I've been an eCost customer for over 5 years, having purchased several thousand dollars in items from them. I've generally been very pleased with the pricing, service, speed of shipping and selection.

On my most recent order however, I mistakenly ordered an incorrect SDRAM module. I realized it was wrong when I opened the shipping container and I did not open the product packaging itself. When I contacted eCost to see about arranging a return and exchange they refused to do so stating all sales are final. When I asked to speak with a supervisor I was told none was available.

Hard to believe that in this economy a company would be willing to tell a loyal customer to in essence "take a hike."

Based on this experience I will never place another order with eCost after this experience.

eCost has horrendous service in regard to their return policy. Purchased a small desktop refurbished flat screen tv that was dead on arrival. Immediately called eCost and was informed I had to contact the original manufacturer and that's all eCost could do. Unbelievable! So, they give me a phone # that takes dozens of calls to get through to somebody, make me jump through all kinds of hoops - emails, documentation, faxes. Anytime I check with eCost for assistance it takes ages to get through. Over the weeks of doing this - which went from a return to a repair - the repair center was no longer servicing the product.
Never purchase a refurbished items from eCost - or for that matter, hope you don't have a problem with anything you purchase there - it will be YOUR problem and eCost will not assist you.

I have placed several orders with eCost without incident, however I am very disappointed with a recent customer service issue. On my last order approximately 2-3 weeks ago, I signed up for their Platinum Premium membership. I was sold on this during the checkout process and I have a screenshot if anyone is interested in seeing. It stated for $39.99 that there was FREE ground shipping and discounted express shipping, exclusive access to bargain countdown platinum showcase, and exclusive access to platinum outrageous offers (Tuesday/Thursday). There is an add membership button. There is no details button and no restrictions button.

All was well until I tried to order a 19" LCD TV on 12/01/09. It came up asking for shipping costs. I called customer service and was told that it did not apply to orders over 10 lbs. This was not stated on the banner selling me this a few weeks ago. They told me I received an email with the restrictions which I may have (I haven't gone back and looked). However, I said this was not stated when I signed up and I would like to cancel it and receive a refund for the membership. I was told they can cancel it, but they can not refund my money as the membership is non-refundable. I asked about the shippng again and they said I received an email with the restriction. I stated that an email with the restrictions after I order it does not do me any good if I can't get a refund.

I asked for a supervisor and was told they were busy. I asked for any supervisor or management person and after a couple minutes was told they were all busy. I asked to be called by a supervisor. The customer service rep. took down my number, but no call. I am considering disputing the charge for the membership through my credit card company due to the misleading advertisement, but either way I have most likely purchased my last item from eCost. I have recommended a family member to eCost who has also purchased items and I have recommended to other friends. I will stop recommending eCost. A business is only as good as its customer service.

I first called Ecost.com (1-877-888-2678) on 4/12/2010 to verify that the items were indeed in stock like their website showed. I talked with a representative and he assured me that they were in stock.

I called back the same day and placed an order over the phone. I ordered a Digital Sound Projector-Black part # YMH YSP-5100BL and a Pedestal Stand for TV/Soundbar part # YMH YTS-T500. I was told the items were in the warehouse and would be shipped out within the following two days. I received an email with my order information. I waited approx. five days and called Ecost.com to check on the status of my order. The representative told me that the order has been cancelled because Ecost.com no longer stocks the item. I did not receive an email notification or anything.

When asked why they no longer stock the item I was told that it was obsolete. The manufactures release date for this item was January 2010. It is Yamahas latest and greatest.

BUYER BEWARE!

FRAUD - BEWARE of eCost.com - NO Bargains Here !!!
I received a TV that was more than 3 years old, discontinued, and in very poor condition. Does not include factory packing, manual, cables, or all parts. eCost has charged over $300 and did not reveal the poor condition of product, lack of original packing and materials, missing parts, and damage to TV stand and encasement.
I phoned eCost.com upon opening of outer box and examining the contents. I was told by Ed that they were aware that the TV is old, outdated, discontinued and missing packing and parts. I was told that I should expect this of there products. I offered three options for rectification of issue, but all were denied. I offered to have the TV replaced with a newer unit of proper age and condition, in proper working order, and including all factory supplied parts, manuals, cables, and packing - denied by eCost.com. I offered to have some money refunded to me to bring the transaction to a reasonable cost for the product supplied - again denied by eCost.com. I also offered to have eCost pick up the unit at their cost and return for full refund - again denied by eCost.com.
eCost told me that they would not accept a return, and they do not offer refunds. I could ship it back at my expense, and I would be charged a 20% restocking fee - and eCost.com would then evaluate and decide what to do at that point.
eCost.com is a company that is practicing theft and fraud. I of course have reported this to my bank.
BEWARE of eCost.com