H Power Computing, Inc.

Review: I brought my computer in to get the assembly checked and the owner told me there was a short-cicuit and to return the purchased parts.

On April 28, 2014, I initially brought my computer in because my monitor wasn't being recognized by my computer. An associate tested it and told me that it would work fine, but one of the ports may have been bad, so try the other one and make sure the connection was secure. Then, he tried to sell me an upgrade to a solid-state drive for ~$500 as well labor charges totaling ~$675. I left my computer there and when I got home, I told my uncle the situation and he told me I should cancel the order because the SSD was a rip-off and I could get it much cheaper online. So I called to try to cancel the order, but the owner told me that his employee had already started to work on it and to call back in a couple hours to see what he could do for me. When I called back, he told me that all the work was done and to come and pick up my computer. I was also charged a "rush fee" because he had installed the SSD that very day. When I started using the computer, I discovered that all of my USB ports were malfunctioning whenever I plugged in any USB device. I called again and the owner told me that he did not assume any responsibility for the computer once it left his store because when it was tested in the store, everything was working fine. He also told me that eventually I would have to purchase a new computer.

So, I explored on [redacted] website and ended up buying a new motherboard with a compatible processor, as well as brand new external USB 3.0 ports. I also learned that I could've bought the exact same SSD from [redacted] for less than $100, including shipping.

When, I brought it in the first time to ask if he could assemble it for me, the owner was about to charge me $250 + tax upfront to do a complete assembly. He also explained that warranty for the parts were not guaranteed and I would have to deal with [redacted] myself if something went wrong. So I took it home and installed it myself and brought it back to have him do a quality-assurance check of the assembly and make sure it would power on and function correctly. He gave me assurance that he could do exactly that for half the fee, ~$100.

It turns out that the next day, he calls me back and tells me bad news, that he realized there was a short-circuit when one of his employees booted it up. But he told me that I could pick it up regardless because I had already paid him for the service. When I got there, his associate was trying to explain something about metals touching each other and when I spoke to the owner, he told me that I should return the motherboard and the parts back to [redacted] because since he realized there was a short circuit, even the motherboard might be rendered useless. He did not offer me a refund for the any of the "labor" or service charges.Desired Settlement: Resolution:

I am seeking either a full refund of all labor and service charges as well as replacement of any and all damaged parts. I am very upset with my experience with H Power Computing, and would also like to ensure that such a lousy experience does not occur to future customers. I would like to inform the public about the shoddy workmanship of some of the employees at H Power and point out the gross negligence on the owner's behalf. I also did not appreciate how the owner shifted blame on me in almost every instance and assumed that I would be able to fix the problems independently. I am disappointed with the company's lack of warranty and the misleading advice I received from H Power over the phone.

Business

Response:

Initial Business Response /* (1000, 20, 2014/07/07) */

[redacted] claim is baseless and without merit. When he came to pick up his computer we advised him what was wrong with his machine in which he assembled himself. At that time he was agreeable and had no issues with the recommendations and service we provided. After, Mr. [redacted] came back 2 more times for additional advice and he never gave any indication that he was disappointed with our service. We had a cordial conversation and he seemed satisfied with no complaints. His behavior of posting an illegal notice on my door stating that Revdex.com was foreclosing my business has damaged my reputation and has prevented potential future business. Not only was I affected but the reputation of Revdex.com has been abused as well. His erratic and unacceptable behavior has made it impossible for me to be able to mediate or offer compensation. Therefore there will be no negotiations on our part.

Initial Consumer Rebuttal /* (2000, 22, 2014/07/08) */

(The consumer indicated he/she ACCEPTED the response from the business.)

[redacted], you had this coming to you the day you gloated and expressed to me that your business was one of the few surviving computer repair businesses on the island. It's too bad your reputation has been hurt by my posts and overall experience with you. Honestly, the way your company handles its warranty and refund policy, a company like yours should go out of business.

Although it's too late to do anything about it now, I'll bet we both regret that you never offered me a refund or implemented a service warranty even before you 'shorted' my cherished computer.