Cellular Distribution Strategies

Review: I sent my IPhone 4s to Totem for payment. I was quoted $130.00 for the phone and sent it in the pre paid package they sent me. Their web site states that they received the phone on 11-7-13. Since then I have not received any payment or notice that I will be receiving payment. Also all attempt to contact the company through e-mail and phone have not resulted in any contact. I feel they have cheated me by requesting I send them my phone which I did and then keeping it without any payment which they did. It s 3-1-13 so it has been 4 months since they have received my phone and not only have I not received payment but unable to contact anyone for the return of my phone. I would like to know any information on how I can press criminal charges on the company as well thank you.Desired Settlement: I would either like the 130.00 that was quoted to me or at least the return of my device.

Review: Totem Customer Service (HelloTotem)Apr 11 09:46 am (PDT)Hello [redacted],Thank you for your Ticket, I will assign this to [redacted] who is the Head and in-charge of the issue. He will surely get back to you as soon as possible. We appreciate your business and thankful for your patience!.Regards,[redacted]Apr 10 08:47 am (PDT)Date: 4/10/2013 11:47:10 AMFrom: [redacted]@gmail.com ([redacted])Confirmation number [redacted], my phone was in perfect condition and there is no reason for it to be broken. I also have not received the re quote to my email or payment. ($200.00) please advise. Also the number [redacted] is not in service which was given to me.[redacted]Apr 15 (2 days ago)to HelloTotem [redacted], I have not heard from [redacted], please let me know when I will be hearing from someone regarding this matter, thanks. [redacted]9:56 AM (21 hours ago)I would like a response by end of business today[redacted]@gmail.com7:09 AM (22 minutes ago)to HelloTotem I have not received any kind of response and the online phone number is not in service. I believe this is a scam and I will be reporting you to the Revdex.com as of this afternoon if this is not handled.This company has clearly stolen my phone that was in perfect condition. They have no working phone number and should be shut down. I was supposed to receive $200 for my phone and their number is not working and they have stolen it. Please helpDesired Settlement: I would like the $200 for my phone. I have read online that if you get them to send you your phone back, it comes back taken apart and broken. I would just like the money.

Review: I received an on-line quote from HelloTotem of $235 for an iPhone 4s on 1/25/13. I accepted the quote and Totem sent a shipping box. My order was [redacted]. They received my iPhone on 3/6/13. They examined my iPhone and re-quoted to a higher grade of $270. I was informed of this by email and was told payment would be sent by check in 24 hours. Payment has never been received. On 4/3/13 I did a live chat with Totem but the issue was not resolved. On the same day I opened complaint ticket [redacted]. The 4/3/13 reply to this ticket said that it had been assigned to [redacted] (listed elsewhere on the Internet as Totem CFO) and that he would reply very soon. I have added notes to my ticket requesting status and resolution but have received no replies. I have asked for payment or my phone back with no response. All of this is documented both in my files and at Totem.Desired Settlement: Payment by a bank check of the $270 quoted for my iPhone or return of my new, white, iPhone in the new condition that I sent it in.

Review: On the 19th of Oct 2013, Hellototem provided an initial quote of 110.00 for my iPhone 4. On the 21st of Oct a pre paid shipping box was sent and Hellototem received my phone on the 5th of Nov. The site states it takes 48 hours to evaluate the phone and they will verify the quoted price, I emailed and submitted a ticket on the 29th of Nov to check to status. It is now 3 Dec and I have yet to hear from this company, in my email on the 29th I asked for them to either send payment or to return my phone, and once again have not received a response .Desired Settlement: I want them to either pay me the quoted price or return my phone to me.

Review: Company took my iphone over a month ago but has not written a check yet, has not responded to emails or online ticket. Cannot find phone number.Desired Settlement: Either my phone back or my check for the iphone.

Review: Hello Totem claims to "provide a simple, no-risk service that offers fair pricing and an easy process to cash in unwanted devices. Simply put, we have the resources to resell, refurbish and recycle large quantities of outdated, broken mobile devices and we are here to bridge consumers with that demand."After shipping my iPhone 4S to them in exchange for $175 and receiving a tracking number, which I soon found was false and did not work, I have tried numerous times to contact them only to find their e-mail and phone number are also fake.I have never received my $175 check that was promised to me nor have I been able to reach anyone. Many others have not either but their website is still up and operating. We need to take down this fraudulent business now.Desired Settlement: My like new iPhone 4S which I have meticulously taken care of was quoted at a price of $175 on their website when I shipped it. I now do not have my phone nor do I have my $175 check. It's unacceptable their website is still up and running and that they are still scamming others with a fake phone number and e-mail. We need to take Hello Totem down now and issue refunds to those who were duped.Thank you.

Review: Advertised as Totem, the company claims to pay for used smart phones. I sent them written description of my phone, they offer a set amount based on description. Totem sent a mailer for me to send my old smart phone. They sent an email confirming that they have received my phone, and that I can track the progress of my payment. When I attempt to track progress there is no tracking information. I filed a problem ticket with the company and received an automated reply. When I called their customer service number it was not in device. There is no way to get in touch with them and I am not getting replays to my emails.Desired Settlement: I would like the $130.00 offered for my phone or I would like my phone returned.

Review: I sent my iPhone 4s to hellototem almost 2 months ago. I had updates on 11/26 where they sent me a requote for $145. The requote said "accepted" before I could even accept it myself, however I did accept the requote and have yet to receive a payment or any updates of a payment being issued. I have emailed and submitted "tickets" and have received no response.Desired Settlement: I would like the payment of $145.00 that was stated to be issued.

Review: In late October, I sent three Apple devices in two separate orders #[redacted] and #[redacted] to HelloTotem. The first order was agreed upon $170.00 and the second was $520.00, for a total of $690.00, that Hello Totem in SanDiego aka Cellular Distribution Strategies agreed to pay for my devices (1) iPhone 4S and the second order was (1) IPad3 and (1) IPad4. All were in immaculate condition. I received notice on the first order, per their website, that they had received my item on 11/11/2013 and that they would send me a check. The second package was on 11/12/13 and that they would send me a check. Their website still shows that payment has not been sent.

They have not responded to repeated inquiries via email and their phone number has been disconnected.Desired Settlement: I would like to be paid the amount that was agreed upon. I have all supporting documentation. Total for all three items: $690.00

Review: I received a quote from HelloTotem (Cellular Distribution Strategies) to buy my iPhone 4s 32GB for $160 on October 24, 2013. On October 25, I received an email from Totem stating they were sending a prepaid mailer to me to ship them my device. I shipped my phone using the prepaid mailer they provided on October 29. However, after tracking my shipment using the FedEx and USPS shipment numbers, I was notified on November 7 that there was a “Delivery Exception – Damaged, unable to deliver shipment – Please contact merchant for details”. After contacting FedEx and the US Postal Service (both of these carriers handled the package during shipment), I was told that the package would be returned to Totem as damaged and that I would need to contact Totem to obtain a refund. They explained that their shipping contract with Totem would provide Totem with a settlement for any damaged packages. I attempted to contact Totem via the phone number on their website and listed on the Revdex.com website, but the number is disconnected. I submitted a help desk ticket on Totem’s online help desk on November 8 but still have not received a response. I submitted another service ticket on November 25 and have not received a response. To date, according to the tracking feature on their website, they have not processed my phone or sent a check, and the service tickets submitted as instructed on the website have been ignored.Desired Settlement: A check for $160 as promised in my quote.

Business

Response:

Customer will be paid today even though device was lost by fedex - see email below

Review: Totem received my iPhone 4 and iPad Mini on 10/22/14 (per FedEx records) but the website says it received the package on 10/24. That's the first sign that something was wrong. I followed up on the website to see the current status of my devices and it mentioned "It looks like some information you provided was incorrect, a revised quote has been sent to you on 10/28/2013." I never got an email. I checked on their FAQ website and it stated I needed to submit a ticket to request for an answer/help. I had sent one earlier on 10/23/14 to check on the status of delivery of my package to them and never got a response. I just sent another one yesterday, 10/28/13 about not getting a requote email and haven't heard back yet. All these things started to get my worried about a possible fraud so I did some research and there were lots of results on this company being a complete scam - people not receiving payment for months/years, customer service being completely unresponsive, etc.Desired Settlement: I am asking to get my re-quote immediately to find out why the original quote has changed and then get payment ASAP. I would greatly appreciate your assistance on this matter.

Business

Response:

Our database shows this customer had one of the devices requoted and we are waiting to hear back to see if they accept it.

Review: this company is a total scam! they claim if you send in your old phone they will buy it off you. after months of waiting and seeing other peoples endless complaints they will not respond, pay the money of even send my own phone back! Please please please help us, so many people are being wronged from this awful company they must be stopped!Desired Settlement: all I want is my working iphone 5 back or the $175 they promised me

Business

Response:

We have issued a payment for $175 on 11.19.13. Your device had lcd white spots and you should have received a requote email. We will honor the original quote in this case.

Consumer

Response:

Review: No payment and no reply to my requests for customer service.

I sent my old Iphone to Totem with the understanding they would evaluate it and send me a payment. I never received the $20 payment promised. I reached out on their website numerous times to see the status of the payment. At this point, 3 months later, I still haven't received payment, and the Company has failed to respond to my requests for information. At this point, it feels like a complete scam.Desired Settlement: I either want my phone back, or I want the money as promised.

Review: I entered into an agreement with hellototem.com on 9/21/2013 to sell my Apple iPad 2 16GB with WiFi in mint condition for $185 (Totem Order #: [redacted]. The device was received by Totem on 10/28/2013 (FedEx tracking ID: [redacted]). It is now December 12th, 2013 and I have yet to receive my check even though I have sent multiple e-mails to the company including two to CEO [redacted]. I have also submitted 'help tickets' only to get no response. I have called only to hear that the number has yet to be connected. [redacted]'s website claims a check should be sent within a week of his company receiving the device...clearly that is a lie. The least they could do is respond to an e-mail or connect a customer service line.

I fear that there are many other customers being swindled by this company. [redacted] and his non-performers must follow through on their end of the agreement or they MUST be shut down.Desired Settlement: My demand is that my device either be returned to my original shipping address or [redacted] overnights my check for $185. If neither of these steps are taken I will have to take additional action and see that this company is closed for good.

Review: I sent in my iPhone 4S on 4/2/13. Company agreed to pay me $205. No payment has been received after numerous email and phone queries.Desired Settlement: Send $205. They have my phone,

Business

Response:

We have reissued the check to Mr [redacted] on 9/20/13 and followed up with an email.

Consumer

Response:

The company has issued payment for my iPhone and the matter is settled.

Regards,

Review: I was quoted $165 for my used iPhone 4 16GB on 3/10/2013. They sent a return-paid package, which I used to send them the phone. Their web site indicates that the phone was received on 3/21/2013. Their FAQ indicates 2-3 business days to assess the phone and send payment. At the time of this complaint, they have had my phone for slightly more than a month.I have inquired via email, chat, and web form - all with no reply.Desired Settlement: Option 1: Send original payment promptly.Option 2: If there is a problem with the phone, offer revised quote and prompt payment upon acceptance.Option 3: Promptly return the phone to me at company's expense.

Business

Response:

We have reached out to Mr [redacted] and payment is being issued 5/29/13.

Review: Sent phone which was received by HelloTotem on 10/16/13. On 10/23/13 requite sent to me indicating that phone is now broken. I requested to return phone, or contact me and verify serial# is my phone (as it was working just prior to sending it to them), and no response. After sending phone to HelloTotem, I realized that phone number for company was non-functional, and contact responses submitted on website going back to 9/25/13 have never been answered. I called [redacted] and reported that phone may be stolen and could they prohibit phone being used on their system until I could verify if HelloTotem was legitimate company. I have also left numerous messages on phone number listed on HelloTotem's blog [redacted]) and have not received a response.Desired Settlement: Looking for my phone to be returned as requested in condition that it was sent, or to resolve issue of broken condition and paid correctly

Review: I sold my iPhone 4s to Totem (Cellular Distribution Strategies) for $165.00 on 10/21/2013 and the phone was received by them on 11/8/2013. On 11/22/2013 I inquired about the payment and was told that it was sent on 11/13/2013 but I have yet to receive the payment. I have sent three other inquiries on 12/3/2013, 12/11/2013, and 12/12/2013 but have received no response.Desired Settlement: I would like to get my check for $165.00 or my phone overnight-ed to me for delivery tomorrow.

Review: On Oct 10, 2013 I mailed two [redacted] 16GB phones in excellent condition to Hello Totem also known as- (Cellular Distribution Strategies LLC) in a mailer provided to me by their company. They gave me an online quote of $450 for my two phones and sent the mailers on the same day. HelloTotem said that they received my items on 10/28/2013 as stated on their tracking page and said that they sent me a requote on Oct 30. However, I have never received an email with a requote and I have contacted them a minimum of 8-10 times since Oct. to get my payment or to have my phones mailed back to me. I cannot accept the requote if they will not reply to my email or resend the quote. Their policies state that I have 90 days to file a claim. All of my e mails go to an auto-reply email. I cannot get a response. There is no phone number listed. I assume they are waiting for the 90 day period to expire to ignore my claims.Desired Settlement: 1. Send the $450 originally promised in the quote for my (2) -[redacted] 16GB2. Return my original 2 phones at their shipping expense.

Review: I contacted this company, through their website [redacted], on 10/13/2013 and received a quote in regards to my sending them two [redacted] 4 cell phones in exchange for payment. The following day they sent me a shipping box, which I received shortly thereafter; in turn, I sent them my two iphones. The company received my phones on 11/4/2013, and on that same day they were evaluated by the company and I was offered a revised quote of $150. I accepted that revised quote on 11/5/2013. The company's website states that they will send payment within 48 hours. However, after one month, I had still not received my quoted payment, so I attempted to contact the company through email 4 times through December 2013, but never received a response. I also opened a ticket through their customer support section and received no response. The customer support phone number for this company is disconnected. On the "Track Your Phone" section of their website, the payment is still not marked as being sent, and my order status has said "Pending..." since early November. It has now been over 2 months since my phones were received, evaluated, and I accepted the revised quote, but I have not been paid and have received no response from the company.Desired Settlement: I request that the agreed upon compensation of $150 be issued to me through check or [redacted], as lay out in my original agreement with this company, since I have completed my end of the agreement.