Complaint Review: Explorer Appliance Corp

I purchased a Fisher & Paykel Stainless Steel Cooktop via ebay (#7543303561) from Explorer Appliance (aka: Hypermarket) on 10/22/05. This was one of five auctions I purchased. I visited their San Diego office at 1835 Imperial Ave, San Diego, CA 92102 on 10/25/05 and paid cash for the purchase to take advantage of the 2% cash discount.

As of 02/06/06 I still had not received the cooktop. I was continually told it was scheduled to arrive the following week. I spoke with "Jeff" via telephone and requested a refund. He advised me to send an email requesting a refund and he would refund my money. I sent an email message that day.

On 2/16/06 I found out from the new receptionist, Leslie, that the email address I had was no longer valid. I sent another email to accounts@explorer.sdcoxmail.com and was advised the accounts person, Karin, would handle the refund. Leslie advised me to include the invoice number, so I included both the Ebay auction number and their invoice number.

The following day I received a response via email from Karin asking me if the item was purchased under another name as she could not find my name in their system. I replied to her and explained that the invoice had been issued in my fiance's name because the appliances were for her house.

I have since called numerous times and am always transferred to a voice mail. The owner never seems to be at work. The accounts person, Karin, is never in the office. Leslie will not give the owners name or any other information.

I have since found out, through Rip-off Report.com that this company has a history of this type of activity. Also, Explorer Appliance has since cancelled their account on Ebay under "Hypermarket" and has made their feedback private.

This company needs to be put out of business permanently before this happens to anyone else. I am trying to gather as much information on the company as possible in an effort to recoup my money. I don't know how they can treat customers like this and stay in business.

Any help from other victims of this company would be greatly appreciated.

Stuart
San Diego, California
U.S.A.