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do not buy from gadgetbuyers.co.uk or oddsanpods.co.uk

After sending me some generic chin-woo products which wasn't as per the image or description. After 3 weeks now they have completely ignored my request for an RMA number.
Avoid.

Another to avoid
Avoid the cradles from seller "U-Bop" on Amazon, too. Same thing, great picture of a small cradle. Slightly more expensive than the other clunky big ones. I order it and they send...a big clunky one. Then want me to pay return shipping, then delay my refund. Then they delete the listing on Amazon, (with my negative review) wait a few days, and re-list the exact same thing. Same fake picture and all. Not cool. I put up another negative review calling them on it and it's still up for now. Amazon backed me up, though, and I got a full refund after filing a dispute.

Tiznom said:
Avoid the cradles from seller "U-Bop" on Amazon, too. Same thing, great picture of a small cradle. Slightly more expensive than the other clunky big ones. I order it and they send...a big clunky one. Then want me to pay return shipping, then delay my refund. Then they delete the listing on Amazon, (with my negative review) wait a few days, and re-list the exact same thing. Same fake picture and all. Not cool. I put up another negative review calling them on it and it's still up for now. Amazon backed me up, though, and I got a full refund after filing a dispute.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I had a similar issue with U-Bop. Ordered a case for my Desire; it didn't arrive so they sent out another in a different colour. When it arrived it looked totally different to the picture, had holes in it, and ended up falling apart.
After I sent them photos and was issued a refund they had the cheek to ask me to remove my negative feedback!

Bump - I would hate for another member of this forum to have this issue with one of these sellers.

cardiak thaks for the heads up was just about to impulse buy some stuff from here then thought to check here for reviews - now looking to get a cradle, battery & case from elsewhere!
Avoided!

Bad Company
I ordered an htc tytn ii replacement battery however when it arrived I noticed some problems with it. Firstly the battery dimensions are not identical to my original battery, only a few millimetres smaller in places however this means the battery does not sit as tight as the previous battery. what this means is that while it does charge and then function, when the phone is moved the battery loses its connection and the phone powers off! I'm also slightly skeptical in the authenticity of the battery, when compared to the original, the writing is clearly smaller and it looks possibly as if someone has copied the image from an actually battery and stuck a sticker of it on top of a cheaper battery. The general design of the battery also differs in places, most prominently on the back of the battery!
I tried every method of contacting them and absolutely no response!! Too bad, I didn't read your stories, from now on I will definitely avoid them.

cardiak said:
After sending me some generic chin-woo products which wasn't as per the image or description. After 3 weeks now they have completely ignored my request for an RMA number.
Avoid.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At least you have had your item!! I've emailed numerous times to get my item or even my money back and they seem to think it's fun ignoring me!! Do you by any chance know a phone number where I can contact them?
Thanks
Kez

Call your Bank
Hey Kez,
If you want to know what you are up against, do a quick Google search for "gadgetbuyers.co.uk". This post here, and another like it also on XDA are right there on the first page, right after the links to their website.
You probably just want your money back, and you are not obligated to track down any vendor that ignores you. That's just a stalling tactic they use.
Instead, call the bank that issued the card you used to pay for the purchase and initiate a chargeback for the transaction. Just tell the bank they did not deliver anything, and that they are ignoring your repeated attempts to contact them. You will get your money back, and they will be charged another fee for doing the chargeback.
You have to keep good records here, save your emails and write down each attempt to phone them, etc. When you talk to the bank, have everything together in a time line, and then call. It's surprisingly easy to do, and it works.
Good luck and post back here again if you run into trouble, or just PM me.

Thanks for the warning. I'll keep on the lookout.

Thanks for the info. Will not buy there.

[Q] Nexus 5 Warranty Replacement

Recently, my Nexus 5 has been acting up. The problem specifically is that when I plug it into the OEM charger (along with 3 other chargers that I've tried), it will only hold the charge. It will not charge past the battery% that it is sitting at. Sometimes, it even drains somehow. I've tried going back to stock, clearing my cache, and other troubleshooting steps that Google sent me.
After letting them know that I had no luck with getting the phone to charge properly, they tell me that they will provide a replacement (hold on credit card, blah blah blah) but that the replacement unit will be REFURBISHED and LIKE-NEW condition.. Is this how the Google warranty has always been? It does not sound right to me. I've only had the device for 8 months, and they offer me a refurbished replacement for a hardware-faulty phone?
Just looking for a quick answer and some peace of mind if someone could quickly clarify if their refurbished replacements are something regular and I shouldn't be worried about swapping out my phone for something in like-new condition.

They used to give new devices for rma. Now that the phone has been out for some time they only give refurbished ones for rma. So yes, it's normal.

alkajak said:
Recently, my Nexus 5 has been acting up. The problem specifically is that when I plug it into the OEM charger (along with 3 other chargers that I've tried), it will only hold the charge. It will not charge past the battery% that it is sitting at. Sometimes, it even drains somehow. I've tried going back to stock, clearing my cache, and other troubleshooting steps that Google sent me.
After letting them know that I had no luck with getting the phone to charge properly, they tell me that they will provide a replacement (hold on credit card, blah blah blah) but that the replacement unit will be REFURBISHED and LIKE-NEW condition.. Is this how the Google warranty has always been? It does not sound right to me. I've only had the device for 8 months, and they offer me a refurbished replacement for a hardware-faulty phone?
Just looking for a quick answer and some peace of mind if someone could quickly clarify if their refurbished replacements are something regular and I shouldn't be worried about swapping out my phone for something in like-new condition.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I called Google yesterday about my Nexus 5, but for a different issue with the SIM card. Same as you, "hold on credit card, blah blah blah" and then I received the email to see it was going to be a 'REFURBISHED and LIKE-NEW' unit. Knowing that the potential for abuse or misuse on a returned and refurbished unit is seemingly limitless I called them. The woman who I spoke with said that they just changed their policy 2 weeks ago and now they will all be refurbished units. They said that if I receive the refurbished unit and I don't like it, I can just send it back. They also said that if I receive a refurbished unit and it has problems after sever replacements I could go the route of returning it all together.
I'm not sure what I'm going to do.

I may stand alone when I say this, but how is getting a refurbished replacement for an 8 month old phone anything but fair? I can understand if it was a month old, but after 8 months your phone is thoroughly used. The refurbs are like new so you'll be getting a device that's in better condition than yours... I dunno, pick your battles I guess.

Refurbs are fine. They go back to LG and are put through the same QQ checks that new devices are. If housing or glass have any cracks or scratches they are replaced. The device will look brand new and they only way most people would be able to tell is because Google is telling you.

_MetalHead_ said:
I may stand alone when I say this, but how is getting a refurbished replacement for an 8 month old phone anything but fair? I can understand if it was a month old, but after 8 months your phone is thoroughly used. The refurbs are like new so you'll be getting a device that's in better condition than yours... I dunno, pick your battles I guess.
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Click to collapse
Exactly, every other device you would get refurbs from the start. The fact that Google was replacing them with new devices for 8 months is the surprising part, not that they've now switched to the standard business practice as the device nears EOL. It's like complaining about Google cross shipping the replacements. they go above and beyond what is expected of them and people still find reasons to complain.
If you return a used product, you can expect a used (refurbished) product in return.

I RMA'd my device due to a faulty earpiece. It is a 7 month old phone, and the earpiece just simply started acting up.
The refurbished device that I received is nearly flawless, but at the charging port there are quite some scratches. It seems the previous owner would fumble the cable around without looking, trying to plug it in.
http://postimg.org/image/ikp2n1z07/
They are bad enough that I am attempting to return it and get another one. I understand that they are refurbished, but I dont one want that is in a worse condition that mine. I am super caring to my phone. I expect something similar than that.
I will update as to how it goes!

Thanks for the responses (excluding the slight opinionated hostility). I feel a bit more comfortable about a refurbished device since I haven't had issues with phones before. I was skeptical because I had my Galaxy Nexus for 3 years with zero issues, it was the best phone I've ever had, so I was really surprised that a battery could crap out after 8 months just like that. I'll probably be ordering mine soon since I don't think a full refund is possible, and quite frankly, the device is quite better than the SGS products.

Shadow89 said:
I RMA'd my device due to a faulty earpiece. It is a 7 month old phone, and the earpiece just simply started acting up.
The refurbished device that I received is nearly flawless, but at the charging port there are quite some scratches. It seems the previous owner would fumble the cable around without looking, trying to plug it in.
http://postimg.org/image/ikp2n1z07/
They are bad enough that I am attempting to return it and get another one. I understand that they are refurbished, but I dont one want that is in a worse condition that mine. I am super caring to my phone. I expect something similar than that.
I will update as to how it goes!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That actually looks like they were using some sort of dock with their phone, hence the squarish imprint. Not the worst but I agree with you it shouldn't be in a worse condition then what you sent in, and that would not qualify as "as new" in most people's opinion.

My eBay experience (techno.trading.house)

Hi everyone,
I want to share my journey with the Z3, and the experience with buying from eBay, specifically from a seller, techno.trading.house (Steph, Ed). I bought two brand new Z3 (D6603)--a black one for myself, and a white one for my girlfriend. The order was smooth, and the phones came in pretty much brand new (open box though) with their plastic peel-screens on the glass, untouched. After using the two for a few hours, I noticed that my black one had a defective sensor (photo). The seller advertised "hassle-free" exchanges/refunds, so I reported the defect and had the black one exchanged right away.
After a week, the new one came, the same brand new (open box) condition as the previous phones. However, there was a slight manufacturing defect with the USB flap--it closes completely at a slant (photo). I spelled out the issue with the seller, and here was how it went:
SELLER: I'm sorry to hear that! We will certainly replace it for you, I believe that your phone would be damaged underwater if that or any other flap was not closed properly. (I also do strongly suggest to avoid wetting the phone just in case). Please return the phone to...
ME (after 2 days delivered to them): Hi, have you receive the package yet, and have you ship out the new phone?
SELLER: Your return has been received. If you had chosen to receive a replacement, it will be sent within 2 days. If you have opted for a refund, it will be issued within 24 hours minus applicable restocking fee.
ME: Do you have tracking info? Thanks!
SELLER: Our records indicate that we have already sent a replacement. You have reached out to us to let us know that the replacement has the same issue. In order to avoid another occurrence, we recommend that we proceed with a refund for this item. Please let us know if this is okay.
ME: Sorry, I am not sure what you are saying. Are you talking about the previous replacement or the 2nd replacement being shipped out? I am currently waiting for the 2nd replacement. You said "sure" on the second replacement last week.
SELLER: We are talking about the previous replacement. We believe since both- the original phone and the replacement phone- has had the same issue, that a refund might be best. Let us know if this is ok.
ME: That is not correct. First phone had a defective camera. Second one had a manufacturer defect on the flap. You agreed for the second exchange, so I am not sure why you are backing out now? I need the phone as I have been using an old dumb phone for work for a week already.
SELLER: I'm very sorry for the confusion. I just read back through the emails and you are indeed correct. We will have your replacement unit shipped today. Here is your tracking number. Again, I am sorry for the confusion. Have a great day!
ME: Thanks. I just hope the new one does not have any defect--I will be checking it. If it's not shipped out yet, anyway you can inspect these? Thank you.
SELLER: Hello, Not a problem.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So the 2nd replacement came (third phone), and the phone came in a used/open condition. There were no plastic peel-screens on either side of the glass and the USB wire was laying in there without its plastic wrappers. I knew immediately this was used, so I began close inspection of the phone. I found that the power button had a noticeable dent on one side, as if it was dropped on a table before. At this point, I don't know what to do with the phone. I have summoned the seller to see what they plan to do with this situation.
It appears that the seller recycles their returned phones and try to sell them as new, or whatever it is. I am extremely disappointed with this seller, and I want others to know so they may not fall into the same trap.
I checked the current feedback, and it appears someone had the same situation (photo). Go figure!

To me this sounds like a fair seller and a picky buyer. 832 positive reviews and 6 negative ones in a month is a ratio I would buy at if I wanted to save a hundred bucks by buying without factory warranty.

It could have been an honest mistake. I doubt he purposely gave you an opened one, just work with him to solve the problem. eBay is much harder on sellers than buyers and he would ruin his reputation if he did it on purpose. Looking at his rating I would say it was an honest mistake.
I understand if he wants to refund you, he is just trying to cut his losses. At the same time it was your misfortune to get a bad device/s. Since this phone is known for cosmetic/other issues as its in early production you are better of buying from Sony/carrier making replacement easier.

abhinav.tella said:
It could have been an honest mistake. I doubt he purposely gave you an opened one, just work with him to solve the problem. eBay is much harder on sellers than buyers and he would ruin his reputation if he did it on purpose. Looking at his rating I would say it was an honest mistake.
I understand if he wants to refund you, he is just trying to cut his losses. At the same time it was your misfortune to get a bad device/s. Since this phone is known for cosmetic/other issues as its in early production you are better of buying from Sony/carrier making replacement easier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
remember me?
I'm sorry to hear that. It was really a frustrating moment you went through. If I were you I would probably be really angry.
If you want, just buy it from Sony store. I got mine and it's perfect so far (except some cosmetic minor faults).

I bought two phones directly from the same seller. The price was cheaper on their own site vs eBay or Amazon. Both phones are perfect. They came in non sealed boxes. I've got no complaints.

android404 said:
To me this sounds like a fair seller and a picky buyer. 832 positive reviews and 6 negative ones in a month is a ratio I would buy at if I wanted to save a hundred bucks by buying without factory warranty.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I may be a picky buyer, but who wouldn't be when you receive a defective product, and even worse when you get a used one on your third one. Feedbacks mean jack when you are on the short end. They are only good for initial decision about the seller, hence I trust them like you would too.
abhinav.tella said:
It could have been an honest mistake. I doubt he purposely gave you an opened one, just work with him to solve the problem. eBay is much harder on sellers than buyers and he would ruin his reputation if he did it on purpose. Looking at his rating I would say it was an honest mistake.
I understand if he wants to refund you, he is just trying to cut his losses. At the same time it was your misfortune to get a bad device/s. Since this phone is known for cosmetic/other issues as its in early production you are better of buying from Sony/carrier making replacement easier.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope you are right on the honest mistake.
bluesky2111 said:
remember me?
I'm sorry to hear that. It was really a frustrating moment you went through. If I were you I would probably be really angry.
If you want, just buy it from Sony store. I got mine and it's perfect so far (except some cosmetic minor faults).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I really regret not buying from Sony store, or even T-Mobile here. At this point, I might just say screw it, keep the phone, and move on with my life. Maybe the Z4 will entice me in few months. :good:

I purchased 3 different Z3 D6603 from Techno Trading, Never-MSRP, and Sony Direct all off ebay.
Techno Trading shipping a Central America version of the D6603 (White) to me and it had no seals whatsoever on the box (US Charger). This model would not show LTE indicator until I flashed a generic TFT. Booting with Encryption shows the Pin Entry text in Spanish but quickly changes to English. Seller Feedack: Shipped very quickly but using subpar shipping materials. Shipped from Miami.
Never-MSRP shipped a Central Europe version of the D6603 (Copper) to me and it HAD seals on the box but also included a Sony Screen Protector (Non-US Charger). This model had the LTE indicator from start. Booting with Encryption shows the Pin Entry text in English. Seller Feedback: Shipped same day and was packaged very well. Unfortunately, they are located in Houston so I had to pay tax.
Sony Direct shipped a Generic North American model of the D6603 (Green) to me. This one had seals on the box but didn't include the Screen Protector. LTE shows from start and includes a US Charger. Plastic on the front and back of phone is totally different than the other two. Its hard to describe but the other phones came with a very very thin plastic protector. This model shipped with much thicker protectors on front and back (still meant to be removed because they have tabs on the side). Additionally, the other two phones were inside a cellophane bag but the this model was not in cellophane. Shipped from Sony in Romeoville IL. Shipped within two hours of purchase using FedEx for free. Unfortunately, Sony charges tax everywhere. Packaged well but not great.
My point...
Sony packages models different based on their intended destination. It might not be that you ever got "open box" devices but rather they were intended for an area which Sony (for whatever reason) chose not to use seals.

mwep said:
My point...
Sony packages models different based on their intended destination. It might not be that you ever got "open box" devices but rather they were intended for an area which Sony (for whatever reason) chose not to use seals.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is interesting. Before buying from techno, I bought a white one from tropical_mobile (in which I sold quickly due to being D6653), who stated they were located in Tennessee, but shipped from Singapore. However, the phone was sealed with two white rounded "sealed" stickers on the box. The phone also was sealed in a clear plastic slip and had protective screens on both sides.
This whole Z3 deal has been pretty bad luck for me. Maybe it is not meant to be. But good news--the seller techno.trading.house got back to me, and is willing to refund me $20 for the dented power button, or do another replacement. I'm planning to take the refund, and live with it as I am sick of all the exchanges. Who knows, the replacement might have even weirder issues.

If you spend $500 plus on an item, you the buyer, have every right on this planet to be as picky as you like.
Nobody has to settle for anything less than perfection.
So no, you don't have to accept a defective camera, or flap or indeed a previously returned phone.
As I mentioned before but was lambasted in another thread, Sony may be using premium materials, but they are certainly not using premium construction. Not when some people have to go through six boxes in store to find a unit without light bleed and gaps.
I myself had two exchanges within the first two weeks. My first unit was simply not waterproof and had a leaky flap and my second one didn't charge on the magnetic dock and now I have light bleed but no energy to fight it anymore.
It's almost as bad as an iPhone. All my iPhone friends have had multiple exchanges... Some as many as 5 in a year.
Sent from my D6603 using XDA Free mobile app

More recent feedbacks to prove my point.

stop accepting being called a picky buyer.... ur paying top dollar for the phone, that said u should receive a product good for the purpose, if the camera doesn't work its not good
if the phone isnt water proof it isnt good
if there is a dent in the design it should state it before being bought. so it's not the buyer nor seller (purposely) its a unlucky sale.

I purchased mine at t-mobile. I paid 100% upfront despite being with t-mobile and they unlock it on the spot. When I registered with Xperia Care (sonymobiles product registration) I entered my IMEI and it has till Oct 2016 on warranty.
However on the 2nd day of owning the device The bottom speaker stopped working and was making a static noise. I went to my t-mo store I purchased it and they swapped it out. I didn't even pay a restocking fee. The manager said as long as I get the same phone and since I bought it back so promptly that he would just swap a new one. This one has been perfect since. Sometimes the convenience of having a store near by is better than having to deal with shipping my phone back and forth!
Alot of people dont want the tmobile Bloatwear but like I said, 32 GB + Local customer support outweight > No bloatwear & 16 Gig with mail in issues. (since i have no sony store near by, id still have to mail in for repairs and exchanges)

Me too, I'm glad I bought it from TMO with an EIP, exchanged mine 3 times on my 4th now, no hassles or fees.

buying used g4 are any models safe from the bootloop issue?

Ok so I have currently a g3 that is pretty bad with signals so looking to upgrade...I don't want to spend a lot for the g5 until it drops in price in a year or so...so I was thinking of buying a used g4...I'm leary about the bootloop issues I've been seeing a large amount of people getting and since ill be buying a used phone idk if that'll factor with warranty...anyways I found one I want to buy and I asked the guy what the first few numbers were in the serial number and he said it was 589...that seems a bit high but I know most of the affected units were between 505-509...so do you guys think ill be safe with this phone? I really don't want to spend a lot of money on a potential paper weight...thanks in advance...

Not sure how to read the numbers
My phone has been in the process of dying for the last month, despite my attempts to eliminate an app here and an app there. Saturday it just finally booted endlessly, and won't go any place beyond that.
I bought the phone at Best Buy on 9-3-15, so I guess it's one of the early production models, but I'm not sure of the numbering system. The box has a UPC code with a 6 at the left edge of the code, followed by 52810, then a small gap and the numbers 51648, and finally an 8 at the right edge of the bar code. I can't figure out whether my phone is a "652" or a "528." Maybe somebody can help out with this question.
Thanks, Enzo

Well, since I posted on May 14, the LG G4 quit on me, and nothing but endless boots and more and more heat.
I *****ed to LG, providing the IMEI and the purchase date, etc., and they gave me an RMA. I shipped the phone via FedEx, as directed by LG, at a cost of approximately $20, to the repair facility in Ft. Worth, Texas.
The phone arrived at the repair facility two days ago, Monday morning, and I just got an email indicating that it was shipped back to me today.
No indication of whether it was repaired, or rejected because I regularly dropped it in the toilet and/or spilled coffee all over it, but maybe I'll find out in the next few days. (Actually, I treated the phone very gently, and even used a very grippy silicone cover to ensure I never dropped the thing.)
Since I feared LG would probably need weeks/months/years to get it turned around, I bought a new Samsung Galaxy Alpha from B&H Camera ($250) and a wireless charging device, and a glass screen protector. So at least if the dreaded boot loop syndrome recurs on the LG, maybe something will still be available to permit me to address the world via telephone from my hermit's cave. Enzo.

Email Today From LG--My Phone Headed For Long Beach
I received an email this morning indicating that my phone will be delivered sometime Saturday, May 28.
The email said "Defect: Power--No power with cable"
"Repair Results: Swap board (Main/RF) Others"
Not sure what all this means, but I guess it means they replaced the motherboard, and I'm not sure what else they may have done or not done.
I'll post further on the repairs and etc. next week after I get the phone up & running.
I am quite pleasantly surprised how fast the phone was handled by LG, inasmuch as it arrived in Ft. Worth on Monday, and they tossed it back to FedEx yesterday. Enzo.

Stolen U12+

Guys long ago i opened a new thread for the display at my U12 + and I found out that the phone was already used, probably by another buyer or RMA. I buy that from ebay from the buyer "kimbimobile"
The seller has not only been smart and has sold me a used and not new phone, but on the insertion is written that also sends a Re Cam, of course he did not send it, only after very very much messages and open complaint.
After the opening of the complaint Ebay said to send it all back and of course the seller said he only received the accessories and no the phone, the re cam that does not work.2 of 2.
Ebay now has at 10 days for the checks, but I'm afraid that gives reason to him, clearly he is cheating me, he and not the courier or otherwise, he signed the package at the time of receipt, it was not damaged
Now do not know what to do, I often get almost € 1000 for the love of HTC, I thought about opening this thread to look for help, surely those who buy an HTC is a geek or programmer (like me), or who work in IT.
I thought to write here code code imei 353222090 and the last 6 number those who buy the U12+ 128Gb Blue Translucent from Ebay.Surely he will put his HTC online again
Thanks

Ebay give me reason and my money back, now i want publish the 2 imeis for future readers.
The name of the sealler on ebay is "kimbimobile"
1. 353222090629653
2. 353222090629661
Who have this phone, the phone is back from RMA with the LCD changed and after sold me like new phone, already the phone have others more problems, again with the display.

I've never had a problem with eBay and the sellers there. If I didn't receive an item eBay will help with a refund. If something was defective the seller will make good on the sale.
I hope I never ever come across a scammer on eBay.
Sent from my coconut frond hut using Tapatalk

O/T but wow, I've been scammed on eBay several times that I can remember. Twice it involved substituting an older or lesser model for what was described -- these were cases where it wouldn't be obvious to the average person what was inside. (For example, a laptop with a slower processor.) It always seems to get resolved but the process can take ages. Be careful out there.