Smart Home Systems Inc.

Review: I was only refunded $5,501.17 for the purchase of five Monitor Audio speakers totaling $5,594.17. I am still owed $93.00, which had not been refunded.

I ordered and purchased (5) Monitor Audio speakers (GX300: 1 pair, GX350C: 1 unit, GXFX: 1 pair) from [redacted] (Smart Home Systems) in Modesto, California in the amount of $5,594.17; per cashier's check number 1785795 from Educational Employees Credit Union that was mailed to him on 02/07/13.

The speakers were drop shipped from the distributor's [redacted] - [redacted] USA distributor) warehouse in [redacted] directly to my residence on 02/27/13. Upon inspection, the speakers were found to be flawed and/or damaged. I emailed detailed pictures along with describing of all issues. Initially, I was informed that all of the speakers were going to be replaced with brand new ones. After several months of going back and forth with no replacement date in sight, [redacted] informed me that the speakers were no longer going to be replaced as originally agreed upon. On 03/26/13 (nearly a month later from the date that [redacted] was notified that the speakers were damaged and/or flawed), [redacted] proceeded to tell me that my only two options were to either let him fix the damaged/flawed speakers, or that I could alternatively choose to receive a refund. I selected the full refund option, as I did not want what was supposed to be brand new, "A" stock, and high end speakers to be "fixed". It was agreed upon and communicated to me via email that a refund would be issued.

One of the issues that severely perturbed me is that I was personally required to re-package all of the speakers, load them up into my car, and drive 260 miles roundtrip to and from Modesto to drop off the speakers at [redacted]'s residence as a condition for the refund. Please keep in mind that I could not legally be required to do so, because the speakers were drop shipped directly to me, and as such, they should have been picked up from the same location. This entire task took around eight (8) hours from my time, which I did not charge for. I personally dropped off all of the aforementioned speakers to [redacted]'s possession on 04/03/13. Upon the return, he mentioned that he did not have the funds to issue me the refund, and that he would have to wait for the distributor to refund the funds to him first, in order for him to issue me the refund. I was hesitant at first, because this business practice is unheard of. As an example, if a TV is purchased from [redacted] and upon inspection it is found to be defective/flawed, the unit can be taken back to [redacted] for a refund or replacement; but they will never tell you that a refund cannot be issued at the time of return, because they first need to obtain the funds from the distributor and/or manufacturer.

Almost yet another month later, I received a check from [redacted] as a partial refund in the amount of $5,501.17, per check number [redacted] thus leaving a balance of $93.00. [redacted] informed me that $93.00 was deducted for postage, bank fees, and labor to text message and email me. These charges are bogus and fraudulent, as those are normal operating costs of doing business. I was dumbfounded, as to why I was being scammed; especially after being so nice and polite to [redacted] all along, and being understanding of issues and unreasonable time frames that other consumers would not be. I even sent him a referral that lead to the sale of three high end speakers, assisted him with ironing out issues with his email address and website not being displayed correctly on the manufacturer's website, etc...Desired Settlement: THE TEXT BELOW IS CONTINUED FROM ABOVE, DUE TO A LACK OF SPACE; ALONG WITH THE DESCRIBED SETTLEMENT THAT I AM SEEKING.

Furthermore, I did not charge or collect interest on the $5,594.17 cents that I sent to [redacted] on 02/07/13, as the aforementioned partial refund was only received on 04/27/13. As previously mentioned, I also did not charge for my time (8 hours) and expense for gasoline to deliver the speakers to [redacted]'s residence, when they should have been picked up at the same location that they were drop shipped to. Furthermore, I did not charge for any of my time to email, text message, and call [redacted] for all of my attempts to resolve this matter amicably. Lastly, I also incurred fees for postage and delivery, notarization, time to send emails and text messages, etc... I am of course not being reimbursed for the aforementioned either.

On 04/30/13, I received a voice mail from [redacted] and I proceeded to call him right back. During this telephone conversation, I was cursed and yelled at, called derogatory names, disrespected, and threatened of bodily harm. The phone call was recorded by chance. For our protection, the appropriate parties have been made aware of this telephone conversation; along with this ongoing situation with all parties involved. [redacted] requested that I send him a notarized letter in order for him to issue the remaining portion of the refund. I sent the notarized and signed letter to him on May 7th, and know that he received it at the latest on the 10th. He also received a non-notarized copy via email on the day that it was mailed. I requested on the letter that it was reasonable for me to receive the supplemental check to conclude this matter and corresponding to the full refund amount no later than May 17th; which I have not received.

I am requesting the assistance from the Revdex.com to receive the remaining $93.00 refund that is rightfully owed to me. I have all of the supporting documentation to substantiate my claim. Thank you in advance for your assistance with this matter.

Business

Response:

Consumer's Final Response

Hello folks, I have NOT heard from the company. However, I recently received a supplemental personal check from them for the remaining refund that I was seeking. The check was cashed, but I am waiting for the bank to verify the funds, as it was a personal check. Thank you.