ThingCHARGER Inc.

Revdex.com:At this time, I have not been contacted by thingCHARGER Inc. regarding complaint ID [redacted].Sincerely,[redacted]

thingCHARGER is a crowdfunding campaign. Before we ship perk packages to our supporters we send them a link where they can add upgrades and select additional tips for their chargers. This individual selected an additional tip for the bonus charger in their perk package which is where the additional...

charge came from.   When the individual contacted us with their concern about the invoice we responded with an explanation of the invoice.  At the time of this response the individual has received all of their thingCHARGERs and their tips.

Revdex.com:
I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved.
Sincerely,
[redacted]

We try to make our crowdfunding status clear to potential contributors and we are very sorry that it evidently was not clear to this individual. That status is expressly stated in a number of places throughout our advertising and contribution pages, but we...

apologize that in this case it was unclear. We acted as quickly as we could to meet this individual's expectations and our records show that their thingCHARGER has been delivered. We never alter our contributors selections without their express permission and we remain committed to asking only for our actual cost for shipping – we do not profit from shipping fees. We have reached out to this individual to clarify the charges that they may have seen prior to shipping and hope that they will contact us directly with any further concerns.

When this individual reached out to us, we were happy to explain crowdfunding and our shipping timeline. Because crowdfunding uses the funds collected from our amazing supporters to create, manufacture, and ship our products to our supporters, there is often a long delay between the receipt of...

funds and the shipment of packages. This can feel like a problem to individuals who are unfamiliar with crowdfunding, but it is a normal part of the process. We are terribly sorry that in this case that lag time caused concern. Our records show that this individuals package has been shipped and is in transit at this time. We truly hope that they will reach out to us with any further concerns they may have.

Revdex.com:At this time, I have not been contacted by thingCHARGER Inc. regarding complaint ID [redacted].Sincerely,[redacted]

I purchased the Thing Charger in April of 2015 and hadn't received it as of December of 2015. I notified them that I would like a refund. It took weeks sending numerous emails with no response. They informed me that they couldn't credit my charge card because Indiagogo was in charge of handling reimbursements. I was furious at the thought that not only did I not have the product I ordered, but I was out my money also.
I finally got an email from them stating that they would send me a check instead. I didn't care how I got reimbursed, just as long as I didn.
Just a few days ago I finally got a check.
I will never do business with them again, and I advise others not to attempt to do so also.

We are very sorry that this individual did not receive our email responses to their questions. We have attempted to reach out to them via both phone and email and will continue to attempt. We encourage our supporters to email us at [redacted]Because crowdfunding uses the funds collected...

from our amazing supporters to create, manufacture, and ship our products to our supporters, there is often a long delay between the receipt of funds and the shipment of packages. This can feel like a problem to individuals who are unfamiliar with crowdfunding, but it is a normal part of the process.We have reached out to this individual to try to attempt to address their concerns and will continue to do so.

Revdex.com:At this time, I have not been contacted by thingCHARGER Inc. regarding complaint ID [redacted].Sincerely,[redacted]

At the time of these transactions thingCHARGER was a crowdfunding campaign. Crowdfunding is a new platform that allows people to raise money for their project. Later, when the project is complete the selected perk packages and shipped.The original contribution that we received was for the...

perk package of thingCHARGERs  and a base shipping rate.We only charge tax where required and this is based off of the shipping address. When an individual their shipping details we then calculate the taxes, if there are any. The taxes for this product were only charged once.Thank you,Ashley G[redacted]Operations ManagerthingCHARGER Inc.

Review: I ordered thingCharger on April **, 2015 and have not received my merchandise. I have contacted the company twice and have not had any response. I just called the company and [redacted] has a voicemail stating that they have a mad rush on the product. Im like mad rush, what about April **, 2015 C'mon [redacted] and [redacted], I want my product or return my payment of $127.65.

Business

Response:

When this individual contacted us on January [redacted], we returned their email the same day. They verified their shipping information the next day and their package was shipped immediately. We normally expect that supporters that contributed to our campaign early were fully aware of our crowdfunding status, but occassionally they are not. With crowdfunding, many people contribute a small amount of money toward a great idea. The inventors take that money and turn it into a fantastic product, which we can then ship to the amazing people who supported us. We are so excited to be a successful crowdfunding campaign that is shipping as quickly as we can to our earliest supporters. We are shipping in the order in which we received contributions to honor our earliest supporters for the patience and their incredible support.It looks like this individuals package was delivered on January [redacted]. We hope they are truly enjoying cordless charging, but if they have any further concerns, we encourage them to contact us at [redacted]

Review: Ordered Thingcharger in October ([redacted]) of 2015. Contacted them via email on 11/**/2015 after seeing this item on the store shelves for retail sale locally. Got some story about retail first before any of their items are shipped to paying customers. Tired of waiting. I could have made one of my own, and probably better, by this time.Desired Settlement: I want a complete refund ($127.65). No interest will be charged. Thank you.

Business

Response:

We have offered this individual an immediate refund. We are very sorry that we did not get them their thingCHARGERs as quickly as they would have preferred. thingCHARGER is a crowdfunding campaign which began shipping to our earliest supporters late last fall. We've been working hard on fulfilling all of our supporters perk packages and finished shipping to our 2013 and 2014 supporters at the end of January. We expect to finish all of our 2015 supporters by early summer. With crowdfunding, an inventor takes a good idea to the internet. There, many people contribute a small amount of money towards making that idea into a reality. The inventor then takes that money and uses it to create, manufacture, and ship the product. When the product is ready, it is then shipped out to all the people who supported its creation, as a thank-you gift.Because of that process, there is usually a lag between when contributions are received and when perk packages are shipped. This can feel frustrating, but it is a normal part of crowdfunding.The units that were released to Sam's club were placed there by our distribution partner as part of a market test. While they were a relatively small number of units in terms of large scale manufacturing and marketing, we truly understand that they were upsetting and are very sorry for that.Here at thingCHARGER our focus remains on shipping to our direct supporters.We were nearing this individuals place in our shipping queue and are very sorry that we did not reach it in time for them. We are, however, happy to give them the refund which they have requested.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved.

Sincerely,

Review: I've placed an order with the company, #[redacted], for 4 thing chargers. I've not seen anything from them, nor have I received a follow up email as to when I can expect the devices. After going back over the website, I noted in smaller type that these devices were being made, and whatever is made first goes out to some original persons/customers....the wording us misleading. I was under the impression, both from televised adverts and initial wording in the website, that there were devices already made and waiting to be shipped. There is no definitive date. I would like a full refund.Desired Settlement: I would like a full refund as soon as possible

Consumer

Response:

Hello. I'm replying to the complaint, complaint number above, regarding shipment and refund. I've just heard from the company. At this time, I feel the matter has been resolved. I just wasn't getting any response before, so I had concerns. I appreciate your help and your time, and I hope I haven't caused any inconvenience. Thank you so much. [redacted].

I ordered and paid for * thingCHARGERS on 9/**/2015 for $87.00. In January we were told the chargers would ship soon but we needed to order the tips. So we ordered the tips which were doubled shipped (8 tips for * chargers) right away for an addition $31.3*). As of */*/2016 we have not received the chargers. When we contact customer service (only via e-mail) it is obvious the company has severe issues and are using customer money to have parts built. We never, never get a straight answer on delivery. We want a full refund for everything!

In today's world of instant ability to get products and service ( in many cases ) thingCharger falls flat. If they would spend half as much developing inventory and logistics as they do doing marketing, they could sell their product and deliver it on a reasonable time frame. Sadly, that is not the case. I ordered mine about a month before Xmas and now learn it will get it some time in 2016. There are competing products on the market by the way.

Review: thingcharger.com is a deceptive website which appears to purposefully bury, minimize or hide any indication that it is a so-called "crowdfund campaign." In fact, all transactions appear to be a normal retail purchase. In any event, there is nothing on the website or "order receipt" (their term) that would indicate delivery would be delayed. In fact, the receipt clearly shows that they charged for shipping and When queried about the expected delivery date, thingcharger.com then claims that you made a "contribution" and not a purchase. Then they chide you for not understanding crowdfunding. While they now claim they will ship my order, I have no reasonable expectation that they will do so. I have asked for a refund.Desired Settlement: I want that website either shut down, modified to clearly indicate that anyone giving them money is not making an actual purchase, or for them to clearly provide an estimated delivery date as is required under the rules. (See FTC's guidance on Prompt Delivery Rules at [redacted])

Business

Response:

We find it unfortunate when there is a misunderstanding. At the time of this response these thingCHARGERs have been delivered. thingCHARGER is currently a crowdfunding campaign. Crowdfunding has become more and more popular in recent years. Americans are enjoying getting behind new ideas and helping small start-ups succeed. Crowdfunding works a bit differently than a typical "direct sales" and we explain this on our website in the following areas. *In our video Amy and Seymour do ask for contributions to help us launch thingCHARGER. *On the front page of our website, you will see the phrase “Contribute now to our pre-launch campaign and receive thingCHARGER(s) as an awesome thank-you perk from us when we ship, located at the bottom of the page. *In addition, when selecting your perk package and preparing to hit the “continue to payment” button, you will see these words written below: “Contribute now to our pre-launch campaign and receive thingCHARGER(s) as an awesome thank-you perk from us when we ship.” *Also, our terms and conditions page does clearly outline our crowdfunding status. Here is that link: [redacted]

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# [redacted], and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

This response is laughable. The so called statements that is it a crowdfunding campaign -- where they exist -- are not readily evident. It really does appear to me that the website is purposely minimizing anything that might provide that information to the consumer. They have made no offer to ACTUALLY state "clearly and prominently" on the thingCHARGER website that it is a crowdfunding campaign and that shipping would not be immediate. First, I only got to the company's website from a Facebook ad. There was no indication on that ad that it was a crowdfunded campaign or that shipping would not be immediate. I notice the company didn't address that. Second, there is no indication on the thingCHARGER video that it is a crowdfunding campaign until the very bitter end of a lengthy video. And, frankly, they really only refer to "contributions". The video also references the indiegogo.com campaign which is over. And, they don't outright call it a crowdfunding campaign. One would have to make the inference that they were talking about a crowdfunded campaign. And, there is no indication on that video that shipping would be delayed in anyway. Third, when you click on the "get yours" button on the thingCHARGER website, its automatically scrolls down -- past the faq and the rest of the website -- to the buttons to choose 1, 4 or 7 chargers. It in no way identifies them as perks. Then, in order to see the statement that it is a "contribution" (it doesn't say it is a crowdfunded campaign) -- that is in barely visible white lettering on light grey -- one would have had to continue to scroll down past the buttons to the very end of the page. In addition, there is no indication that shipping would be delayed in anyway. Fourth, when one chooses to purchase one of the thingCHARGER packages the website takes you to an intermediate page which provides information on the product and links to upsell you. Nothing on that page indicates in any way that it is a crowdfunded campaign or that you will not be delivering promptly. It looks just like a regular retail purchase. By the way, the only link to the terms and conditions referenced by the company, is on the very bottom of that page. There does not appear to be any other links to the terms and conditions elsewhere on the company's website. Fifth, when you select the "choose this" button and the website takes you to the order page, the only mention of a crowdfunded campaign is at the very bottom of the form after the shipping details and the "place order" button -- again requiring the user to manually scroll down to the very bottom of the page.In addition, thingCHARGER's invoice gives NO indication that thingCHARGER isn't immediately shipping, that my payment was considered a "contribution," or that it was part of "crowdfunding" campaign. The invoice I recieved clearly refers to my "order," identifies the "product," and even includes charges for shipping and includes my address.

Sincerely,

Business

Response:

We are terribly sorry that this individual still feels that we have not addressed their concerns.We make it very clear in a number of places throughout our advertising and check-out process that we are a crowdfunding campaign. We also provide as much information as we can about our shipping timelines, given that we are working very hard every day to improve and speed that process. While in this case, it appears that the individual was unaware of crowdfunding at the time of contribution, we have made every effort to speed their shipment and accomadate their expectations.

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID# [redacted], and have determined that my complaint has NOT been resolved because:

I still firmly believe that thingcharger's marketing, and website in particular, appears to be purposefully structured to hide or bury that it is a crowdfunded campaign and not a regular purchase. They have not address specifically their advertising or their invoicing which does not reference crowdfunding or a delayed shipment in any way. They have not made any attempt to modify their website or marketing to address my concerns or the concerns of others that references to crowdfunding or a delay is shipment. They have not explained why they are not following standard best practices required by kickstarter and other crowdfunding hosts. I am obviously not alone in my belief -- try doing a quick internet search on thingcharger and complaint or scam.

In order for the Revdex.com to appropriately process your response, you MUST answer the question above.

Sincerely,

Review: As documented in many of the other complaints against Thing Charger, I ordered multiple Thing Chargers in Late November 2015 and as of today 2/**/2016 have yet to receive them. I contacted Thing Charger (via email) in Mid January 2016 with no response. I also sent an email today (2/**/2016) with the same request about my order and when it would arrive. I do not feel I am getting any response from the company and based on the number of complaints from others feel justified in filing a complaint with Revdex.com.Desired Settlement: I want Thing Charger to either deliver my order or refund my money.

Business

Response:

We have done a thorough search of our email database and have only found one email from this individual. That email was received yesterday and was answered yesterday, prior to receiving this complaint from the Revdex.com, with an invitation to confirm their shipping information and have their perk package shipped to them immediately.We additionally reviewed our entire voicemail call log for the month of January and were unable to locate any messages from this individual.We are, however, very sorry that we did not receive their attempt to contact us in January. At this time we have called and left a voicemail message and have emailed them twice, once in response to their email message to us yesterday where we attempted to answer their questions and confirm their shipping information, and once to follow up on this complaint to continue to address their concerns. As we explained to this individual in our last email to them, thingCHARGER is still a crowdfunding campaign.In crowdfunding, an inventor comes up with a cool idea. They take that idea to the internet. There, many people each contribute a small amount of money towards turning that idea into a reality. The inventor takes that money and uses it to create and manufacture the product. Then they ship it back out to all the people who supported them.Seymour and Amy started thingCHARGER back in 2013 as an idea in their basement and we started started shipping at the end of 2015. This process, and the time that it takes, are part of why there has been a delay in shipping their items.We finished shipping to our 2013 and 2014 contributors at the end of January and are working our way through our 2015 supporters now. We are trying hard to ship to our contributors in the order that they supported us, in honor of their patience.We are thrilled to be able to ship to this person now and have simply requested that they confirm their shipping information, either via the form that we emailed to them yesterday or by simply replying to our email today. In case these emails are not reaching them, we will continue to follow up with them via telephone to try to confirm their shipping information and to answer any other questions or concerns that they might have.

Review: No response about the delivery Schedule, impossible to speak with them. Still asking money for shipping when everything is already completed since 2 monthsDesired Settlement: Just send the products for what I paid already

Business

Response:

We are very sorry that this individual is feeling frustrated and finding it difficult to communicate. Looking through our email log, we find that every email that they have sent us has been answered within 48 hours (including over weekends), so we sincerely hope that they are receiving all of our responses to their inquiries. We have made our expected delivery timetable available on our website and offered this individual an expected window for shipping the first time they contacted us. We have offered to ship within this time window. Although this individual is frustrated by the cost of shipping, we are not asking them for any money beyond the actual cost of shipping their package to their location in Canada from our distribution center in Nevada. The amount that was included in their initial contribution towards shipping has been added as a campaign credit towards the cost of shipping. As a small company, we cannot subsidize the cost of shipping, but we also remain committed to earing zero profit from shipping. The shipping fees that our supporters see are added on by the shipper itself, not us. We cannot change the shipping fees. We have emailed this individual and offered them several possible solutions and are waiting to hear back from them as to which they would prefer. We are committed to working with them until they are satisfied with the outcome.

Review: I purchased 3 Thingchargers in Nov as a Christmas gift for my husband. About mid December,, 2 weeks after they deducted $127.00 from my account, I emailed them to see where the product was. They sent me a video saying it was a new product and would arrive after new year. I still hadn't received the product so I emailed again and now an email is sent with a video telling me that the items were ready but I need to send another $40 to receive it! I'm a non profit worker. The money I originally sent was to bless family members. I feel very betrayed and taken advantage of!Desired Settlement: I want my order....I will not send another dime. If the order cannot be sent, I want to be refunded. Immediately.

Business

Response:

We are so sorry that this individual was not aware of our crowdfunding status when they selected thingCHARGERs as a holiday gift. Because crowdfunding uses the funds collected from our amazing contributors to create, manufacture, and ship our products to our supporters, there is often a delay between the receipt of funds and the shipment of packages. We are sorry that process wasn't clear in this case.When we learned that they had not understood, we acted quickly to try to meet their expectations. At this time the individuals questions have been answered by our support team, they were not charged any additional funds, and our records show that their package has been delivered (January [redacted]). We will be following up with them to ensure that their slightly late Christmas gift is a hit. We truly appreciate the amazing people who reach out to us to support a small business that is working hard to create a high quality product.

Review: First purchase made on NOV ** 2015 for 3 thing charger and one free one total 127.65

Second purchase on DEC ** 2015 for 3 thing charger and one fee one total 127.65

I was in contact with the company several times by e mail during this time. [redacted] I was very concerned I was not receiving any information about my products. Until one time I was informed I would have them by Christmas.

Well today is JAN *, 2016 and they just arrived in the mail. I did not open the package because I want to return for a full refund. I also sent them an e-mail regarding my request. Hope you can help me and thanks for the time you have spent reading this information. I am a senior citizen and can't loose money On a fixed incomeDesired Settlement: credit to my credit card

Business

Response:

This individual has been refunded as of January [redacted]. As soon as their package was returned to our warehouse, we inspected it and processed the return.When this contributor first reached out to us they were unaware that we are still a crowdfunding campaign. With crowdfunding, many people contribute a small amount of money toward a great idea. The inventors take that money and turn it into a fantastic product, which we can then ship to the amazing people who supported us. Because crowdfunding uses the funds collected from our contributors to create, manufacture, and ship our products to our supporters, there is often a delay between the receipt of funds and the shipment of packages. When we learned that they were unaware of our crowdfunding status, we acted as quickly as we could to try to meet their expectations and resolve their concerns. Unfortunately, we were unable to do so quickly enough and they have requested a return and refund. This individual has been refunded and their banking institution will credit their account. We are very sorry, but hope that we have resolved the issue to their satisfaction.We encourage anyone who is concerned about their package, or has any questions, to contact us directly at [email protected]

Consumer

Response:

I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID [redacted], and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me and the matter has been resolved.

Sincerely,