Cellular Distribution Strategies

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: I received a quote on two iPhones. The company sent me a mailer and I sent them the phones. The company said that one of the phones was not in the condition that I had said; I decided to go ahead and accept the lower amount they requoted. That was on March 28, 2013. It has been over two months, and I have not received any money from the company. I have sent numerous emails and talked to customer service via live chat. The phone number is not working.Desired Settlement: I am simply asking for the requoted amount.

Business

Response:

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

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 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: I sent my perfect iphone 4s to Hello Totem mid November 2013 - they received it 11/26/13 - I was supposed to receive payment within a few weeks. I have submitted multiple emails requesting status of payment and received no responses whatsoever. It is now 2/26/14 - 3 months later, and no emails, no status update, no return of phone - nothing!Desired Settlement: Payment of $175 via my paypal [redacted]

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 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: I sent to Totem cell my iphone 3s on 8/5/2013 for the quoted price of $140. I was given a tracking number, they usual process but never a email telling me the payment was sent. I even was told my phone was broken even though I change cell phone only b/c of a pending upgrade. I put in over 5 tickets, countless emails to them, it keep telling me my ticket is being looked at by they support group. I even accepted the requote price just to end this process even though they advertising even on they site said payment sent out within a week. I believe this company is a scam , I am very surprise from reading all the complaints that you haven't did a class action lawsuit on behalf of many many consumers. I work here in corporate law , I am angry at myself from not doing my usual due diligence on this company. I strongly believe this company is a scam , a fraud on all levels including false advertising. I am also looking into contacting the attorney general in California for this issue more on principal . Thank youDesired Settlement: To be sent either half or full payment ASAP , for you all to protect the consumers...

Business

Response:

New check has been sent and also emailed customer confirming payment has been sent.

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,

Good Morning

I do thank you Revdex.com of San Diego for your quick action regarding my matter. Can you please pass a message to them to email me at [redacted] to confirm the check was sent, also for what amount? They website is showing nothing was sent, I gave them a month ago my updated email info.............................They claim my phone was broke I say no so how much was the payment. But as of right now I accept the business response . Thank you?

Business

Response:

We have emailed the customer explaining that we have sent a payment which we believe is fair for the phone condition we received. We believe this complaint to now be closed and resolved.

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 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 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 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: Back in October, I sent my [redacted] to the company and received a quoted amount of $180. I accepted the quoted price on November 5th and have yet to receive payment for the phone. I have submitted a ticket on the company's website multiple times, requesting information regarding the payment and have not received a reply.Desired Settlement: I would like either payment from the company or my IPhone back.

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.

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 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.