Except for the two years at Umass, Amherst, I've lived my life in Maryland. My career was spent in higher ed teaching figurative sculpture and ceramics. Two grown sons and two cute dogs (the one pictured is named Popcorn), plus some exes. I'm very generous with panhandlers and I pick up stray dogs. I am extremely worried about the disparity of wealth and the danger it poses to Democracy and freedom in the US.i.e. our current President. I'm extremely curious.
I know a great deal about art and ceramics. I'm a trained mediator. I know a fair amount about plumbing, carpentry, electrical work and cooking.
, reading and making things, I'm a sculptor. I really like to travel
I decided to alter my review to give praise to technical support. Computers are great until there's a problem and you need technical support. As someone who grew up with a black, corded, rotary dial telephone when it comes to computer jargon, I'm not at the top of the learning curve. Apple on-line support is without doubt the best I've encountered. Unlike many other tech reps who's english language pronunciation skills are marginal at best, who often are impatient and who lack the ability to clearly explain things Apple reps are smart, pleasant, patient and dedicated to helping you solve your problem. I'm not going to list all of the benefits of owning an Apple computer, I will just say that should you have a problem, you can rest easy knowing that excellent help is just a phone call away. In store service is also excellent but do make an appointment!
I purchased a number of watches(20) and all of the transactions went well. It wasn't until I had a problem with a watch that Watchismo showed itself to be unethical. The band on a new $400 watch purchased for my wife came off. I returned it at my expense for their repair and again the band fell off. Rather than giving me a refund, I received an unwanted credit in their store. Had I returned the watch simply because I didn't like it, I would understand the credit but to now require me to purchase another watch from them is truly a coercive sales practice. In the words of Tweety,"Be vwery vwery careful".
Update: Carefully read their return policy and see that nothing has changed. Even if the problem with the watch was not caused by you, their solution will be at your expense.
I received a list of possible companies. They either didn't call or when they did they didn't do what I specifically said I needed. Rather than waste time with this company, I would advise using a simple google search.
They collect very little data. I suspect one could do better throwing darts at a wall of pictures. I've used eharmony and Match and found both to be superior. Also, when attempting to stop the receipt of their unsatisfactory recommendations I had to google my question to find the procedure. I find it very, very annoying when sites make it so difficult stop receiving their services.
I originally wrote a lengthy review and have decided to revise it. Pros: Convenient, ingredients are well prepared and packaged, portion sizes are good, a good introduction to cooking for the novice. Cons: The food is at least twice as expensive as store purchased, way too much packaging, you still have to cook it, the recipes are a bit bland and the process for cancelling your subscription is I believe intentionally a bit vague. How to decide: Do you have enough money to pay for the convenience. Remember, you will still have to go to the store.
Tip for consumers:
Take some time to understand just what you are receiving and how much it costs.
The owner, Michael Route, is an extremely talented metal worker who produces very high quality work at very reasonable prices. The things he produces do not go out of fashion and will likely be passed down through successive generations. Because most of his work is custom made he is very willing to work with the customer to produce something that pleases them. I have purchased a number of pieces from him and have found him to be a pleasure to work with. Enjoy the process.
I am 71 years old and met my wife when I was 65. It took almost two years to find each other but worth the effort. We're a perfect match and we've never been happier. While I would agree that some of my matches left me wondering what criteria were used; all of these sites rely on user honesty. I'm sure that lack of self esteem and loneliness can contribute to misrepresentation. Regardless of site, be patient; the person who is looking for you may be tomorrow's match. Suggestion: If possible, expand your geographic range. What might seem impossible in theory may become very possible for the right person; I'm from Maryland and my wife was from Ohio. Update: sixth anniversary; never been happier
Having used this site a number of times, I can say with confidence that you can be sure of its integrity. That said, the buyer still must always exercise good judgement. In the auction process there is an opportunity for purchasing items at good price.
Suggestion: This site permits live on-line bidding. If you have never attended an auction, it would behoove you to simply watch several auctions and do some pretend practice bidding. For beginners, it's very easy to get caught up in the very fast moving process: only to find you paid more for something than you had intended. Good luck!
They describe themselves as family owned but it must be the family down the street from you that leaves their dog outside when it's freezing and never cuts their lawn. Simply put, I wrote to them about a problem I was having with one of their products.
No response.
They say they have 25k rugs to choose from; needless to say, I didn't count. I can say that the selection was terrific, I was looking for a Persian style and found more than I was looking for. The carpet I found was marked Shiraz-Lori but was actually a very, very unusual design, similar to the Morrocan style abstract patterned type. For the price I paid, I thought it was a bargain. They show lots of pictures of each carpet advertised and the shipping was very efficient and free. The carpet that arrived looked exactly like the one pictured on their site. One caution: I have great doubt about the validity of the 60% price reduction advertised.
A $17 shipping charge on an $80 a product that came in its own shipping package is ridiculous! But the item is guaranteed forever. I've used their return policy and they do support their warranty.
This site may not be dangerous to you physically but it certainly might endanger your bank account. I ordered a painting from them a month ago and have not received anything, not even a delivery update. No response from them. Their phone number is constantly busy and when using the link for your order info, you're taken to a page that no longer exists. Need I say more?
I purchased a set of rather expensive sheets from "Cuddledown". By the time I received, opened and washed them, I decided I will look for another company. Why, you ask. The answers: Their internet servers are extremely slow, some time never moving to the next page. That required me to go back and start again... ugh.The shipment, from I think Maine to Maryland took eight days. I'm assuming it came via conestoga wagon! The slow shipping cost was $21.99 for approximately 5 lbs. The US PostalService charges $14.50 for up to 70 lbs for a first-class flat-rate box, which they supply. I suspect Cuddledown's packing, which entailed throwing the sheets in a box, applying a pre-printed label and tape and then placing it on a truck costs, the company no more than $8 including under-paid labor. That leaves a net of $14.99. Apparently shipping is a profit center. Now for the salt-in-the wound. After washing them, I noticed the flat sheet was a King size... again ugh! I spoke to customer service in the Phillippines and there is no need to tell you what that conversation was like. Their solution was for me to return the sheet with a shipping label they would send in 4-10 business days. Again by wagon? Upon receiving the sheet they would then send a replacement. Based on past experience, I estimated it could take as long as a month to receive my replacement. When they finally acknowledged that waiting a month to use newly purchased sheets was ridiculous, they agreed to simply send a new one. Would you be willing to go through that process to buy a set of sheets? I know I won't do it again.
I've been a subscriber, that they call a member, for about 50 years and I have found them to be a reliable source of information and advice on a wide variety of products and services. The information and advice on negotiating the price of a car worked like a charm.The last time I used it and was leaving, two of the salesmen actually applauded! To assure impartiality, they accept no advertising and as a member you have the opportunity to vote for their board of directors. While one might not agree with their rating you are confident they've done their best.
I had done this before, but when I attempted to trade-in my car, I found that their "competitiveness" had left the barn. Briefly, I was offered almost $5k less than their asking price for the same model with more miles and in no better condition; mine was virtually flawless. I sold it privately one day later for $3k more than their offer.
Tip for consumers:
Check the bluebook prices before you trade or sell.
Over the years, I have bargained hard when purchasing a new car. So when I discovered CarMax I thought I had died and gone to heaven! Since then I have purchased five cars from them and sold two. Their prices are competitive, the cars are well inspected (they won't sell a car that has been in an accident), they have a wide selection and there is no pressure. And best of all, no haggling! I've found that there are great opportunities when buying up-scale cars that are one or two years old. All of them had mileage under 10k and because of early, high depreciation were much cheaper than new; they even had their original warranty. Because I tend to sell before the warranty expires, other than regular maintenance I've had no repair expense. What's not to like.
I received an unsolicited offer to join this free dating site. The pictures that were included seemed somewhat odd for a dating site. Compared to photos usually seen on dating sites, these were in unexpected poses and not even showing some of the faces. I did a little search and found information suggesting this was a phishing and scamming enterprise. While I can't verify that claim, I do know that everything comes with a cost. One has to wonder how does the site benefit from your participation. My suggestion: You usually get what you pay for, so err on the side of caution and look elsewhere. I've used both eHarmony and Match and found them very similar in their effectiveness. Good luck!
I purchased a dozen regular wooden base mouse traps. I then bated six of them with peanut butter. The Mice ate all of the PB but I caught only one mouse! I then bated them with a sticky caramel and added a smear of PB. Still had an 80% failure rate. I contacted the company not looking for replacement but maybe advice. No suggestion but offered to replace them but only if I had a receipt. Really? To be so stingy with an item that retails for about 50 cents each suggests to me that this company cares little about customer satisfaction. One also has to wonder how well they pay their employees. Penny wise pound foolish.
While my comments relate to an in-store experience, the attention I received tells me that the company values their customers. I had dropped off a watch to have it repaired and it was returned to me repaired but the band was not completely reassembled. When I returned to the store, the service manager came out to speak with me. This is the service manager in the largest jewelry company on the East Coast. He apologized for the mistake and then thanked me when I let him know about another problem I had. He said,"Good service is our number one priority because without it people loose confidence in the products you sell. In this business a good reputation is absolutely necessary". If all companies respected their customers as much as Albert Smyth Jewelers. There might not be any need for Sitejabber, but don't get your hopes up.
I received a response about my earlier comments about Supplement Clarity from Joe C. Who seems to be the owner. He suggested that I take a look at his site to see how objective his reviews are. I did. I read his review/comparison of Viviscal vs. Nutrafol, two products that claim to regrow lost hair. I stand by my original comments. Anyone who encourages use of either of these is a snake oil salesman. They can likely get you a good deal on buying the Brooklyn Bridge!
Earlier comments:
While I would like to think that there are sites such as these, the probability is slim to none. Reviews are opinions and as such are inherently biased, it's human nature. The scientific studies they refer to are most likely not scientific. Why, because scientific studies are very expensive. They require fairly large, carefully selected populations ( age, race, gender etc) and are double-blind. I. e. Two groups, neither of which know if they are the group that is taking a placebo. They take place over time and generate largely quantitative rather than anecdotal results. The results are published in reputable scientific journals and the study/testing results must also be repeatable. Scientists only do studies that are about significant issues that are funded and will improve their reputations thus garnering more grants for more research. Unfortunately, nutritional supplements do not fall into the significant category. Compare it to Alzheimers. Who will fund the initial study, and, who is going to repeat the study?
That is not to say that some people believe they have benefitted from a particular supplement or vitamin, it just means that these are opinions not measurable proof. Lastly, if Supplement Clarity sells nothing, how do they earn enough money to maintain their site and pay salaries? One has to wonder, if their links to purchase the reviewed products isn't some how connected to a "commission" And don't forget, even good 'ol Doctor Oz has been caught fibbing see "Last Week Tonight" with John Oliver.
Hi Daniel, I am the owner of Supplement Clarity. First, I want to applaud your obvious desire to help people understand supplements and science better. Your comment title “study their studies” is a testament to that.
But as I read your comment, I got the impression you never visited my website. I say this because:
You refer to my reviews as “their” when it is "I" who write the reviews. The About page of my site spells out who I am. I have been investigating supplements for over 20 years and have a BS in chemistry and biology and a MS in exercise science.
You say the studies “they” refer to are “most likely not scientific” but If you visited my website and looked around, you’d clearly see I link to peer reviewed studies in pubmed. While it is true what you say –studies can be expensive – I make this clear also when I discuss the research.
I often pay attention to sample size, dosage used, in vitro vs in vivo studies, potential side effects and even such things whether the researchers own stock in the companies whose products they research.
In short, I think you would change your mind about my site and rating if you gave me a chance. If not, I will understand. Regardless, I will still continue to do what I do.
Best,
Joe
I purchased the product not for the cost saving but because of the number of flavors offered. Instead I got a time consuming process with awful tasting and often expensive flavors. Being somewhat resourceful, I soon made my own flavors using Crystal Lite powders and mixing them with water; these were actually pretty good. But here's the rub. If you don't turn in your used co2 cylindar when you purchase a replacement the full cost would be prohibitive; think propane cylindars. Unfortunately, I had to purchase my replacements from Office Depot which is not near me, thus requiring a special trip. If you want a cold beverage when you want/need it, you must plan ahead. One, be sure to have a working gas cylindar on hand. Two, keep the refillable bottles full and in your refrigrator thus they are immediately cold when you make the drink. This of course takes up a lot of refrigerator space. Three, don't forget the crystal lite. Now imagine you've finished mowing the lawn you're hot and want a cold drink. Assuming you have done the first three steps, you can either get out the equipment and supplies and make some (10-15 min for three bottles) or you gan grab a Coke. Which do you think you're going to do? I rest my case(of Coke)
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No Worries! Excellent products, service, S&H packaging! *'Keep it up! 51 characters left to make...
I've been buying from Invaluable for about 2 years now and have had all positive experiences....
Hi Daniel,
We do apologize about this unfortunate situation. All of our watches sold are brand new direct from the manufacturer and also come with warranties 100% provided by the manufacturer to protect your purchase against any future defects. All warranty issues are to be handled directly with the watch manufacturer, and not Watchismo. If our customers receive a watch defective on arrival we will replace it immediately as well as issue a pre-paid label to cover the return costs. If an item has an issue after 30 days of purchase the watch is then covered by the warranty provided by the manufacturer and we will put our customers in contact with the manufacturer to help them get started on their warranty repair/replacement.
If you could please contact us at contact@watchismo.com with your order number we would be happy to review this past issue.
We appreciate your business and understanding of warranties provided by the manufacturer.
Watchismo Customer Support