Ectaco Inc.

Review: About two months ago, I purchased translating dictionary software sold to be used on an Android ([redacted]) tablet. The software was delivered by email attachment with instructions for installation that were incomprehensible. I immediately asked for a refund and was informed that the website had announced clearly that there was no possibility of refund. I did not assume this meant that an unusable product would not be refunded. I have contested the charge with [redacted]). Normally software to be used on an Android tablet must be purchased online and installed by clicking a button on the screen, something I did not realize at the time. I have also been in contact with [redacted] tech support and they corroborated my understanding of the installation method. They said they sympathized with my plight. After an email exchange with an Ectaco employee, the employee sent me comprehensible instructions for installation: that was today, after two months of wrangling. I ran it by [redacted] and the warned that that method of installation could harm the tablet. Part of the Ectaco instruction said to go to the tablet's "Security" setting and check "Unknown sources". Then, this warning pops up: "Your device and personal data are more vulnerable to attack by applications from unknown sources. You agree that you are solely responsible for any damage to your device or loss of data that may result from using these applications." This was thus the second warning--not confidence-inspiring. Needless to say, I do not want to risk ruining my device and therefore will not install the software.Desired Settlement: A clean refund of the purchase price of $65. I pledge not to attempt any installation of the software and will delete the software if I receive satisfaction.

Consumer

Response:

At this time, my complaint, ID [redacted] regarding Ectaco Inc. has been resolved.

Sincerely,

Review: In mid-October I called Ectaco to ask: if I purchase one of their items and I do not like it, for any reason, can it be returned. The answer (I do not know the name of the individual) said yes. I would only have to pay for shipping.

On Oct ** I opened the item and decided it was not what I wanted. I called Ectaco to ask for a Return Merchandise Authorization. The person who answered the phone was incredibly rude, tried to convince me to keep the item and explained it was quite simple. When I became frustrated because he was not listening to me, he hung up on me. I called back multiple time, he answered the phone again. He said I had to make the request through the Internet, that there would be a 6.5% restocking fee (not mentioned previously) and hung up on me a second time.

I went to the site, filled out the form and have not heard back from them despite their claim to return requests within 48 hours.

On 10/** I sent another email form asking for follow up.

On 10/** I left a voicemail asking for follow up.Desired Settlement: I wish to return the item for the full amount for which it was paid with no restocking fee as promised on the phone. I am happy to pay for shipping.

Consumer

Response:

At this time, I have not been contacted by Ectaco Inc. regarding complaint ID [redacted].Sincerely,

Review: This preliminary complaint details false advertisement and theft by deception perpetrated by Ectaco.com. I purchased the Ectaco Partner Lux in April 2013. This device promises real time language translation and language learning of the purchased desired language, in my case Thai. After 45 days of struggling with this unstable Ectaco software platform which would constantly crash and disable most learning applications and all internet functions. I asked Ectaco to assist me with fixing this product. After experiencing Ectaco very rarely answers their phone system, and prefers to hide by email, I was lucky enough to have them send me a link to reinstall their operating software and purchased language. These links did not correct the issues. Even when performing factory default initialization this would not fix the disabilities inherent with this device. And after performing this software reset my purchased language was factory defaulted to Spanish. Que pasa? Other problems of false claims are “real time” translation which only works if you use Google’s free non-proprietary software that has no relation to Ectaco’s technology claim. And this particular application can only be used with internet access. I can only imagine which other application are not theirs which they allude to as well. Can you imagine having these issues where there will never be internet access ever or customer service? This system needs to always factory reset to the purchased language for future issue, it does not. And not only is Ectaco’s learning language program archaic and has an illogical and random teaching structure it teaches incorrectly. Ectaco has not correctly researched the Thai language as they only sponsored the feminine mechanics of that language. This machine was made for a woman’s interaction. Incorrect teachings from a company that teaches incorrectly! I now have absolutely no faith in this false, over-hyped and embellished product. Neither does Ectaco since they only offer 7 day money “guarantee”. In June, I did returned my Partner Lux back to Ectaco and they refused my refund and sent me back a device that still does not work correctly and the panel with the fake cosmetic screws is falling off. I have email correspondences between Ectaco and myself if you should need them. I look forward in furthering your growing consumer based investigation of Ectaco.Fraud,Desired Settlement: Refund all funds and s/h fees total $410

I ordered a product on the ECTACO website and got a "Bait and Switch". After they charged my credit card, They informed me that the product "SpeechGuard TLX " is no longer manufactured (but it is still advertised as a deal on their website). I was talked into a different product which I tried and found it to be garbage. I requested an RMA and the sales rep got extremely belligerent and insulting and tried to bully me into keeping the garbage product. I had to repeatedly argue for the RMA number. Do not buy from this company. There products and service are horrible.

Review: August 2015 my organization purchased a microSD card to convert our SpeechGuard TLX x5 languare translator to Spanish to English translation. I received help to install the card but I never received the product key to activate the new programs on the card. I have repeatedly called and e-mailed asking for the product key. I have not received any response to my requests.Desired Settlement: I am asking that Ectaco send me the product key for the microSD card I purchased so my translator unit will operate properly

Consumer

Response:

At this time, I have not been contacted by Ectaco Internationa, Inc., regarding complaint ID [redacted].Sincerely,[redacted]