Cellular Distribution Strategies

Review: Sent my iPhone 4S to them to trade for cash. According to their website, my item was supposedly evaluated and a revised quote was supposedly sent to me on October 15, 2013. I checked my email and no such email was sent. I sent an email to their customer service on October 16, 2013, and October 17, 2013. All I received were the automated reply messages indicating my emails were received. I never received any response. On October 17, 2013 at 5:23:27 PM , I submitted a ticket about the non-response to the emails sent. I have copied an pasted my submitted ticket below:

"Order #[redacted] Revised Quote not Received

Date: 10/17/2013 5:23:27 PM

From: [redacted])

Checked the status of my submission and saw this: Requote Sent 10/15/2013 @ 12:25PM EST As of today, I have not received my revised quote via email. Order #[redacted] Have sent two emails with no response thus far."

According to the site, "This request is awaiting assignment to a support agent. You will receive a notification when the request status is updated by our staff."

Their site says they are to respond within 48 hours and they have not done so with any of my emails or submitted tickets. I've even tweeted my frustration with their customer service to their company's twitter handle as well as their CEO's twitter handle. No response there as well.Desired Settlement: Return my iPhone 4S to me.

Business

Response:

Emailed customer directly to resolve device re-quote and customer agreed to re-quote. Device was quoted on website as Good but had broken back glass. We believe with customer accepting re-quote and check being sent that this matter is resolved.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me. I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.

Regards,

Review: They are a company that you send your old smart phone to and they send you money. I sent in my phone in September, according to their website they received my phone 2 weeks ago, and they have yet to "inspect" my phone or make payment on it. Their website and advertising materials, and agreement say they will give payment within 48 hours. I have complained via their email system, their customer support system, as well as tweeting the company. They have not yet responded to any of this.Desired Settlement: I want them to pay me the $70 they quoted me for my old phone which they now have in their possession.

Review: HelloTotem gave me a quote of $185 for my mint condition iPhone 4s. I was told that once I send them my phone I would receive payment within 1-2 weeks. I sent them my phone in October. After weeks they emailed me to tell me they recieved my phone on November 19, 2013. I received no other communications from them. Their phone number is disconnected. I sent 2 emails inquiring on status of payment. The first went unanswered. I sent a second email on December 11th requesting my phone back. I got a reply saying that [redacted] would be in contact with me regarding payment for my phone. He never got in touch with me. I have since sent 2 additional emails with no response. I have not received payment as promised nor will they send me my phone back.Desired Settlement: I want the promised payment for my phone or I want my phone sent back to me.

Review: I received a quote for my iPhone 4 from HelloTotem at the price of $130 and sent them my phone to be evaulated. The phone was received by HelloTotem on October 30th and according to the website, should have only taken 2-4 business days to evaluate. It has now been a week and I have received no communications from the company. I have submitted several ticket requests, all which have gone unread and unanswered according to my ticket number status. The phone number I found on the website has not even been activated. I have even gone so far as to find an e-mail address from the company's seemingly active [redacted] account to reach a representative and have had no answer. I am starting to get very concerned as I have found many very bad reviews citing this company as a scam although I found the company through a reputable public source.Desired Settlement: I want them to deposit my $130 into my paypal account or send my phone back in tact, the way it was delivered to them.

Business

Response:

Paypal payment has been sent. We believe this to be resolved.

Review: This company buy and sell phones on website hellototem.com. I have requested a quote for my used [redacted] for $155 and I have then sent the phone in with record number [redacted] and [redacted] tracking [redacted] which the business and [redacted] has confirmed they received on 11/19/2013. I have then not be able to contact the company, the emails are not replied, the phone number listed on their website no longer working. [redacted] every record of [redacted] is no longer available. I have not receive the check for $155 or the return of my phone.Desired Settlement: I should either receive the $155 as agreed upon by contract or the return of my iphone.

Review: I got a quote from Totem or cellular Distribution Strategies for 150.00 for my iPhone 4G on the 12th of July so I sent it to them. I received an E-mail telling me that they got the phone on the 29th of July, and I would receive the money after they check out the phone "two weeks top's" I have tried to contact them in every way phone: not activated E-mails: 6 with no response. tracking ticket: nothing ( absolutely a JOKE!! I would like 150.00 or my phone back with the box. I do have the ser number and all other to that phone.Desired Settlement: I would like 150.00 or my phone back with the box I sent it in. I do have the serial number, ID and all other to that phone.

Business

Response:

On 09/23/13,

wrote:

Hi Mr [redacted],

I am very sorry for the delay but wanted to let you know I have reissued a check for $150 for your phone.

Upon receipt can you please close the Revdex.com complaint?

Thank you,[redacted]

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.

I received a email from Totem saying that they have sent out a new check for 150.00. That was back on the 9th of September. 17 days ago and once again nothing from this company!!!n I will forward you a copy of this email. Its now been 16 days since you sent the check out and I still Haven't received anything again... I Just want MY phone back !!!!!!!!!

Regards,

Business

Response:

Customer was sent payment with a tracking number. Follow up email has not been responded to. Our records show the check was delivered. See below. We believe this matter to be resolved.

Review: On April 13th, 2013, I submitted a complaint regarding my [redacted] that I sent to Totem. On April 18th, the company responded to the complaint and promised to send the requested amount, $96.25 by check. I have contacted the company numerous times asking them to send the check, but I still have not received payment. Therefore, I am re-submitting a complaint and requesting that Totem send the check right away. This is an unacceptable situation that must be resolved. I am very upset.Desired Settlement: I request that Cellular Distribution Strategies send the check for $96.25 within 14 days.

Business

Response:

We researched this order and I have reissued the payment today 6/18/2013. Can you please change this complaint to resolved?

Review: I filled out a survey at the Totem website for sending in my Black iPhone 4 16GB. They had quoted me $105 for my "Good with minor cosmetic flaws" phone. I sent them the iPhone, which was received on November 20, 2013. When I checked the website, the phone's status was labeled "Broken". The company sent me a "Requote" saying that I would receive $10 for the phone that was originally quoted for $105. I did not accept the offer and sent the company an email stating that my iPhone that I sent in was not "Broken". However, there was no reply.

After getting suspicious, I looked up the company and there were multiple complaints about this company being a scam from other victims. They are scamming people into sending in their phones and then failing to send their victims the money that was promised. They do have a policy where if the "Requote" is not accepted, they will send the phones back, but they will charge a $30 reshipping fee. However, this is also a promise they are not keeping because there is no response from the company at all. They do not follow up with any of the emails either and there are no phone numbers to talk to ANY customer service representatives.

The contact information that is listed on the emails is [email protected] and ###-###-####- none of which have gotten responses.

If you check Twitter for #hellototem, there are multiple customers who have experienced the same issues with this company.Desired Settlement: I am requesting that the company complete the contractual agreement of paying the quoted price of $105 for my phone. I have proof of the phone's condition prior to sending it out to the company on video and pictures.

Business

Response:

We have emailed customer asking if they will accept our final offer as glass is so badly scratched the camera lens won't work. Awaiting response from customer.

Review: Totem offered me $75 for an iPhone 4. Their website states that payment will be sent within 2-4 business days of receiving the phone. It has been three weeks and they aren't responding to any of my e-mails, and they don't have a valid phone number. I did some research on the web and there are numerous complaints just like mine. This place is not honoring its contracts.Desired Settlement: I just want the $75 that has been promised to me, or for them to return the phone that I sent them.

Business

Response:

Emailed Customer to inform them check has been sent 12/11/13. We believe this to be resolved.

Review: I sold my old iPhone 4 to Totem (Cellular Consumer Strategies) and they said they would sent me a check for $80. I never got it. They sent me a Email that said they received it but then nothing. I sent it out July 11th and it been a couple months now with nothing! My order number is [redacted].Desired Settlement: I would like to get my check for $80.

Business

Response:

Customer has also been emailed to be told payment was sent today. We believe this issue to be resolved.

Review: This business is not operating as advertised and I have not received payment for my two devices. Their website states:"Our values are simple; to honor our quotes, take care of our customers and recycle or resell their used cell phones with safe, environmental standards." via http://www.hellototem.com/aboutI sent in my two iPhones and have not received any word or payment from them since October 28, 2013. I've sent in several tickets and emails but have not received any response.My cr is: [redacted] My email address is: [redacted]Desired Settlement: I would like to receive payment as promised (via [redacted]) or for them to return my two (excellent condition) [redacted] (with free shipping).

Review: Company has not provided me a check for my phone which it accepted and I have been awaiting payment since November 15th for my [redacted]. It first rejected the condition I originally sent which I disagreed with but consented anyway to a reduced amount (I felt this was kind of a bait and switch deal, but agreed to the lesser payment to at least get something in return. I have been waiting for my check and have contacted their electronic claims. I finally got a response from someone on 12-4-13 that they would look into it, but still no check and I have filed additional complaints in hopes of getting a response.Desired Settlement: I want at least the $145 requite if not the original quote of $205 that was promised

Review: I sent my iPhone into this company, also known as "HelloTotem" or "Totem", to be inspected and paid for its collection. While the shipping box to send in my phone arrived on time, nothing else has been resolved or correct according to their instructions or policies. It took almost two full weeks for my iphone to reach them (as far as they have provided via their "tracking" method on their website). I was sent an email to accept a revise offer (due to my mistake that the iPhone was a 4, not a 4S, as I had stated initially). I promptly accepted the new offer. The website then specified that payment would be sent within 48 hours or 5 days if I didn't respond. It has now been 8 full days since I last received any communication from this company. Their phone number, which they provide on several placed on the website and in e-mails, is not valid / has not been turned on. I have emailed them at two different e-mail addresses for support AND have submitted a ticket through their "help desk". It has been 2 businesses days and still no response from them at all.Desired Settlement: I expect this company to send payment promptly via paypal, as specified under our contract agreement.

Business

Response:

Two checks have been sent to customer for device - 1st check was short paid in error. We believe this matter to be resolved.

Review: After shopping online for a cellphone buyback company I opted to go with hellototem.com. I filled out a form online and then an associate from hellototem called me directly ([redacted], from [redacted]) to verify the anticipated value of the phone $90, which was confirmed via email. [redacted] then sent me a USPS shipping label and I sent the cellphone to hellototem (i have the shipping label and the usps tracking records of successful delivery to hellototem). Furthermore, I received notice from hellototem that the phone was received and was in mint condition and that payment to me had been sent (email dated 7/18/2013). As of today I have received no payment. I am concerned that at the least this is a scam to steal cellphones and potentially at the worst this is also an identity theft scenario given the nature of the information present on a cell phone (even after a factory reset of the phone) [redacted] is listed as [redacted] and [redacted] in the email correspondences I received and this is why I am listing him in this complaint.Desired Settlement: Receipt of $90 check as per the agreement I entered into with [redacted] of hellototem.

Business

Response:

Emailed customer and explained a new check had been sent out today. He responded and said he will close the complaint upon receipt of the check.

Review: I went through the necessary steps to send in an iphone that I was willing to sell to totem online from the quote they originally gave me of $200. After they received the phone, they re-quoted (via email) me a price of $150.00 less, equaling $50. The only problem with the phone was the speaker had blown and the sound was muffled. I know, after taking it to a repair shop, that that is not a $150.00 repair. I rejected this quote via the link in the email they provided and was told in that same link that someone would contact me to arrange the return of my phone within 48 hours. That was over 3 weeks ago and I have had no contact with anyone from their "company". I've sent numerous emails, facebook messages and tried to call the number provided but it's disconnected. I have had no luck in getting my phone back. I am in full belief that this site is a scam and they've stolen my phone.Desired Settlement: I would like my phone returned or the orginal price of $200.

Business

Response:

We have researched this complaint and while we stand by our tech's testing of the phone we will honor the customer's original quote.

Review: I sent two cell phones to Totem as part of their buyback program. I received an amount that they would offer me for the cell phones. I sent the cell phones via FedEx and they were received. Their website confirms this, however I have never received payment for my phones. My order numbers are: [redacted] & [redacted] have waited for over a year for payment for these phones. As mentioned their website, www.hellototem.com confirms that items were received, however no payment has ever been sent. I have emailed them and they stated that they would look into it however, nothing has been resolved.Desired Settlement: Payment for the phones which I sent them as part of their 'buyback' program.

Business

Response:

Paypal payment was made for the two devices Mr [redacted] sent in.

We believe this issue to be resolved.

Review: On June 30, 2013, I received a quote from Totem to buy my two iphone devices. Device #1, an Iphone 4 was quoted for $140 and device #2, an Iphone 4S was quoted for $240. I received a phone call from [redacted] from Totem on July 1, 2013 stating that I should receive my prepaid mailers any day and to go ahead and mail my devices to Totem. [redacted] also said that I would be paid in as little as 48 hours after Totem receives my devices. I mailed my devices to Totem in the the prepaid mailers on July 5, 2013. Both of the Iphone devices that I mailed off were in pristine condition without any cracks, scratches, etc. Once I mailed my devices off, I started to track them. According to [redacted], Totem's websites and an email from Totem, my devices were received on July 22, 2013. I received a "welcome" email from Totem stating that I would be paid within 48 hours. I waited patiently for the money to be deposited into my [redacted] account as I had originally selected. I noticed almost immediately that that on Totem's website, that my account reflected that I would be receiving a check instead. It is now August 9, 2013 and I have not received either through the mail or [redacted] the $380 owed to me for my devices. I have called Totem no less than 2 dozen times and have left 4 messages to which none have been returned. I have sent at least 5 emails without a single response. I have also sent 3 customer service "tickets" and have never received a response. The only reasons that I have ever used this company is because 1) the Totem website claims it is listed with the Revdex.com and is recommended by [redacted] and 2) I used this company a year ago and I was paid promptly for my device and didn't encounter any problems.Desired Settlement: I want $380 for my devices. Preferably deposited into my [redacted] account as I am nervous that Totem with write a fraudulent check.

Business

Response:

Check issued 10/1/13. We believe this issue to be resolved.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me providing that I receive a check for the original quoted amount and the check clears the bank. I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.

Regards,

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and have determined that this proposed action would not resolve my complaint. For your reference, details of the offer I reviewed appear below.

From: [redacted]

Date: Wed, Oct 23, 2013 at 6:57 AM

Subject: Re: You have a new message from the Revdex.com

To: [redacted]

On 10/3/2013 I accepted a business resolution response to case # [redacted] provided the check sent was for the originally quoted amounts. When I received the check in the mail from the business, it was only for one of the cellphones that I sent to them. They have not paid me for the other iphone that they have in their possession. Therefore, this dispute has not been settled. This company still owes me the quoted $140.00 for the second iphone that they received. This was not a buy one and get one free arrangement. I expect a check for $140 for this dispute to be settled. This company still has my other cellphone. By not paying me for it, I consider this action to be theft.

Review: Totem quoted me $125 as payment for my AT&T 16GB iphone 4 and mailed packaging accordingly for me to send my phone to them per their procedures on their website. ([redacted]) The device was mailed on October 18th, 2013. I was guaranteed to receive payment within 3-5 days of receipt of my phone.The phone has arrived at their business. I have received no response. I have opened a claim ticket on their website and have still received no response. No one will contact me or respond in any way.Their website seems to be a complete scam. I have not received any money for my phone and they have my device and will not respond.

Product_Or_Service: AT&T 16GB iPhone 4Desired Settlement: I would like payment for my device as advertised by their business in the form of a check for $125 mailed to me directly.

Review: I sent my iPhone 4 into this company and have not received the payment they advertised. I have tried emailing/ contacting them twice and have had no response. They have essentially stolen my phone.Desired Settlement: I would like to receive the $95 payment they promised.

Review: I sent my iPhone4 to this company with the expectation of being paid for it upon their receipt and inspection of it. I sent it to them back in February 2013 and after a couple of months and I never received payment I checked their website witch stated the my check was mailed on 3/5. I never got it. I submitted a support ticket. The response said it was being assigned to and handled by a [redacted]. Ticket number [redacted]. I haven't heard anything from them after at least 10 attempts to get some sort of status on my case from this person. I hope that you can get these people to reply because I am not having any luck getting them to.Thank you for any help you can give me.[redacted]Desired Settlement: I want the $155.00 they quoted me for my phone.

Business

Response:

Check issued 10/1/13. We believe this issue to be resolved.

Consumer

Response:

I received payment on Saturday, 10/5/2013. I consider the matter settled and won't ever use their services again.

Thank you for you assistance in this matter.

Regards,