Complaint Review: DoBest

A PowerSmart brand snow blower purchased online through Walmart, sold by DoBest was described in the specifications/features listed as Self-propelled, Electric Starter, Heated Grips, With LED Lights, 180deg Steel Chute Control. The model was listed as PSS1210LED.

The description boasted that the original price was $829.99 and a savings of $470, for a sale price of $359.99.

I compared the original price to that of several other manufacturers and based on the features listed, the sale price was hard to beat. I placed the order on January 10, paid through PayPal to Walmart. Walmart issued online paperwork (e-mails) indicating I would receive the machine on January 18th. Walmart issued an e-mail stating the order was delayed and I would now receive the machine on January 24th, which I did.

When I opened the box, I noticed some oil on the inside of the box and on the machine itself. It took 2 cans of Brakeleen degreaser to get the oil off the various parts of the machine before I could assemble it. A quart of engine oil came with the machine, and the quart oil container was intact and not the source of the oil that was on everything in the box.

After assembling the machine, I discovered that it was not self-propelled as stated in the specifications/features page of the product description. Nor were the grips heated, although that was a minor issue. I need a self-propelled machine due to a sloped driveway.

I contacted Walmart and was told to deal directly with DoBest about the problem. It has taken me nine separate contacts with Amerisun, DoBest to get a response to problem. I spent literally hours on the phone, most of the time on-hold, with Amerisun (DoBest) to finally get them to take the machine back and refund my money. This was on February 7th. On February 8th, FedEx picked up the machine (after I disassembled it and packaged it back up) for a return. I received an e-mail from Amerisun on February 13th stating they have received the machine back to them. So it took fourteen days for me to get the machine originally, and only five days for the return.

Amerisun (DoBest) had me send them photos of my original receipt from Walmart and a host of other personal information once they received their machine back. This was on February 13th. It was only then that they stated they would issue me a refund for my purchase. Today is the fourteenth and don't expect to receive a refund for at least another two weeks. 

I would never make a purchase from DoBest, Amerisun, or PowerSmart after this fiasco. They are deceptive in their advertising to the point of actual lying. I have the documentation that proves it.

Also, the moral of the story is that if you ever make a purchase online from Walmart, make sure that the item you are ordering is actually from Walmart and not a third party as in my case. Walmart will do nothing except take their percentage for enabling the sale and then wash their hands of the transaction from that point forward.

For me, this is a lesson learned, as it has been over a month since I placed my original order for a self-propelled snow blower. I have countless hours spent online, on the phone, assembling and disassembling the machine, I am still out over $389 at this point, and I don't have a snow blower either.