ABT Electronics Terrible experience! Problem with refund overall just BAD! Internet, Internet
I have had a TERRIBLE experience with ABT. I purchased a gas range/oven from this company (which I had never even heard of) after reading in Consumer Reports that they had an excellent customer service rating as far as delivery and installation.
The day the range was supposed to be delivered, the driver called me to let me know he'd be at my residence in a half an hour. This happened to be during one of the days we were with out power here in NY due to a freak snow storm and I expressed a fear that he may not be able to test the range due to no electricity. He then informed me that he was not only not going to install it, that he would be leaving it on my driveway.
I immediately told him not to deliver the stove to return it to ABT that I would not take possession of the stove. I called ABT and told them that I did not want the stove due to a misunderstanding regarding the delivery and installation and requested a refund.
After one week I had still not received the promised refund and called the company, I was told that they hadn't received the stove back yet and would refund my money as soon as they did. Although I never took possession of the stove and am therefore not at all responsible for shipping, (that was between ABT and their shipping company) I decided to accept this answer assuming that it had already been seven days, that surly it would be only another day or two and asked that an email be sent to me stating this, which I was told would be sent that afternoon, however I have not received it in my inbox or spambox.
I called again a few days later and was told I would receive a call back after it was researched with the shipping company, again a call that I never received.
It has now been two weeks and I still have not received the refund. I called ABT again this morning and again was told they'd look into it with the shipping company that they at least had to know that it was en route back to them, and call me back.
When I still hadn't received a call this afternoon, I called the shipping company who informed me that the item was shipped back that same day that I refused it and that shipping time is generally four to ten days.
When I called ABT I was again told they'd look into it and call me back, I told them I had already called the shipping company and was given this information in five minutes and queried as to why they were having such trouble, I was told they'd look into it and call me back...
Meanwhile, I still need a stove/oven (Thanksgiving is coming up) and I am not in a position to go out and buy another stove with my money tied up with this company. Buyer beware! If all goes well I'm sure they're fine to deal with (a Frigidaire or GE or Samsung stove is the same stove regardless of where it is purchased) however if there are any problems with your purchase, do not expect the same type of customer service they displayed when they were taking your money.
5 Updates & Rebuttals
scout4purchases
United States of Americato all who think you know what you're talking about
#6Author of original report
Thu, May 03, 2012
I ordered this range/oven over the PHONE!!
I Told the woman who took my order how I came to find the company and that I chose them due to their excellent reputation for delivery and installation!!!! I was VERY clear what I wanted and needed in this area.
I told her my address in NEW YORK.
She never said a word. Not about their delivering to local only (I didn't even know where the company was). Not that they would hire an outside company and that I'd have to hire someone else to install it. She KNEW that I expected installation because I TOLD her that was WHY I was buying it from ABT.
6 weeks for a delivery from NY back to Chicago? Really? It took two from there to here, why another month to return?
I stand by my report.
They may have been helpful to others in the past. I can only say how they treated ME!! I was not the problem here. The person who took my order over the PHONE (I never even saw the web site when I ordered) is the problem!!!!
This may be an anomaly for this company, but how would any one know if no one spoke up. I spoke up to help others who may have had similar problems with this company. Also the company needs to know where their flaws are or they will never fix them.
Bishop
lake in the hills,Illinois,
United States of America
Actually....
#6UPDATE EX-employee responds
Thu, May 03, 2012
First of all as an ex-employee who worked in both sales and delivery/install....they do offer free install as a deal if you buy X $ of product/warranty to their local customers, key word being LOCAL. meaning those within a 200 mile radius or anywhere that they will send their truck. i personally have been to indiana, iowa, michigan and wisconsin.
Second of all, the problem to me, lies with the shipping company.... just because they sent it back same day does not mean that ABT has it in their warehouse. There is a very long process when it comes to sending things out to different states or outside the continental U.S.
However to be fair, they absolutely should have been in contact with you every single step of the way when it comes to them contacting the shipping co.
Ken
Greeley,Colorado,
USA
Here's a way to find the person responsible for your troubles....
#6Consumer Comment
Tue, November 15, 2011
1. Find a mirror.
2. Note who you see in mirror.
3. Resolve to use better sense in the future.
Ramjet
Somewhere,Michigan,
U.S.A.
Installation not included
#6Consumer Comment
Tue, November 15, 2011
They very clearly state in many places on their web site that installation is not included.
They have installation available in the 2 to 3 hundred dollar range. It took me about 2 minutes to find all this.
If you had read the information and either a: ordered the installation service. b: installed it yourself. c: Hired a local company to install it. d: get a knowledgeable friend, you would be using your new stove right now.
It's you fault clear and simple.
And I do not work for this company, in fact I never heard of them before this.
Pied Piper
Scottsdale,Arizona,
USA
Since When ........
#6Consumer Comment
Mon, November 14, 2011
I have been an ABT customer in the past. Purchased a refrigerator and dishwasher. Installation IS NOT INCLUDE ........
SO WHATS YOUR BEEF ?????????
I don't ..... and everyone reading your BOGUS complaint, should know you're LYING.
So, whats the real story ?????????
BETCHA, you were trying to HOLD THEM UP, for free installation.