Thumbnail of user charlesj17

Charles J.

6
Level 6 Contributor
Seminole, FL

Contributor Level

Total Points
15,106

About Me

White, middle-aged, single gay man who collects antique clocks, antique black amethyst glass, does massive gardening, but only with flowering plants. Avid reader. Have been to 14 countries.

How I Can Help

Antiques, flowering plants, motorcycles.

Interests

Children, animal companions, antiques, travel, spirituality.

100 Reviews by Charles

  • Pin Mart

3/31/18

I had been looking for Gay Pride pins on different web-sites and was amazed at the high prices. Then I found Pin Mart. Their prices are almost 1/2 of what other web-sites offer. I wonder if the other companies are buying from Pin Mart and reselling the pins! Pin Mart offers a huge selections for every kind of use. Amazing at the variety they have. Very impressive.

Tip for consumers:
Scroll around for the mega-variety of pins they offer.

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
  • Paragongroupusa

1/18/18
• Updated review

Earlier I wrote a review of Atmor Tankless Water Heaters. The problem I faced was not looking at the output of the water heater. Had I done that I would have selected a higher level unit for the Kitchen and Bathroom sinks. That's my error. A rep with Paragon Group USA did call me today and offered, at no cost to me, to replace the units with larger capacity units. I have unfairly categorized the Atmor Tankless Hot Water Heaters as a "poor product". Although I selected the unit based on the chart listed on the retailer's web site, I neglected to look at the gallons per minute output. Had I done that I would have understood I needed a more productive unit. So, I have to give Atmor a better rating, especially in customer service.

Tip for consumers:
Make sure if you select a model based on the use on the chart you also look at the gpm output.

Poor product
1/18/18
• Previous review

I purchased 3 Atmor units from Home Depot on sale. Two were the AT900-03 and one AT900-10. I selected models based on your chart and that I live in central Florida. One for the kitchen sink, one for the bathroom sink and the AT900-10 for the shower/tub.

The kitchen sink: AT900-03 The water flow is 1/2 of what I normally get using the aerator supplied with the unit. It takes a very long time for the water flow to fill a sink or coffee pot. Because the aerator is so high pressured, it makes the water splash on the back-splash and onto the counter.

The bathroom sink: AT900-03 Your aerator does not fit on my faucet, so I had to use the one that came with the faucet. The water, because it is not restricted like your aerator does, is luke-warm. It never gets hot. Flow is still diminished.

The shower/tub: AT900-10 This unit works fine and produces plenty of hot water.

Overall, I am deeply dissatisfied with your product and would not recommend it to anyone. If I had known the shortcomings of the AT900-03's I would have gone to a higher unit. But based on your scale and my point of use, I selected what your chart recommended.

I did try to call the customer service number listed on the material included with the units. I got a recording and was told someone would call me back. No one did. Lousy customer service. Even Paragon Group USA email address is hard to find.

Tip for consumers:
More than likely you will see units for sale on other company's web-sites. Do not buy these units. If you do, go to a higher unit than the one recommended on the charts supplied.

  • Banko Overhead Doors

1/18/18
• Updated review

When the installers came to install the door, they brought the wrong door with them. The installer told me that they would still put the door in and within a week someone would come out with the correct upper panel of leaded glass. I called Kaitlin (sp) at Banko and she had someone come from their warehouse with the correct panel. Then after the installers left, they had not installed the rubber seals correctly around the door and I had to call Banko again. They had a repairman come out the next day and properly install the rubber seals. The installers may have not been on top of their game, but customer service in fantastic at Banko Overhead Doors.

Service
Value
Quality
Sales and Sales Personnel
1/18/18
• Previous review

I need a modern garage door to replace the old one piece up and back door. I had gotten a written estimate 2 months ago, and decided today to go with the original door I had selected. The 2nd Sales Agent, Theresa, who came out today had to re-write the order. I had selected upper windows in leaded glass to match the new front door I'm installing. Because she could not find the price for the leaded glass windows, she gave me the leaded glass windows for the same price as the plain glass windows. That's a bargain. I probably saved around $400 on the leaded glass windows. I am very impressed with Banko Overhead Doors. I had spoken with Amber twice on the phone. She was professional, personable and knowledgeable. And dealing with Theresa today was the same. A very friendly, polite, charming, professional and knowledgeable. If the installers are even half as nice as Amber and Theresa, I will be further impressed. Plus Banko's garage doors are less expensive than 4 other competitors that I had price the job.

Tip for consumers:
Look at the different options.

Service
Value
Quality
  • Joe Cool

1/2/18

I needed a plumber to complete the installation of a tankless water heater for my shower/tub. The company I usually use does not do elec tankless water heaters! I called Joe Cool, spoke to a lovely call taker and set up an appt for the next day. The plumber, Daniel, called me while on his way to my house. Once he arrived, Daniel only took 39 min to complete the job. He was personable, knowledgeable, and his expertise was evident. This is a small, privately own company. I was very, very impressed Daniel and the service provided. I used an online coupon for $60 off provided on Joe Cool's website. And, the cost was less than 1/2 of what I usually paid the other company!

Tip for consumers:
Enjoy being treated like a human with Joe Cool Air (Plumbing).

Service
Value
Quality
  • Pinmark

12/19/17

I wanted to order a Pink Triangle and had gone to a website. One of the complaints on that website was that PinMart sold the pin cheaper. Went to PinMart and was surprised that the (lapel) pins were 40% cheaper than other websites. And the variety of pins is phenominal. Ordered my pins on Monday and had them by Saturday. Great product and reasonable price.

Tip for consumers:
Look at all the pins in the categories that interest you.

  • New Garden Plants

12/16/17

I ordered 28 plants from New Garden Plants in Hudsonville MI on the 8th of December and received the plants on the 15th of December. After spending a day on the web trying to find a vendor that would ship immediately and not wait til Spring, I was ecstatic. I received the plants today. NOT ONE PLANT WAS LABELED! I have 28 pots of plants and have no idea which is which. I tried to call and got a recording that tells me to send "Pete" an email. Which I did. I buy a lot of plants and am experienced in using dot-com companies for plants. I do not recommend anyone buy from this site. It is irresponsible to not mark the plants and not have a telephone number I can speak to a live human at. Shame on you New Garden Plants nursery and shame on you "Pete".

Added Comments: After unwrapping the first 11 plants, the rest had labels on them. So I was able to discern what 11 of those unidentified plants are. The 12th plant was a freebie. The label was stuck down in the pot. I'm still not happy with that kind of mistake. I'm not sure I'll use New Garden Plants again. I still have to get over my homicidal anger!

Tip for consumers:
If you order more than one type of plant, you will have trouble discerning which plant is which.

Service
Value
Shipping
  • Dollar General

12/5/17

Not much to say. Felt like I was in a closet. Aisles cramped and over filled. Felt encompassed. Prices were better than a convenience store, but not as good as a full sized supermarket.

  • Countrypizzainn

12/5/17

Rode my motorcycle there. It is a small, small salad bar with just the basics. There are also 4 types of pizzas: pepperoni, hamburger, cheese and vegetarian. The vegetarian pizza is the best I've ever had. It was scrumptious! Also had pasta shells with cheese and tomato sauce. There was also homemade lasagna. There were two deserts: rice pudding and baklava. I ate so much, it was difficult to get on the bike! The wait staff is very pleasant and replaced my sweet tea as fast as I could drink it. The decor is beautiful. Very Italianate. If you're expecting a 90 item, all you can eat food bar, this place is not for you. This was my first visit and I will go back and take friends. Oh, my bill was $12 for all I could eat and unlimited sweet tea! Pizza buffet hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. everyday.

Tip for consumers:
Remember, it's basic. But well worth a visit. You will go away full.

  • WOW! Internet

10/29/17

I only need internet. While other companies charge a lot more, I was able to get internet for $39.99 a month. The staff at the call center were friendly, knowledgeable and did not try to upsell me. The tech who came out to run the line was fast, efficient. It's not a huge company, but it services my area. I would never go back to the other local provides now. I can see why the call it WOW!

Service
Value
Quality
  • NewChic

10/29/17

Recently went on the web-site to order shoes. More than 50% of the shoes are no larger than size 10. I ordered 8 pairs of shoes. The company broke my order into 3 parts and charged my debit card in two charges. I saw no where on the web-site that I would pay an international charge card fee. At check out, I opted to not use Pay-Pal and submitted my order. It came back later, refused and refunded. The charge card fee was not refunded. Apparently one must use Pay-Pal or you cant order. My funds were refunded immediately. Nice site, but was also unaware it is a Chinese site and, if I understand it correctly, shoes are shipped from different locations in China. I would not recommend anyone buying from this company. There are too many American companies that do a better job and are more web friendly.

Service
Value
Thumbnail of user newchicn
Newchic N. – NewChic Rep

Dear Charles,

Sorry for your inconvenience.

We have measured the items before selling them. However, If the product you have received does not meet the size chart, you need to send us some pictures to show this problem, our customer service will check it carefully and then offer you a reasonable solution according to the return policy.

About the size, you can find all the details about the sizes of each item on every product page. To choose a correct size, we usually suggest that customers can measure their own size and then read the size reference on our product page, not the usual size you ordered.

About the size reference, you can see it in the page of product description. If you are still confused about which is suitable, you can contact our customer service. Https :// www.newchic. Com/Contact-Us-hc10. Html. And we will give you advise.

Here is the our website: http://www.newchic.com/. In our shop, we have big size shoes. You can click this link to our website to enter the key words with the product name and find the item you want and then go to the product page to get all information, including the price, size and etc.

We are located in China, but the items may be dispatched from difference warehouse.

We offer payment methods as below:
1. PayPal Payments
2. Paying with Credit card/Bankcard
3. Paying with iDEAL payment at the checkout
4. Wire Transfer Payment
More details, please refer to https://www.newchic.com/how-to-pay-hc12.html

Any questions, please contact our customer service. Https :// www.newchic. Com/Contact-Us-hc10. Html.

Best regards,

Newchic team.

  • Jackson & Perkins

7/12/16

A company that has been around for a while. They have beautiful rose bushes and except for one, all mine came in in great shape. Bought them all for more than 50% off at $9.95 each. The roses are spectacular. Their web site is so enjoyable you can spend hours looking at flowering plants and wishing you had acres and acres to plant!

Tip for consumers:
Order early in spring to get anything they show on the web. The best and most popular sell out fast. Join their web site and get your first shipment for no shipping cost.

Service
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Quality
  • Fortunato's Italian Pizzeria

7/12/16

Fortunato's Italian Restaurant, mostly take out. Located on Starkey Rd. In Largo Fl, near the intersection of Park Blvd and Starkey Rd. The best Italian food I have ever eaten. Plentiful. Priced right and made in house daily. Nicest woman I've ever met owns the place.

Tip for consumers:
Call ahead to pick up at the take out window.

Service
Value
Quality
  • BrighterBlooms.com

3/9/16

Ordered $183 of mostly rose bushes for a new rose garden. One part of the order was Mr Lincoln roses at $19.95 each or 3 for $49.95. I ordered the three. Once the order came in, it only had 1 Mr Lincoln. I called customer service, they investigated and called me back in 2 1/2 hrs. They sent the 2nd rose bush, not the two. Had to call again. They then sent the 3rd rose bush, but in a separate shipping sent 2 more rose bushes. That's two more than I ordered. Additionally, they issued me a "gift certificate" for 24.95. I just tried to use the gift certificate and make another order for $145.94. The payment page accept the "gift certificate" code but would not let me enter payment info. So, I checked on the "gift certificate" code on their site and it says the code id "blocked". I'm not sure what's going on, they are not open on Sundays, so I will call them tomorrow. Their plants are beautiful, shipping is fast and carefully packed. But, brother!, the trouble and time I've had to spend getting an order correct or using a "gift certificate" has been horrific! I hope I can get this resolved.

Tip for consumers:
Keep written records if you have to call. For bare root plants, photos on the web site are nothing like the plant you get. Still a great web site and company.

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
  • Stpetepowersports

3/9/16

I've been taking my motorcycle to St. Pete Power Sports on US Hwy 19 S for several years. Had everything done there. New tires, wiring, tune-ups, fork replacements, etc. I called last week and I'm no longer in their system and was told they would no longer work on my motorcycle because it's more than 10 years old. It is 11 years old and in pristine condition. But, the service department person I spoke with told me to bring it in anyway. Went in there today and they refused to work on it. I feel very insulted. My money was good for the last 6 years. Now, I'm not good enough for them. Well, the plans for a new bike in the future sure won't include St. Pete Power Sports. I'm very disappointed with your service department attitude. I did find a motorcycle shop closer to home and they are glad to have my patronage. To the Service Manager at St. Pete Power Sports: You are cursed!

Tip for consumers:
Go to West Coast Power Sports at 14996 US Hwy 19 N in Clearwater. They want your business.

  • Wayfair

3/8/16

I bought a king sized comforter for my queen bed. My bedroom is red and black chinese. The comforter is red on one side and black on the other. It looked much nicer in the photo on the WayFair web site and the price was great. Unfortunately, it looks and feels cheap. Something like that probably needs to come from a local store.

Tip for consumers:
Choose carefully, glossy photos usually look better than the shipped item.

Service
Value
Shipping
Quality
  • JessisRestaurant

2/14/16

I took 3 neighbors to dinner here. I'm very easy to please, but, with only 3 other patrons in the restaurant, we had to wait 10 min to be seated. The waitress forgot part of my order. I ordered the Spinach Pie. They were out of it, so all that was left for me, the vegetarian, was Fettuccine Alfredo. The sauce had an odd smell. After the meal, a child knocked his plate off the table and we had to wait another 15 min while the cashier cleaned up the floor. The web site looks great, but the room was small, low ceiling with large beams that made us feel cramped. The dim lighting made the restaurant look dingy. I've only been to one other restaurant that was worse. I hate to trash a place, but I have had better meals in prison. (Nineteen years of that, too!)

Tip for consumers:
If you go, have low expectations and lots of patience.

Service
Value
Quality
  • Jimmy Guanas

2/11/16

My neighbors invited me to join them at Jimmy Guanas for dinner. They had raved about previous trips to Jimmy Guanas. My neighbor was going because it was her birthday and the restaurant gives a free entre to anyone who has a birthday that month. I had joined the web-site and had a free entre' coupon. Only three of us went, but bought not only our meals, but two take out meals for the kids at home. Overall, with the high-priced drinks, we spent $90. The waiter informed us that only one person in the party was allowed a free entre'. Other factors in this review: To get our waiter, one in our party had to wave his napkin in the air, after we had all waived out hands at him. (Only about 20% of the seats were occupied, and they weren't busy. It's winter here.) The wrong dip was brought with the meal. My friend had specifically asked that blue cheese dip be replaced with another. I'm not normally a complainer, I'm pretty easy to please. But, and there's always a but, the service was poor, the food was no better than a buffet and the prices were high.

Tip for consumers:
Perhaps it's better in the summer at the height of the tourist season.

Service
Value
Quality
  • TaxACT

2/10/16

Every year I use TaxAct to file my free federal taxes. This year I filed having bought a house. The price was really good, the site easily navigable, and I was pleased with the service. Another online tax service charges double and had a glitch in their system for 2014 that cost customers money in their returns. My neighbors used the other well known service and had to call their call center. Three different call center agents gave them three different answers. TaxAct is be far, the best service in self prepared taxes I have yet to encounter.

Tip for consumers:
Skip all the additional offers for upgraded service. The basic service is all the average person needs. The 1040EZ is free to everyone. The long form is only $14.99.

Service
Value
Quality
  • StPetersburgGlassandMirror

11/9/15

Was repairing a friends childhood jewelry box. Must be 40 years old and needed a small mirror cut to fit the lid off the box. Carried it to St Pete Glass. Jeremy Craig was the nicest person and took a lot of time to cut and fit the mirror correctly to the box. The price was so low, it was less than a cheap hand-held mirror at the large retailer in town.

Tip for consumers:
Send an email, don't call. You'll only get voice mail. He answers his email immediately.

Service
Value
Quality
  • Edsal

10/28/15

I bought two Edsal Tri-Track Heavy Duty Storage Units, model #MRTP185SL from Home Depot and was so impressed with the sturdiness, durability, and ease of assembly, that I bought two more! The price was better than any other product I could find. You can't order from Edsal, but you can get the unit at Home Depot.

Value
Quality

Charles Has Earned 126 Votes

Charles J.'s review of Greentomatoes earned a Very Helpful vote

Charles J.'s review of Talbott Garden Nursery earned 2 Very Helpful votes

Charles J.'s review of Ryobi Tools earned 3 Very Helpful votes

Charles J.'s review of Wawa earned 2 Very Helpful votes

Charles J.'s review of Cody's Original Roadhouse earned 2 Very Helpful votes

Charles J.'s review of mamasfamouspizzaseminole.com earned a Very Helpful vote

Charles J.'s review of texansjewelry.com earned 2 Very Helpful votes

Charles J.'s review of bellissimoitalianeatery.com earned 2 Very Helpful votes

Charles J.'s review of canon-driverprinter.com earned a Very Helpful vote

Charles J.'s review of snyderandsonsnursery.com earned 2 Very Helpful votes

Charles J.'s review of rigalshop.com earned 2 Very Helpful votes

Charles J.'s review of First Watch earned 2 Very Helpful votes

Charles J.'s review of Etsy earned 3 Very Helpful votes

Charles J.'s review of ChopBox.us earned 4 Very Helpful votes

Charles J.'s review of EverQuote earned 11 Very Helpful votes

Charles J.'s review of New Garden Plants earned 5 Very Helpful votes

Charles J.'s review of Cracker Barrel earned 2 Very Helpful votes

Charles J.'s review of Stauer earned 12 Very Helpful votes

Charles J.'s review of Brother earned a Very Helpful vote

Charles J.'s review of WORX earned 4 Very Helpful votes

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Jake C.
2 Reviews
9 Votes

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Jake C.
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