., I got water in my iPod and sent it off to them again for repair, and it's been a much different experience. While there's an area under "My Account" where you can see the progress made on your iPod, mine has been stuck at "approved repairs" for 2 weeks. I did contact them by email and they returned my email without 24 hours, and the person apologized for the Christmas holiday backlog, which makes sense. I really don't have any problem with that. But it's longer than last time, and the experiences I'm reading here make me nervous. I hope these are anomalies and that there are thousands of good experiences. But I'm nervous this time.

[ReynardDriver]

This guy has a fancy web page and sure sounds convincing. BUT, I sent him an ipod to fix over a month and a half ago and cant reach him by email or by phone. I am trying to find out if he has stolen anyone else's and will be investigating a class action lawsuit against him. Anyone that has dealt with this guy and had any problems, we want to hear from you. PM me with details, Again, stay away from this THIEF.

[bewareofiPodMec]

They quoted a hefty $250 and I paid the money for repair. It took them months to repair it and get it back to me. I finally got it back and it had another problem. They would not repair it or refund the money. They also told me they do not check the iPods before sending them back after repair, that they can't just go around listening to everyone's iPod every day, they get too many iPods. I filed a complaint with the BBB and they responded saying they would repair it for free. I called to make sure and this was a lie. They would have charged again for something they broke and they lied in an email to the BBB saying they would repair it for free. They also lied to the BBB saying they never told me they don't have time to check iPod's after they "repair" them. Every one of the representatives I talked to were unprofessional and nasty. I picture some greasy-haired loser at the other end making a living at repairing iPods in some boring place and taking out the loss of whatever aspirations he had for his life on people who can afford to buy an iPod. And stealing from us with false promises and overpricing. DO NOT go here. They will rip you off and you may not get your iPod back.

[Menemsha]

Originally Posted by ReynardDriver

This guy has a fancy web page and sure sounds convincing. BUT, I sent him an ipod to fix over a month and a half ago and cant reach him by email or by phone. I am trying to find out if he has stolen anyone else's and will be investigating a class action lawsuit against him. Anyone that has dealt with this guy and had any problems, we want to hear from you. PM me with details, Again, stay away from this THIEF.

In response to Reynard Driver's inquiry, I also have sent an ipod to iPod Mechanic and on their website they show that my order is awaiting approval from me for repairs - but they don't say what needs to be repaired or the cost and will not respond to over a months worth of emails. I think they are trying to steal my ipod. What can we do to recover our ipods?

[chess4fun]

I highly recommend that you DO NOT USE iPod Mechanic - they are incredibly slow and customer service sucks. I sent in a pristine iPod (aside from HD being done) and they scratched the hell out of the when trying to open it and then just dropped in an envelope to send back. It looked like it have gone through a cement mixer. This dude could careless when I emailed. DO NOT USE iPod Mechanic.

[TFATATO]

I LIVE IN KALAMAZOO, AND IN THE NEWSPAPER TODAY ..
"notice of seizure"
"On jan 16 and 22 2008 assets were seized from Nicholas Woodhams of 832 Weaver, kalamazoo mi 49006 fo title 18 section 1956"
2007 honda cbr, 2006 ariel atom 2, 2004 audi s4, first community fed credit union $18,025.83,scottrate brokerage acc # 86257939 $505,406.69,mini computer,4 keyboards,MISCELLANEOUS IPODS,PARTS AND DIGITAL STORAGE. "Any person claiming any ownership in this property must file a claim at IRS-CI attn: asset forefeiture coordinator at P.O. Box 1382 Grand Rapids mi, 49501 before April 28 2008 call the IRS at 313 234 2478 for further info reference to seizure # 38080003-3808005 and 38080011
I hope this help you guys get your stuf back, Tony

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