Cellular Distribution Strategies

Review: Two (2) iPhones mailed to them in their packaging on 2/28/13. Received by them and registered/processed according to their website and my order numbers on 3/11/13. It is now 5/8/13, which is two (2) months later, and no response still, status remains "pending"... Have submitted six (6) emails via their Help page with zero response. Have attempted to online chat with customer service four (4) times, zero resolution, status remains "pending." The online chat customer service through the hellototem website specifically refused to assist me in how to have my phones returned as well. I have the two (2) order slips sent to me from the company and the phone numbers on both order forms are "out of service." These phones were in mint condition and included all ancillary equipment for a total quoted amounts of $220 and $240 respectively. This unwillingness to either compensate me or return my property is tantamount to theft and I am prepared to take legal action.Desired Settlement: I demand the quoted amounts for my two (2) submitted iPhones be sent to me in check form for $220 and $240 respectively. Order numbers available, also registered with the email given on this Revdex.com complaint.

Review: This company advertises it is in the business of buying used electronic equipment. They ask the customer to send them the equipment, they make an offer, and if the customer accepts, they advertise they will pay the amount within a short time (3 days). I went through this process with 2 phones. The first phone they paid. The second they have not. The second phone was sent to them in November 2013, with an offer of $170. I have contacted them 3 times, with only one response, which was the person who responded would look into my claim. No further response. I contacted them once more after this - the third attempt, and they have not responded. Sadly I now know there are many complaints against this company. How this company is allowed to continue doing business in this manner is a mystery.Desired Settlement: I want them to honor their offer and pay me $170 for my phone. To not do so is a violation of their advertising and our mutual agreement.

Review: CDS is a company that supposedly purchases old phones from consumers through their online portal.

I was quoted $215 for my iPhone 4s to which I agreed. CDS then sent me a prepaid mailer and was very communicative with emails and tracking information.

I was informed, via email, that they had received the phone on 10/28/13. Their website indicates it should take no more than 48 hours to inspect the phone and mail a refund as requested. I checked the website every few days to determine if the order ticket had been updated and my payment processed.

On 11/2/13 I emailed CDS and did not receive a reply in over 24 hours. I placed a call to the 800 number listed in their business listing but it was disconnected. I then research the business name and was able to locate the phone number of [redacted], listed as CFO of CDS. I called his number, heard what seems to be a personal voicemail greeting, and left a message with my name and callback number.Desired Settlement: I would like the $215 payment that was quoted to me, or my phone shipped overnight back to me at CDS' charge.

Business

Response:

Communicated via email with Mr [redacted] that check had been sent. He replied that he will clear this complaint on his side once check is received and clears.

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 previously filed a complaint against CDS (#[redacted]) regarding the theft of my phone as part of their alleged iPhone buyback scam. As indicated under the resolution, CDS sent me a check, which I deposited to my bank. The check was bounced back my my bank, resulting in both loss of the aforementioned funds as well as fees imposed against my account in the amount of $35 USD. I want both my phone and the funds lost back.

Regards,

Business

Response:

Customer paid via PP 12/12/13. Sent customer screenshot of payment. We believe this to be resolved.

Review: I sent an I Phone and Droid Incredible to this company 4 weeks ago and have still not received payment for the phones. Their website says that once the phones are received, payment should be disbursed within 48 hours. Thank you for your assistance with this matter.Desired Settlement: I would like this company to pay me what is owed.

Business

Response:

Sent new check to customer and also email confirming payment has been sent.

Review: I sent in two ipone 4s telephones to sell to the company. On the website for the company, they acknowlege receiveng tem Oct 31, 2013. They have never sent me payment for the two telephones. I have sent them 3 emails and have tried to call them but have never received a response.Desired Settlement: I would like to be paid the $340 quoted to me for the 2 telephones.

Review: I filed a complaint against cellular distributions strategies aka hello totem. I received a solution that stated they were "re-issuing" me a check when they never issued one for me . My payment was supposed to be sent through [redacted] In the first place. It has been over 3 weeks since they were sending me a check and I still have yet to receive anything. On their website it still states they are processing my order. They have been processing since February 25, 2013. I want my 171 dollars or my [redacted] back. And I want my phone back in the immaculate condition I sent it in. Not broken. I agreed to closing my previous case because they agreed to actually pay attention to my issue. Even tho they have never responded to my emails, live chats and have a phony phone number. I will not close this complaint until I have received either my phone or my payment.Desired Settlement: I would like either them to pay me the 171 dollars like they promised and actually go through with it. Or send me back my[redacted].

Business

Response:

The requote process has caused the payment to be in queue. We will manually push this through and honor the original quote for this customer.

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 didnt need a requote I need my payment to be sent through to my paypal as promised for the 171 dollars . you have has my phone since february 25 and that is unacceptable. this company is trying to steal ny phone and not pay as promised. I will accept when the company actually goes through with giving my money.

Regards,

Review: I used the HelloTotem.com website associated with this company to sell my Mint Condition Apple iPad3 (32GB Wi-Fi only) for a quote of $265 at the time (12/25/2013).

I received an Order #, to track the whole process, below is the history and current status of the order, as listed currently on hellototem.com:

Original Quote Provided 12/25/2013 @ 9:57PM EST

Pre-Paid Shipping Box Sent 12/27/2013 @ 10:56AM EST

Device Received by Totem™ 1/15/2014 @ 5:22PM EST

Requote Sent 1/17/2014 @ 11:07AM EST

The current status is marked as: pending.

I received 3 emails from this company, the first on 1/15/2014 stating that they received my device and were in the process of evaluating it.

The second email (1/17/2014) stated that the price was revised due to "the item/condition did not match what you described in our online questionnaire."

The email included two links, one to accept the new offer, which was $150, or reject it, which would result in them contacting me for arrangement for return shipment.

The last email received was a final reminder that I needed to accept or reject the requote.

I clicked on "I do not accept this offer." within the allotted time, and expected them to reach out to me about returning my item.

There have been no other communications with this company since, I sent an email to [redacted] on 2/11/2014 requesting a status update, and received an automated response, and nothing else. The email contained a link to the HelloTotem.com FAQ/Help page stating that I would be able to submit a ticket if I had any questions.

I submitted two tickets on 3/3/2014 and on 3/14/2014 both requesting status updates, so far neither tickets have been checked or updated with useful information.

There has been zero communication besides what I listed above, and I still have yet to receive my device.Desired Settlement: I would like my Black Apple iPad 3 (32GB WiFi only) in Mint Condition returned to me, along with the power supply and usb-charging cable that was included in my shipment. Otherwise, I would like a new iPad with the same specs or better, or an Apple Gift Certificate for $599

Review: I submitted a cell phone through Totem.com for payment in December 2013. It was received on 12/5/2013 and the website and help pages say payment will be mailed within 2-3 days from the day they receive the phone. This is now February and I have not received a payment and I can not get anyone to answer my many, many emails I have sent them about this matter. I have requested that they just send my phone back if they are not going to pay for it, however still no reply to my emails. There is no phone number on the Totem.com website to call the company either. Cellular Distribution Strategies is listed as the parent company. This has now dragged out for 2 months. I could have sold the phone on Craigslist by now.Desired Settlement: I would like to receive my $50.00 payment they have stated I will be receiving or else I would like my phone sent back to me.

Review: On 10/15/2013 I accepted Totem's offer to me of $170 for my "mint" Apple 4s phone. On 10/17/2013 Totem sent me a prepaid shipping container. I sent said iPhone to Totem. They acknowledged receipt of my iphone on 11/4/2013, referencing same as "Order # [redacted]". In connection with my order I requested that a check for the $170 be mailed to me. Despite Totem's claim that it would promptly pay said amount in receipt of my phone, it has still not paid said amount. I have repeatedly followed up by email to inquire about the reason for the failure of Totem to perform as agreed. I have not received any reply.Desired Settlement: PAYMENT TO ME BY CHECK OF $170 AS AGREED.

Review: I would like to file a complaint against Cellular Distribution Strategies, (a.k.a. HelloTotem, Totem, www.hellototem.com)

On 10/23/2013 I initiated contact with HelloTotem. I’ve included some images. They provided me with an original Quote ‘[redacted]’ and shipped a pre-paid shipping box, which I promptly received and returned the phone, USB cord and USB/AC adapter. This was a lightly used phone that was in a protective case the whole time during use and all aspects and features of the phone worked when sent in. I would claim that the phone was in near mint condition.

Since 11/01/2013, I began emailing the company as to the status of my phone since their website did not show they had received it. Later, I discovered that FedEx showed that Tracking arrived on 11/01/2013.

Since then, I have sent emails and created new tickets (#[redacted]). As of today, 11/18/2013, I have had no response from the company.

Last week is when I discovered on numerous website’s that this companies performance is shady. I feel I too have become a victim of this companies shady business and seek help.

I would like to thank you in advance for all your help, time and consideration in allowing me to file a claim against this fraudulent company.Desired Settlement: Desired payment of promised $110.00 US dollars.

Review: I received a quote from this company online from my iPhone 4 at $125 on October 13, 2013. The company promptly sent me a box and prepaid mailing label to mail my phone in. Based on the tracking information on the website and through Fedex, my phone was delivered to the company on November 4, 2013. According to the information provided on their website, the company takes 2 to 4 business days to review the condition of the phone before sending the payment. However, it has been 10 business days and I still have no updates regarding the payment. On November 13, 2013, I submitted both a complaint ticket to their customer service and an email, but have not heard anything back. I tried to contact them through a phone number I found but it was disconnected. I finally did further research on this company and found multiple complaints on Revdex.com. I hope this issue can be resolved.Desired Settlement: I would like the $125 check I was quoted to be sent to my home address promptly.

Business

Response:

We have emailed customer and awaiting response to reissue new check.

Review: Business solicits used cell phones with promise of quoted amount. I shipped my mint condition [redacted] in packaging provided by HelloTotem on 21 October 2013. It was received by them on 5 November 2013. Despite sending 3 emails (including one to [redacted] as recommended) and submitting 2 "tickets" via their website, I have not yet (as of 28 December 2013) received the $110 I was quoted, nor have they returned my phone as I eventually requested. I also tried the telephone numbers I finally managed to discover and they were either "not available in my region" (?) or out of service. This business seems to be either fraudulent or defunct.Desired Settlement: I would like payment as promised or the return of my phone. HelloTotem's receipt of my phone and quote of reimbursement promised are accessible on their website via my email address for confirmation of this transaction.

Review: This site gave me a quote to buy my used [redacted] in excellent condition for $215. They received my device on 11/4/13 and have not taken any further action to process the phone and provide payment. An inquiry was sent via email and also through a ticket request on their website on 12/3/13 with no response at all.Desired Settlement: The value of my phone has significantly dropped, and I would like the promised quoted price at this time.

Review: I sent out my Iphone to Hellototem.com in the beginning of May 2012. They sent me an letter letting me know that my phone was only worth $10.00. I wrote to them and asked them to please send back my phone because someone else wanted to buy my phone and I needed the money because my father has [redacted]..they never reply in the contract it states that the customer has an option if we don't like the price that they offer we have the right to get our phones back. I keep writing to them and nothing. I have read the review of Revdex.com, and I'm really surprise you guys haven't closed this Website, I just saw that they have another mailing address in California! please do something about this!Desired Settlement: I would like my phone back! please

Business

Response:

We have emailed the customer and issued a new check today Friday, October 4. We believe this matter to be resolved.

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 have written several messages to Totem letting them know that I want my phone back because I do not want them to send me a check of $10 because thats what they told me thats what my phone was worth!...When I sent my phone I was using my phone perfectly fine!.. the only reason why I had to sell my phone was becasue my father illness!..I would like my phone back!... it would not be fair if they were to send me $10 check,if anything they should honor theyre first offer which was $250.00

Regards,

Business

Response:

We stand by our grading system as this customer misquoted the model of her device and during the functional testing it was discovered that the device had water damage. Devices can look in mint condition to the visible eye, however we test for water damage and it was found evident in this device. Per our terms and conditions customer must pay a return fee if device is misquoted and they wish to have their phone returned.

Review: I sent in my [redacted] in mint condition to Hellototem.com on November 11, 2013. They said they received it and in 2-3 days I would receive my check in the mail. I've contacted them several times since then, they have no phone number, and when I receive an email back from them, they say they will look into it and then never get back to me. I've done this whole submit a ticket process to them about 5 times and its the same response. I also looked them up online and MANY other people are being scammed by them as well and have waited years with no check every coming. This site is a scam and should be shut down and not advertised on TV, they are ripping off a lot of people. I'm a college student and was really depending on $100 coming through the mail, every dollar counts, and now I'm upset that not only did I get ripped off, but I'm finding that many others are as well.Desired Settlement: I either want my iphone 4 back or I'd like the $110 that was agreed on in our contract to giving them a mint condition iphone. I have all the evidence of this transaction and also all my emails of trying to contact them. I would also like for other people to know about this scam.

Review: Where to start??? It seems to me that I could have selected almost all of the primary complaint options offered above. Normally, I consult the Revdex.com before doing business with any online establishment. This time, I did not, and I definitely learned my lesson.

Instead of consulting the Revdex.com, I instead assumed the company in question - Hello Totem - www.hellototem.com - was fine because well established, reputable online websites referred me to them. I was looking for a company that would purchase my used iPhone 4S. Hello Totem's website offers a quick and pain free process to send your used cell phones to them, after they provide you with a quote as to how much they are willing to pay you for the phone, IF it is found to be in excellent, working condition. My iPhone 4S, 32GB cell phone was in excellent condition. Hello Totem sends you a mailer, with a prepaid USPS label on it, so all you have to do is drop it in any US Postal Service mail box. The tracking number provided by USPS showed that my cell phone was delivered on November 12th, 2013. That was the last I ever heard anything from them.

Their website offers a BS "tracking" system which shows when a quote was provided by them, when the return mailer was sent by them, and when they received the device. There is a final status on this page, with a checkbox next to it, which says "Payment Sent". This box has not been checked FIVE weeks after they received the device. The current status provided on this page says, "Status information is pending...". There is another link on top of this page which instructs you to send them an email if you have any questions. I filled out that form, submitted my question for a status update, and an automated system replies with a ticket number, and tells you that someone will reply shortly. No one ever replies. You can try to follow up on these tickets, with additional emails, but no one ever replies. To this day, since November 19th, I have two open tickets asking for a status update. No response.

On their Contact Us web page, they provide a customer service telephone number, which has not yet been connected.

My order number is : [redacted] The two open tickets numbers are [redacted] and [redacted]Desired Settlement: I would like to receive the payment that was promised me.

Review: Cellular Distribution Strategies dba HelloTotem.com agreed to purchase my iPhone 4S for a price of $205.00. I mailed the device to the company and they confirmed receipt of the device on 11/8/13. The HelloTotem website indicates that "Typically once we receive the phone, it will take us about 2-4 business days to fully evaluate the device and then your payment will be issued within 48 business hours from there." On 11/20/13, I inquired about payment becuase the website did not show it had been issued. I received a reponse that indicated that payment had been issued on 11/13/13 and to allow time for post office delivery. On 12/2/13, I inquired again becuase I had not received payment. I received a resonse on 12/2/13 that indicated their company policy was not to reissue a check until 3 weeks had elapsed and to contact them on 12/6/13 if I still had not received payment. On 12/9/13, I sent a request to have the check reissued. I followed up on 12/11/13 and 12/13/13 and received no response to any of the requests. On 12/18, I sent another request that included my intent to contact the Revdex.com if a response was not received by the end of business. I received a response to that message apologizing for the delay and stating that the request was assinged to [redacted], who I understand is the company's CFO, and to allow 48-72 hours for response due to high ticket volume. I followed up again on 12/24 and 12/26 and have received no further response. This company has had my iPhone 4S since early November and has failed to issue payment in a timely manner as they advertised. The company has repeatedly ignored my requests to have this issue resolved.Desired Settlement: I would like payment for my phone in the amount of $205 to be delivered to me as soon as possible via overnight delivery.

Business

Response:

This check was sent out Monday January 13. We believe this to be resolved.

Business

Response:

This check was sent out Monday January 13. We believe this 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. I have received the check mentioned in the response and, proivided the check clears with no issues, will consider this complaint resolved.

Regards,

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 have received the check mentioned in the response and, proivided the check clears with no issues, will consider this complaint resolved.

Regards,

Review: I sent my Iphone 4 to Totem for agreed upon offer of $105.00 by check and they received it 11/4/2013, order # [redacted], and their website says payment will be mailed out 48 hours after receiving it. after waiting for two weeks, on 11/22/13, I contacted totem to see what the status of my order was, as the status portal remained unchanged.

They responded the same day saying that a check was issued 11/13/13 and to allow time for delivery.

after three weeks, no check had arrived, so I contacted them again, on 12/3/13 and 12/6/13, to inform them that my payment had not arrived and seeing how we can resolve this.

their help desk says that they will respond within 48 hours. it has now been a week, and I have yet to get a response.

in total, this process has taken over a month to deal with, when they promised a quick turn around.Desired Settlement: I would like to receive payment immediately, as promised by the company.

Review: After getting a quote of $155, I sent my phone to this company. They have had it for a month and have ignored my contacting them and haven't paid me.

On October 23rd, I used the website hellototem to get a quote of $155 to buy my Iphone 4S. They sent me a mailer for the phone to send to their company on October 24th. They acknowledge that they received my phone on November 11th. Their website advertises that in most cases, phones will be inspected and an offer will be made within 48 hours. It is now, December 10th and after more than 5 attempts to resolve this issue and communicate with the company, I still haven't received a value for my phone or a check. I have filed 4 help tickets following the website's procedures. I have received responses on two of them. One said, "I will look into the payment status and update you as soon as I get that information.Thanks for your patience." and the other said, "[redacted], I am sorry that this process has taken so long and understand how displeasing this experience has been for you. I am forwarding on your request to Rob in our payments department who will be able to assist you". November 26th was the date of this last communication. This company has been unresponsive to major issues with their processing and customer service.Desired Settlement: I would like for them to provide the check for $155, which I was quoted. I would like this immediately, as I have waited much longer than their website promises.

Review: I mailed in two iPhone 4s devices and was quoted a price for each. The website advertises payment to Paypal will be processed within 48 hours. I devices were shipped in the Totem provided boxes and received by Totem on December 5, 2013. A requote was sent on December 11, 2013 and I approved the new quote on December 11, 2013. I have not received payment for these mobile devices. I have sent seven or eight requests for status updates and begged someone to contact me via phone to discuss. I have not seen any communication and have not received any phone calls (as of January 22, 2014). I have an Order number from Totem, but no payment.

I would NEVER use this service again. At this point I'm considering my devices STOLEN.Desired Settlement: I am begging for the payment I am owed ($305). Ideally, I'd want an explanation of delay and a formal apology, but I'd settle for receiving the money I am owed.