- Report: #833774
Complaint Review: Time Cycles Research - Internet Internet
Reported By:
Defender of Justice -
, Internet, United Kingdom
Submitted:
Updated:
-
Author Not Confirmed
Why?
Time Cycles Research
Time Cycles Research P.O. Box 797 Waterford CT, 0 Internet, 06385-0797 Internet, United States of America
Phone:
800 827-2240
Web:
http://timecycles.com/
Categories:
Business Rating:
(0)
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Time Cycles Research timecycles.com Refused to give a refund for their downloaded software Internet, Internet
Time Cycles Research's Downloadable software Rips Off Customers Beware!
I found Time Cycles Research web site when I was searching for Astrology Software Applications for the Apple Mac Computer and I was initially taken in by their professionally presented web site.
I rang to enquire about their software application and to request a Demo version as i could not decide between two of their applications.
They stated that they did not provide software demos or trials, even though they had been trading for 26 years. Alarm bells should have started ringing as most reputable software companies provide this service. Instead, they insisted that I look at their manual which, quite frankly, did not contain the sort of information you can get by trying the actual software.
Having spent some time speaking with them on the phone and trying to decided which application would be suitable, at no time during this conversation did this company mention to me that I would not be entitled to a refund should I choose the wrong application, even though they had the perfect opportunity to do so.
I ended up purchasing IO Edition 7.07 but unfortunately, I discovered that it was one of the worst Astrology Applications that I had ever used.
Having tried to return the application, a few hours after downloading it, I was told that they would not issue a refund and that I should have seen their non returns policy which is cleverly hidden away in their license agreement.
Out of sight out of mind!
Once you have purchased their software you receive an email and near the bottom of this email there is a blue link to view their license agreement. It is quit difficult to spot. Unfortunately, you probably wouldn't notice it because before you even reach the bottom of the email, the email instructs you to download the software and does not give instructions to look at the licensing agreement. If you are following these instructions, then you are being mislead.
After you have downloaded the software, you would expect the licensing agreement to form part of the installation process. Wrong Again! During the installation process (where reputable software companies usually put their license agreement with two buttons, accept or cancel installation) there is no license agreement and therefor you cannot accept or cancel anything. Once you click the install button the software immediately installs.
This cleaver but underhanded approach adopted by Time Cycles Research misleads the customer because by the time they realise, it is too late. Another sale for Time Cycle Research and another customer gets ripped off.
Considering that i did not see their license agreement and I have not clicked on a button during the install process to show that I have accepted their license agreement, I cannot understand how this company thinks that what they are doing is lawful. It seems to be very underhand to me.
The company continues to enjoy sales made off the back of disgruntled customers and they still refuse to issue a refund.
There is a good reason that Time Cycles wont tell you about their non returns policy. It is probably the same reason why they don't provided a software demo. They would probably go out of business if they did!
I found Time Cycles Research web site when I was searching for Astrology Software Applications for the Apple Mac Computer and I was initially taken in by their professionally presented web site.
I rang to enquire about their software application and to request a Demo version as i could not decide between two of their applications.
They stated that they did not provide software demos or trials, even though they had been trading for 26 years. Alarm bells should have started ringing as most reputable software companies provide this service. Instead, they insisted that I look at their manual which, quite frankly, did not contain the sort of information you can get by trying the actual software.
Having spent some time speaking with them on the phone and trying to decided which application would be suitable, at no time during this conversation did this company mention to me that I would not be entitled to a refund should I choose the wrong application, even though they had the perfect opportunity to do so.
I ended up purchasing IO Edition 7.07 but unfortunately, I discovered that it was one of the worst Astrology Applications that I had ever used.
Having tried to return the application, a few hours after downloading it, I was told that they would not issue a refund and that I should have seen their non returns policy which is cleverly hidden away in their license agreement.
Out of sight out of mind!
Once you have purchased their software you receive an email and near the bottom of this email there is a blue link to view their license agreement. It is quit difficult to spot. Unfortunately, you probably wouldn't notice it because before you even reach the bottom of the email, the email instructs you to download the software and does not give instructions to look at the licensing agreement. If you are following these instructions, then you are being mislead.
After you have downloaded the software, you would expect the licensing agreement to form part of the installation process. Wrong Again! During the installation process (where reputable software companies usually put their license agreement with two buttons, accept or cancel installation) there is no license agreement and therefor you cannot accept or cancel anything. Once you click the install button the software immediately installs.
This cleaver but underhanded approach adopted by Time Cycles Research misleads the customer because by the time they realise, it is too late. Another sale for Time Cycle Research and another customer gets ripped off.
Considering that i did not see their license agreement and I have not clicked on a button during the install process to show that I have accepted their license agreement, I cannot understand how this company thinks that what they are doing is lawful. It seems to be very underhand to me.
The company continues to enjoy sales made off the back of disgruntled customers and they still refuse to issue a refund.
There is a good reason that Time Cycles wont tell you about their non returns policy. It is probably the same reason why they don't provided a software demo. They would probably go out of business if they did!
5 Updates & Rebuttals
EMZ
Philadelphia,Pennsylvania,
United States
No, This is a quality product
#2Consumer Comment
Sun, March 04, 2018
I'm not sure what the complainent's background is or what his expectations were. The programs are represented accurately on the website which is clear and straightforward.
I am a professional astrologer and a long-time owner of this software with no ties to the company or its owners. I have found both the software and the customer service to be excellent and highly recommend it. While this complaint is quite old, it still comes up high on Google listings so it is worthwhile for me to comment. Time Cycles Research has an excellent reputation in the astrology community and deservedly so. The software does what it is supposed to do—astrological calculations.
Joe
Greenville,,Michigan,
United States of America
Thank you Libralove.
#3REBUTTAL Individual responds
Wed, May 24, 2017
Libralove:
Thank you for your reply. You do know that we all work hard here to provide the best support. If I offended, you have my sincrere aplogy. That was not the intent. As for "paranoia"... well, I don't wear an aluminum hat, but we all have good reason to be wary today. The information that is gathered by our online activity can have significant impact on our daily lives. Governments haven't seen fit to place reasonable restrictions on what can be collected and how it can be used.
Again, thank you for the comment and you do have my apology if I offended.
Libralove
Austin,Texas,
USA
Apologies, Joe.
#4Consumer Comment
Fri, January 27, 2017
I received an "Undelivered Mail Returned to Sender" from a msg I sent to Joe at TimeCycles today and just assumed he had 'spam blocked' me. He had not. It was a ISP provider system error. I have nothing but good software service from him, along with good Mac astrology software I have used for years.
It was just a very edgy day on my part. Sorry to have imagined it was him. Apologies.
Libralove
Austin,Texas,
USA
Be Weary of Joe. Angry Customer Support.
#5Consumer Comment
Fri, January 27, 2017
I know nothing about this original complaint, but since I work in retail it reminds me of customers who use a lawnmower for 2 years or leave in the garage, then bring it in for getting their money back. My guess the complaint is ridculous and she never bothered to learn astrology to make any use of the software. But my issues are different...
"The company also provides excellent customer support, free of charge." That's as long as you stick strictly to the software and it's functions.
I've spent hundreds $$$$ with this company since their very beginnings. I made the mistake and asked in an email if they might be creating a simple chart creator for iPhone or Android. And he came back about how Apple and Google, etc. are into everything about us and that can affect EVERYTHING we do from Credit Cards to Loans. Paranoid ramblings... Okay. Yes, so.. what does that have to do with a simple chart app for Android?
Telling a very good customer "You really are not up to speed, it goes well beyond getting someone’s name and address," is insulting and NOT very customer friendly. I just want a simple smartphone chart based on date time and place. That's all I asked about. Me responding "I already know they're into all my likes, dislikes, friends names, address, etc., so your point was?."
He's paranoid about what? Why insult a very good paying customer and then block them when they respond negatively about your insult with a spam block on your email. I guess i no long own this software as they have taken away any customer service help I might need should I need to purchase or upgrade or have a crash to re-install software I've already paid for.
Beware! Joe is a loose cannon at AstroCycles.com
Joe
Greenville,,Michigan,
United States of America
Ms. Hill you are not telling the real story
#6Consumer Suggestion
Thu, May 10, 2012
You did not bother to tell how you have reviewed the software for more than two years before making your purchase, or that the company repeatedly answered your queries during that time. You did not include the fact that all of your questions were answered, apparently to your satisfaction - thus your purchase. You did review Time Cycles website repeatedly and did see the License (the link is highligted in RED on every page of the site) and the fact stated (in the FAQ) that no refunds were given. Nor did you reference the time spent trying to help you learn to use this software properly or the special chart wheel designed just for you that was prepared at no additional cost.
You are being extremely misleading. There is a learning curve to all Professional level software, which is what this software is. If a user is not willing to take the time to learn the topic (and astrology is complex) and the proper use of the software, there is little a company can do about that. If the subject matter, thus the technical aspects of the software are beyond a users capabilities, we do our best to learn that during our conversations, and (as we do) discourage a purchase. The cost of the customer support we attempted to provide you went well beyond the few dollars you paid for the software.
The company produces excellent software, used by tens of thousands of astrologers around the world. The company also provides excellent customer support, free of charge. Time Cycles has developed quality astrology software for Mac owners for 27 years. In a commuinty as small as that of our astrologers "ripping people off" means a speedy demise - as it should.
You do a disservice to people and to yourself by your misrepresentation of facts.
