Complaint Review: SOFT BYTE SYSTEMS INC OR BAREBONE4LESS.COM SOFTBYTE.US Compubuilders Inc Jose Guilarte - HOLLYWOOD Florida

A person called Jose who will never give you his last name by the way. But I found it: Jose Guilarte.



I was literally scammed out of my computer as I returned it after 2 months of trying with my IT guy (a really good one, by the way) and it was one hick up after the other. I notified this JOSE of it quite early on, and of course, they keep stalling will all sorts of tech lingo to try this and try that.

My IT guy when he opened the box, which weighed NOTHING, featherlite, by the way, immediately said, “hey this is a piece of Chinese garbage, are you sure you want to proceed?”

So even though my IT guy certifies the computer is a lemon, (Scroll down for his expanded report) they will not refund anything and have all sorts of 'ways' to get around paying me back. One is stalling you from sending it back to them within the 30 days so you run out of their pathetic 30 day money back guarantee.

Let me explain what a “lemon” is for those unaware. Its mostly applied to car purchasing. A car that drives off the lot but one part after the other breaks and you keep fixing it. Is a lemon. It can be brand new, and still do it.

There is no proof from them that the parts they used for this 'barebone4LESS computer were new either. Who knows where they came from, really. I purchased a barebones system expecting to get new parts, therefore avoided a refurbished machine. Well, we know how that ended...

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In all my emails I remain polite and re-enforce that I would like to avoid posting anywhere, not even mentioning the effects off ripoff, (day 2 and you're on google page one) but he misconstrued that to black mail ? I was merely being reasonable, and again, that did not work. I do have the manual and the disk he refers to somewhere down below in an email, I emailed him again that I will gladly send those off immediately but I need that refund. That too was interpreted as black mail. Does no one in this world take responsibility for any thing more? Do you know what cascades of business would have come from my recommendation instead of this accusation of black mail? I have been the victim of blackmail before I know what black mail is. THIS is a business agreement gone south, and it would have been no trouble for him to resolve it

Here is how the scam worked:

You will find SOFtBYTE.US on Ebay, they send me and invoice from Paypal so I/you can not go back to Ebay to complain or get their money guarantee. (I still reported them from breaking Ebay's policies) or feed negative feedback.

(ps I closed my accs with ebay and paypal as well after this somaniest disaster with amateur 'vendors') There are much better deals out there folks, seriously. I purchase thru the other much greater institutions. This is the third time that a vendor of Ebay was not true to their word. Simply bamboozling their way out of refunding by talking talking talking and saying nothing.

With Paypal, they only have a 45 day guarantee to help you out, so I switched to google check out replacing PayPal. Now that is from the SHIPPING DATE and it took about 2 weeks to get this barebone4LESS lemon to me. Here that email to invoice me around Ebay's policies back.

Sent: Monday, October 25, 2010 12:16 PM

To: barebone4LESS

Subject: Re: 310264392050 - NEW QUAD CORE

ATHLON II x4

640

BAREBONESw/2G+512M VIDEO

Hello Jose,

Thank you for your reply, i would like to go ahead and order this unit from you but need to have the RAM upgrade as mentioned on the advertisement on Ebay.

How do I go about adding it and paying you for it?

oo

*

2048MB OF FAST DDR3-1066 DDRAM, GOLD LEADS – UPGRADE MEMORY TO

4096MB DDR3 FOR $39 PER GIGABYTE ** SPECIAL**

- YOU WILL REQUIRE A 64-BIT

OPERATING SYSTEM IN ORDER TO ACCESS OVER

3.2GB OF RAM

------------------------------------------------------------

On Mon, Oct 25, 2010 at 10:33 AM, barebone4LESS

<[email protected]> <mailto:[email protected]>

wrote:

Hi g,

We have gone ahead an enter an invoice in paypal for the system with the upgrade assuming shipping to xx by UPS

System 310264392050 - NEW QUAD CORE ATHLON II

x4 640 BAREBONESw/2G+512M VIDEO

$259

UPGRADE MEMORY TO 4096MB DDR3

$39

S&H FREE UPS ->$298

-----Origl Message-----

I used paypal a lot, so

much for them too, no doubt that ongoing class action lawsuit will put them in their place eventually for forcing folks buying on Ebay to pay thru paypal ONLY.

Speaking of unethical!... They both suck.

I remember Ebay was so great in the beginning!!!

Back to the scam. So after a long time and another $300 to TRY and fix barebone4LESS lemon work, my IT finally stated, “We should do no more” and to just “shelf it” He was right, the frustration alone was not worth it. I closed it up, gave him the computer and he cleaned it up looking like new. I'm adding this because SOFT BYTE SYSTEMS INC OR BAREBONE4LESS.COM SOFTBYTE.US whatever their name is they go under... claimed it was dirty ! I shipped it paying another $45 for shipping which I will never see back either.

BUT I hope I can save you the agony of this by protecting you and pls go to the pros on the net. Avoid Ebay and such auction sites from now on.

Meantime, I purchased a refurbished comp from a great place on the net, the thing weighs 40 lbs! FLIES, came with everything and for the same money of this 8 lb barebone4LESS lemon AND with a 90 day guarantee! Now THAT is cool!

'Here below some of the many attempts I made to get my money back before I posted on ripoff as I know it will never be removed and I believe in 2nd chances. Clearly to deaf ears that fell...

More emails to ensure you I'm not 'spinning' for revenge.

Hello Jose,

    I have mixed feelings writing you but after all I spend $290 for a computer that has been giving me issues from the start and i can't use it any longer.  I wrote you about it a couple of times, you asked me to do some checks on it, I send it to you, but then didn't hear back.  My IT person has helped me numerous hours to find out what is going on.  We put a new hard drive in finally (as apposed to my old hard drive) and very soon there after issues started up again.

I was more at my IT person's home than at my own home.  Needless to say the cost of these fixings are not even mentioned. 

At this point my IT person has loaned me a super sized Server computer which is made by Dell and on day three no issues with the same new hard drive.  I"m not by any means a hard core user, but i need a very well working computer to stay in business.  Out of frustration I purchased a new mini netbook as well just as a back up during all the hickups.  The mini Acer netbook performs better than the computer I purchased from Softbyte.  And, of course, the price of the server is another point.  I will have to pay for it some how too.  And it will need upgrades as it is a tough machine but basically lacks the good video card and the double memory i wanted, some other parts too which I already have.   

    It says on the bottom of the invoice Final Sale, NO refunds.  However, that would be ok if the computer was properly working.   But it is not and that is the problem.

    I will gladly ship it back at my expense but I do ask for a full refund. 

oo

    invoice nr 9925081

======================================

> > Log of issues list and results: (from my IT person)

> > 1. I carried on and installed the legacy DVD-ROM and legacy HARD-DISK (IDE 250GB) onto the new box.

Proceed to install the OS and configure devices.

> > RESULTS: The OS is Ubuntu 10.04 and it installed with no many issues, one thing I noticed though was that when rebooting for the first time it did not "see" (BIOS seem not to intelligently assess that there was a bootable hard drive), the hard-drive, I proceed to check connections and next time it booted up. I assumed that the connections were loose  somehow.

> >

> > 2. The user proceed to use the machine and complaint about responsiveness issues in the keyboard, she repeatedly reported that the typing experience was intermittent, that the letters appear to show out of sync into the application, (E-mail mainly).

> >

> > 3. I carried out tests remote accessing the computer, in trying to tweak keyboard responsiveness, verifying that the e-Mail setup was not part of the problem (ie. IMAP configuration that will potentially use the network to complete tasks). I was able to find out one keyboard configuration that actually was more responsive and closed the report.

> >

> > 4. The user again resume working and I believe she tried to adapt to the configuration, but she reported back that the issue re-appeared again. I suggested a HW check.

> >

> > 5. I proceeded to perform a HW check on the computer and again hesitation upon startup to "find" the Hard-Drive, eventually being able to boot, which made me suspect that there may be an issue with the legacy Hard-Drive. I decided to use a used SATA hard drive instead pulled out from a working computer. Pointing out that the SATA drive had no issue before this action.

> >

> > 6. The user resume use of the computer and again symptoms of slow responsiveness in the keyboard arose.

 

I instructed the user to try different keyboards, USB, minidin connector and wireless. Throughout the days the issue kept showing intermittently.

I remote connect to the computer in several occasions in hope to assess the issue but didn't find any software configuration that may explain the problem.

> >

> > 7. The user reported yet again a problem after updating Ubuntu from 10.04 to 10.10, where the machine wouldn't boot up, it failed over to the BIOS splash screen that lists sensors and such, but didn't go past that screen. Since the upgrade is somewhat not a trivial issue I advised her to bring it over for me to verify the upgrade.

> >

> > 8. Upon checking and again after hesitation to boot, I finally got the machine to boot up, although it failed to load the system, I assumed that the used SATA drive may have an issue, so I proceeded to install a BRAND NEW hard drive, re-install the OS to it's latest version and move the information back into place.

OBSERVATION: The fact that I was able to pull out information from the allegedly faulty drives (IDE and SATA) made me suspect that there may be something wrong with the Hard-drive controller component in the system. Nonetheless I was able to leave the machine in operational condition.

> >

> > 9. The user did not report any issue after a few days after (which doesn't mean they did not show). Eventually she reported the same responsiveness issue, and even more annoying hesitation to boot up.

> >

> > 10. After the above arose, I advised the user to determine if the vendor will be willing to honor any guarantee that may be in effect, as it has already consistently shown issues, and not try to invest more time and resources in trying to fix something that is beyond basic troubleshooting.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Needless to say SOFTBYTE.US Continued his bamboozling. Stalling & denial

-------- Original Message --------

Subject:

> RE: 310264392050- NEW QUAD CORE

> ATHLON II x4 640 BAREBONESw/2G+512M

> VIDEO - 9925081

Date:

> Sat, 15 Jan 2011 00:12:18 -0500

From:

> barebone4LESS  <[email protected]>

Honestly, what this report shows is not consistent with any actual hardware problem that we have seen. We really though you where having multiple hardware problems. Slow keyboard response, an older IDE had not being picked up. He does not seem to have done what we believe should have done.

>

> To start, If the hard drive is on the same cable with another device like an optical drive, which it does not say. This can cause a slow or unrecognized state, need to check the jumpers, (Master, slave, cable select and alone in some hard drives) also, connecting the cable is very important, there is only one correct way for a master or slave configuration.

>

> In terms of the keyboard, I would suspect either windows drivers for the video components, we never seen a properly configured windows with all the drivers correctly installed that does not have a virus or something to slow down operation show a defect of the kind. Webmail could be a problem relating to your internet connection.

>

> I believe that this system is not defective and if you return it as an RMA we are not going to find any defect with the hardware. This is basically because there is no such thing as a Hard drive controller that takes time to pick a drive (if it is defective it does not work) and a system that is fine but only has a slow response keyboard sometimes. An actual defect would yield freezing, crashes, blue screens or not work at all.

>

> This is how a return will work to avoid having to process a non-defective RMA; $30 will be deducted from what you paid for our shipping cost to you and 15% for restocking. This is going to prevent us from having RMA report no problems and then you being responsible for shipping back to you as well.

>

> $298 - $30 - $40.20 = $227.80 as long as the system is return in "as new condition" if the chassis is not in that condition that we cannot sell it an additional $20 will be deducted.

>

> Let me know if we are in agreement.

>

> Another alternative is for you to only ship the motherboard back to us, we will replace it with either the same or another model and you will be responsible for the removal and installation there of the replacement. We do not believe is defective but since you do this may be a much lower cost solution. Although given what your tech reported he is not where we hope a tech in the troubleshooting department would be. This is basic knowledge to someone with experience.

>

> Jose

HERE another SPIN THEY TOOK WITH THE STALLING AFTER WE SUBMITTED OUR

REPORT see below

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

S-110105 - 310264392050 - Partial

Refund Offer – 9925081 2/1/2011

Officially just wanted to let you know that the partial refund offer has

been withdrawn.

RMA REPORT ON S-110105

The system received under RMA number S-110105 was incomplete, it was missing a drivers CD and manuals. It was received in poor condition. The system was dirty inside; it had very strong animal smells and shows surface scratches

on the case throughout.

HD testing, 3 different model and 2 different brands of SATA2 HD where tested, the system had no problems detecting them. Windows XP home Was installed during the advance testing on a hard drive.

The system was fully tested in windows, All benchmarks showed the usually values, all test passed.

System tested with a USB keyboard and PS/2 keyboard. No problems with any keyboard function found.

Customer tried to use linux on the system, we do not offer any warranty of use of any system we sell with linux and linux is not part of our testing.

There is nothing wrong with the functional system, which was what is expected.

AS PER TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE, IN ORDER TO RERTURN THE SYSTEM SINCE NO FUNCTIONAL DEFECT IS FOUND THERE IS A TESTING AND SHIPPING COST TO BE PAID. WE CAN ALSO TAKE THE SYSTEM TO A 3RD PARTY TECHNICIAN TO HAVE THE SYSTEM RETESTED AT YOUR EXPENSE.

TESTING FEES $30 RETURN SHIPPING $30  MUST BE PAID BY PAYPAL TO [email protected] WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THIS EMAIL. A $1 PER DAY STORAGE FEE WILL BE ADDED TO THIS AMOUNT FOR ANY DAY PASS MARCH 3RD, 2011 IN WHICH THE PAYMENT HAS NOT BE RECEIVED. IF FULL PAYMENT IS NOT RECEIVED BY APRIL 2, 2011 THE SYSTEM WILL BE CONSIDERED ADBANDOM AND IT WILL BE DISPOSED.

PLEASE CONFIRM BY EMAIL AFTER THE PAYMENT HAS BEEN MADE.

Jose

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SO NOW HE IS ASKING FOR MORE MONEY!!! yeeeeeehhhhh yeah do the world a favor and dispose of it indeed ;) I know how effective ripoffreport is and it will cost them a lot more than what I spend in sales to less trusting people than myself who will google businesses even if they are on ebay and in good standing.

There are many more emails, surely you will not want to be bored with as they are basically like watching a baseball game gone wrong. Safe yourself the hassle.

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On

11/03/2010 08:53 AM, Mngr wrote:

Jose, it was shipped yesterday and i realize i have to be patient. Thanks for your efforts!

g

Hi g,

We do mention on our listing the approximate ship times. In your case, production actually upgraded your memory at the end to DDR3-1333 which is a $10 value to get the system out. We had been testing with the DDR3-1066 we had in stock and not all test would complete properly. This is why we do not promise a ship date, with custom system you never can be sure when they will ship until ready.

Since we offer so many different upgrade options, we simply cannot have then pre-build, that would increase our costs and would made our minimum ask price higher. Our main concern is always the quality of the system.

..."All our systems are built to the final specs after your payment is received. This allows us to offer it just the way you want it. We do not rush building or testing of our quality systems under any circumstance.

Just the testing alone may take over 2 business days. The average system takes about 5 business days to ship so you have an idea assuming all testing goes well."...

Shipped UPS 1Z5X45470377386065

Jose

-----Origl Message-----

From: Mngr [mailto:[email protected]]

Sent: Tuesday, November 02, 2010 2:09 PM

To: barebone4LESS

Subject: Re: 310264392050 - NEW QUAD CORE ATHLON II x4 640

BAREBONESw/2G+512M VIDEO

Hello Jose, i did not get any shipping order so far. My situation is a bit dire as I can not open my hard drive ;s Frontpage and have no other way of updating my site.

Then my tech still needs to add the other elements which im sure he will do asap but im loosing money.

I honestly thought the system was ready to go when I bought it, with a 3 day gap for testing it as is mentioned on your listing on Ebay. Pls let me know its underway?

g

Hi g,

I show the system is in production right now. It should be getting out soon. I show it's been 4 business days since the payment has been received (payment received on Monday afternoon). System should be getting

out as early as Monday, 95% of all orders shipping within the promised 3-6 business days. I will check on Monday with production and let you know if there are any expected delays.

Jose

-----Origl Message-----

From: sf x [mailto:[email protected]]

Sent: Sunday, October 31, 2010 3:35 PM

To: barebone4LESS

Subject: Re: 310264392050 - NEW QUAD CORE ATHLON II x4 640

BAREBONESw/2G+512M VIDEO

Hello Jose, its been 6 days since my purchase and I have not heard from the company regards the shipping of my computer. Can you give me an update as I have to update my website and I can't as this antique laptop can not hold the program I work on. So Im a bit going crazy as I depend on my internet sales.

Thank You,

g

On Thu, Oct 28, 2010 at 9:16 AM, barebone4LESS

<[email protected]> <mailto:[email protected]>

wrote:

Take care.

Jose

-----Origl Message-----

From: sf x [mailto:[email protected]]

Sent: Thursday, October 28, 2010 10:03 AM

To: barebone4LESS

Subject: Re: 310264392050 - NEW QUAD CORE ATHLON II x4 640

BAREBONESw/2G+512M VIDEO

Thanks Jose, im looking forward to it very much! My laptop is soooo slow :(

On Tue, Oct 26, 2010 at 9:32 AM, barebone4LESS

<[email protected]> <mailto:[email protected]>

wrote:

Hi g,

We show the completed payment. Please allow for about 3-6*

business days (not including Saturdays, Sundays or Holidays) for your item to ship from receipt of payment. ON SHIPPING by UPS, we will enter your email address on our UPS SOFTWARE SO YOU WILL RECEIVE TRACKING INFORMATION. For Priority Mail shipping or shipments to Canada, we will send you an email with tracking if available once it ships. WE APPRECIATE NOT EMAILING TO CHECK ON STATUS OF AN ITEM UNTIL THE 7TH BUSSINES DAY. All systems we sell are custom build after payment is received and we only know the exact day they will ship when they are ready. This means that we will not be able to tell you in advance what the ship date will be.

*If you have requested upgrades to the system, shipping may take a little longer based on availability of the upgrade components chosen. So please be patient. If you have not received a shipping notice that the item is in transit AFTER 6 business days, please contact us by email at [email protected] with the Item number, your name, the date the payment was made and the method used to make the payment.

Thanks,

Jose

-----Origl Message-----

From: sf x

[mailto:[email protected]]

Sent: Monday, October 25, 2010 1:10 PM

To: barebone4LESS

Subject: Re: 310264392050 - NEW QUAD CORE ATHLON II

x4 640

BAREBONESw/2G+512M VIDEO

thanks will go ahead and go to the invoice next.

G

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