Cellular Distribution Strategies

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: This company accepts used cell phones and smartphones and promises payment within 48 hours either by means of paypal or check. I sent in my phone and I received an email from the company on November 7, 2013, that the company received my cell phone. It is today the 11th of December and no payment either by [redacted] nor by check has been received. I have attempted to call the phone number which they have to find out that it is not in service. I have emailed the company 2 to 3 times, using their email system, and I have only received automated responses. The company does not stand by what they advertise.Desired Settlement: I wish that the company would return my cell phone, an iPhone 4, with the charging cord that I sent along with it, and I will sell it myself. I refuse to pay for shipping fees, since they do not honor their own advertised terms of what they say they do.

Review: On July 15, 2012, Cellular Distribution Strategies under the name "HelloTotem" sent me an email thanking me for deciding to cash in my Apple iPhone 3GS 32 GB ([redacted] with Totem and to prepare for an extra $20.79 in my pocket.I was instructed to place the device in a postage-paid mailer with [redacted] tracking number [redacted].On August 28, 2012 I was told to breakout the bubbly it's pay day! It said my check for $10.79 was in the mail.The problem is that I never received any money for my cellphone. Not the $20.79 quoted or the reduced amount of $10.79 which never had a reason for the reduction in amount. Multiple calls to [redacted] and emails to [redacted] were never answered or returned.THIS HAS BEEN A TOTAL AND COMPLETE RIPOFF!Desired Settlement: I want my check for $20.79 or the return of my old Apple iPhone.

Business

Response:

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

Review: I sent my cell phone device to this business around 10/4/12 after receiving a quote via email on 9/23/12 and the pre-addressed packaging for my phone arrived via [redacted]. After sending my device, I attempted contacting them via the "chat" feature on their site multiple times because I had received no check payment even though the "tracking status" on the site indicated a payment had been sent. The [redacted] tracking number indicated it was received by their facility on 10/19/12 and this was confirmed on the track feature, which also provided it had passed inspection for the quoted amount and a check had been sent. I sent an email to "[redacted]" as directed on their website on 11/30/12, after reading their "help" information on how to handle "lost" payments. I begun getting concerned after reading similar complaints on both [redacted] and [redacted] social media web sites (which have since disallowed customer comments).There is limited contact information on the site, beyond a chat feature and comment form. There is no phone number available to contact the business concerning complaints. I have received no response from Totem regarding beyond general automated web responses. I am getting concerned any personal data recoverable from my device may be in jeopardy.Desired Settlement: I would like the business to check if a check was sent on 10/23/13 as indicated on the tracking information. I desire a check be sent to my address for the full quote amount, with no deduction for shipping or stop payment fee - considering the tremendous lack of customer service and wait that I have had to withstand.

Business

Response:

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

Review: I attempted to trade in my iPhone 4s for cash to [redacted]. On October 17, 2013 I received a quote for $165 from the company for my phone. A box with a pre-paid label was sent and I on October 21, 2013. I used the box and sent my phone to the company, which was marked as received by them on November 7, 2013. To this day (more than 4 months later) I have not received payment for my device. I have sent more than 10 emails and "help tickets" to the company with absolutely no response.Desired Settlement: I would like my device returned or the cash payment that was quoted to me for $165.00.

Review: Sent in old iPhone 4s 16gb they approved to buy it for $60.00 or more. Order #[redacted]. Sent in on November 9, 2013 they confirmed receipt of phone on November 14, 2013. I have sent 3 emails requesting a update on when my payment would be sent. To date I have not received a response from the companyDesired Settlement: I would like payment for the phone I had sent in for payment.

Review: The HelloTotem website advertises the entire process to take 10 days. In October, I received my quote for the HelloTotem service and signed up to send them my phone. Less than a week later, the box to mail the phone arrived. No delay there! But somehow, it took a month and a half for the phone to make its way to the company and be evaluated. When they did acknowledge receiving it, they changed my quote from the original $110 to $10, saying the phone was broken (which it was not). I rejected the quote. This was in late November, yet I am still waiting to hear about their plans for returning their phone to me. I have submitted several tickets and e-mailed several customer service representatives. I got one response in December, saying the phone was being processed, but never heard back again. I have e-mailed or submitted a web ticket at least once a month since with no response.Desired Settlement: I want the phone I sent in October to be sent back to me. As I imagine it has already been stripped and sold for parts, I would take the original amount, $110, that was offered to me.

Review: Cellular Distribution Strategies aka HelloTotem.com agreed to purchase 2 iPhone 4 phones for a total price of $215.00. I mailed the devices to the company and they confirmed receipt of the device on 11/12/13. 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 12/02/13, I inquired about payment because the website did not show it had been issued. I have never received a response from that inquiry. On 12/12/13, I inquired again because I had not received a response to the first inquiry or payment. 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 $215 to be delivered to me as soon as possible via overnight delivery.

Review: According to Cellular Distribution Strategies' website, HelloTotem received my iPhone 4 16GB (with cracks on screen) on 10/15/2013 @ 2:51PM EST. The website (http://www.hellototem.com/how-it-works) states that payment will be processed within 48 hours. Using my email address ([redacted]) in the Tracking Section of their website, the company shows that payment was not processed within 48 hours. I reached out to the company provided email address ([email protected]) on 11/13/2013, but have not received a response besides an automatic email; I also opened a ticket under #[redacted], but have not received a response on this either. I have been unsuccessfully in contacting the company by telephone. The company's linked Facebook and Twitter accounts appear defunct.Desired Settlement: The agreed upon $40.00 check mailed to my attention for the iPhone 4 16GB in the company's possession.

Business

Response:

This check has been reissued today. Original went to another [redacted] in the database. We believe this to be resolved.

Review: The alleged company has not fulfilled the contract that was agreed upon initially. The company quotes used cellular phones and then pays out a check to the individual for appraised value of the phone. To do this, the individual sends the phone to Totem to be appraised, which I did after Totem provided me a quote of $125 on 10/13/13. Then Totem sent a shipping box on 10/14/13 to my address. I then sent the phone back which was received by Totem on 11/14/13. Since then (as of this writing almost two full months have passed) the status of my order has been stalled at "Pending". I've opened two tickets with Totem's help desk team to try and resolve my issue or at least have some questions answered. All I get are automated responses that my questions will be answered shortly. The listed contact number for the company ([redacted] has been disconnected. Any and all attempts to contact Totem fall on deaf ears. I would simply like remittance for my cellular phone that I sent to them or my cellular phone returned to me.Desired Settlement: Payment in form of check as I requested for the amount of $125.00 that was quoted to me at the start of the process with Totem.

Review: This company advertises that they purchase used cell phones. I went to their website and after reading their reviews I filled out the form for getting a prepaid mailer to send in my phone.

I received that in 3 days. I sent my phone in, and received an email that they received my item and were processing my order and that a payment would be mailed within 2-4 days.

They received my item on 11/12/13.

I have sent 11 emails asking for my status. Their website still shows that they are evaluating my item. I have both asked for my item to be returned, and/or asked for them to at least contact me with a reply.

They do not respond, and their phones do not answer.

I feel that I have been scammed, and I am afraid that I will not get my item back, or my promised check for $95Desired Settlement: I was promised a check for $95.00 for my device. I would like that check or my item returned to my, in the same condition that it was sent in as.

Review: I sent my iPhone in to the business in July, and they promised me $150. It is now almost December and I can't reach them by email and have no money.

I sent my iPhone in on July 11th of 2013 to the business. I had done a transaction with them before with a prior iPhone, and the turnaround time was very quick- it only took a month. I have now waited over 4 months, and cannot get a phone number or a working email for this company to contact them regarding my issue.Desired Settlement: I would just like the $150 that I was promised. If the company cannot honor that request, then I would like my iPhone back.

Review: [redacted] offered to buy my iPhone 4s for $205. They sent me a prepaid mailing box. I sent off my iPhone 3 weeks ago and never heard from them. I e mailed twice but no responseDesired Settlement: I would like the promised check for $205

Business

Response:

Contacted customer and received response back that check is fine when asked if they preferred Paypal to expedite payment. We believe this complaint 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 is satisfactory. I received the check as promised.

Regards,

Review: September 2013 I requested a quote for a trade in for my iphone 4S. I received a quote of $210 and was sent the mailer and tracking info for my phone and was told I have 30 days. Before the 30 days was up on October 22nd, I sent my phone and through tracking I saw they received it. Have not heard anything, so I went to the site and reviewed my order. It said that a requote was sent and they are waiting. I never received a requote and I emailed them for help, and was told to submit a help ticket. Nov 14, 2013 I submitted a ticket and said "I have not received my requote email and I would like information regarding my order." So far it is still "waiting assignment to a support agent." SInce I didn't receive any help, I submitted another one Nov 19th, 2013, stating "I submitted a ticket about my order and I still have not heard back. I need someone to contact me so I can either get my payment or my phone back." I received an email and a note on my ticket from customer service saying, "I will look into the status of payment and get back to you by the end of Wednesday. Thank you for your patience." Then nothing. Nov 21st, I asked if there was any word on payment and no response. By Nov 27th, I'm upset and I emailed and posted to both my tickets the following,

"I still have no received any information, any help. I have been patient but

I have now been waiting a full month just to have someone contact me just

to say that are contacting me! I have submitted two tickets for help, one

just to say that I need help with the other ticket- which DOES NOT HAVE AN

ASSIGNED AGENT YET!!!!! I need someone to contact me TODAY regarding my

phone and if there is a problem with my phone and I am not getting the

original quote of $210, then I either want to be able to get my requote or

I want my phone back if you are not available to send me the requote, which

I have never received and no one contacted me about in the first place. I

put a lot of trust in sending a very expensive piece of equipment to a site

that I have never used because a news source said you were reliable but if

I have report you to the Revdex.com and report you to the police for stealing,

then I will. This is completely unacceptable and terrible customer service."

Still no response.Desired Settlement: I would either like my check or my phone.

Review: Cellular Distribution Strategies d.b.a HelloTotem purports itself as an agency that will purchase from you, your used smart phone or similar electronic device. I initialized an account with HelloTotem and, using their provided mailer, mailed my AT&T 16GB iPhone 4 with charging cable to HelloTotem. HelloTotem's website confirms their receipt of my device, but per their website, no further action has occurred - specifically the confirmation of the quality evaluation of my device and subsequent compensation for my device. I have attempted to contact HelloTotem directly via their phone, which does not work, as well as via their online service portal. As far as I can tell, from their website tracking capabilities located within the HelloTotem website's 'Help' section, HelloTotem has received but has not responded to my online requests for additional information and confirmation of the intent on the part of HelloTotem to complete the services they advertised, and to which they agreed to perform.Desired Settlement: I request HelloTotem provide me the $125 refund check I was estimated to receive.

Business

Response:

We believe this has crossed in the mail as customer was emailed with notification that payment has been sent. 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 find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.

After filing my complaint with the Revdex.com, the business contacted me directly to let me know they were processing my submission and had mailed a check to me. I received and deposited the check, and it has cleared my bank account.

At the request of the business upon the satisfactory resolution of my complaint, which we have achieved, I respectfully request the retraction of my complaint. Though my exchange with the business was not without issue, they have upheld their end of our outset agreement.

Regards,

Review: As promised and quoted from HelloTotem that I would recieve funds for my Iphone 4 in the amount of $105.00. Order # [redacted] and the phone was recieved by this company on 11/7. As of today 12/1, the status is still pending. I have sent two email two inquire the status of my funds, but I have not recieved any notifications or updates. Per the companies website this process to evaluate the phone normally takes 2 to 4 business days.Desired Settlement: Either return my phone in the same condition as sent or process my funds.

Review: My name is [redacted] I sold Hellototem my brand new Apple I pad2 mini through mail. I was promised quick payment of $175 for my device.I never received my payment. All company phone number are disconnected. I feel like I been robbed and cheated by this company. Please investigate this company.All the phone number on website are disconnected.Desired Settlement: I would like Hellototem payme the ageed price or send my Apple Ipad 2back to me.

Review: The company received my 32GB iPhone 4 on 11/04/2013 as per their email. It was inspected and I was offered $130 for the phone which I accepted (order # [redacted]). By 12/27/2013 I had still not received a check so I opened a ticket online #[redacted] inquiring about the status of the check. On 12/30/13 I received the following response :

"[redacted],

Payment was issued 11/12/13 and mailed to the address you provided. I am forwarding this ticket on to [redacted] in our payments department in order to re-issue that payment.

Unfortunately we have experienced some technical issues with our website where customers are unable to see their status updates. I apologize for the confusion/frustration this may cause."

On 1/14/14, two weeks later I still had not received payment so I emailed them again, this time with no response. On 1/30/14 I emailed them again with my address, even though they sent me a mailer for the phone earlier so I know they have the correct address, and I opened yet another ticket. Again, no response. I do not want to have to notify the internet fraud dept or the Sandiego police so I'm trying the [redacted] first.Desired Settlement: I would like the check sent priority mail in the agreed amount of $130 by the end of this week. If I cannot get this resolved in a VERY timely manner, I will be forced to report them for internet fraud and contact local and state authorities in CA in order to get this resolved.

Review: I sent my iPhone 4S into Totem through their pre-paid box Order #[redacted]. They show on their website and through tracking information that they received my phone on 11/5/2013 @ 4:08PM EST. I am still waiting for a the $180.00 check they said they were going to mail. I have contacted them over 15 times over 2 months via email and all of the times they are unresponsive. They have no phone contact. I have since found out that this is common practice for this company, and just want my payment for my phone. I consider this mail fraud.Desired Settlement: I want Totem to send my $180.00 check for my iPhone with a full tracking number, so I can track the check. I can not take Totem's word for it. It is not right to steal someones phone. If I do not get this issue resolved through the Revdex.com I will be going to the Attorney General of both Delaware and California.

Review: I sent my fully functioning iPhone 4 in very good condition to HelloTotem on October 21 after receiving a mailing box from them with the expectation of receiving $75 in return per their web site. On November 8th I was contacted advising that the phone was broken with a substituted offer of $10. I declined the offer and I have not yet received my phone back.

They do not repsond to emails. There is no phone number to call. I opened a ticket on their web site but have heard nothing and their is no status update on ticket.Desired Settlement: Since the phone was NOT broken, send my a check for the phone for $70 per the original terms or send me back the phone.

Business

Response:

Emailed customer as they quoted the device as good, however during testing procedures it was discovered the front camera doesn't open. We have offered one last offer because parts and labor will now have to go into the phone.

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,