SmallBizGenius Analysis
Hammacher receives overwhelmingly negative reviews, with customers frequently citing issues related to order fulfillment, customer service, and unexpected charges. Many customers report a decline in quality and service compared to past experiences with the company.
Category Breakdown
Scores based on analysis of 212 recent reviews
Order Fulfillment Issues
1.5/10Numerous customers report issues with order fulfillment, including orders being cancelled after payment, items not being shipped, or receiving only a portion of their order. Many reviewers state that they never received refunds for unfulfilled items, especially during liquidation sales.
42 reviews mention thisCustomer Service Problems
1.0/10A significant number of reviewers describe customer service as non-existent or unhelpful. Customers report difficulty contacting the company, lack of responses to emails, and being given conflicting information regarding orders and refunds.
38 reviews mention thisUnexpected Charges & Billing Issues
1.2/10Several customers report unexpected monthly charges for a "rewards program" they were allegedly enrolled in without clear consent. These charges, often around $16.95 per month, have led to frustration and fraud claims.
15 reviews mention thisProduct Quality Decline
2.0/10Some reviewers mention a decline in product quality, with items being described as cheaply made or not matching the descriptions in the catalog. Several customers note that products are now made in China, contrasting with the company's historical reputation for quality.
12 reviews mention thisReturns and Refunds
1.8/10Customers frequently complain about difficulties with returns and refunds, including return requests not being honored, delays in processing refunds, and even refund checks bouncing. Some reviewers mention being charged restocking fees or having to pay for return shipping.
10 reviews mention thisPros & Cons
Common Complaints
"I spent $143.58 and they only shipped a $12.48 stuffed dinosaur. They refused to provide any information about the balance of the order stating the company had changed ownership."
"The customer service is non-existent. They do not ship some products and DO NOT inform customers of the status at all."
"I started seeing a $16.95 per month charge on my credit card for "Hammacher Schlemmer" rewards. When I called, they said I agreed to it when I bought something from them. Must be some small print somewhere. What a scam!"
"Beware! This company is a scam. It claims to be an American company but everything I bought came from China, packaged with Chinese packaging, made in China, and is cheap low quality products."
"I deposited a refund check from Hammacher and Schlemmer on Monday for $20.17. Today my bank notified me that the check bounced AND that my bank was charging me $16.00 for the bounced check."
Common Questions About Hammacher
Answers derived from customer review patterns
Is Hammacher legit and trustworthy?
Based on 100 reviews, Hammacher is currently facing significant issues regarding its legitimacy and trustworthiness. Many customers report instances of orders not being fulfilled, unexpected charges, and difficulties in obtaining refunds. The company's customer service is frequently described as unresponsive and unhelpful, further eroding trust. While Hammacher may have had a positive reputation in the past, the current reviews suggest a high risk of encountering problems with orders and billing.
Based on 45 reviewsDoes Hammacher have good customer service?
The overwhelming consensus from the reviews is that Hammacher does *not* have good customer service. Customers consistently report difficulty contacting the company, with many stating that emails go unanswered and phone calls are not possible. When customers do manage to get in touch with customer service, they often describe the representatives as unhelpful, providing conflicting information, or failing to resolve issues. This lack of responsive and effective customer service is a major point of concern for many reviewers.
Based on 38 reviewsIs Hammacher worth it for small business?
Given the current state of customer reviews, Hammacher is generally *not* recommended for small businesses. The numerous reports of order fulfillment issues, declining product quality, and poor customer service make it a risky choice for businesses that rely on consistent and reliable suppliers. The potential for unexpected charges and difficulties with returns further diminishes its appeal. Small businesses are better off seeking vendors with more positive and consistent track records.
Based on 30 reviewsWhat is Hammacher's return policy like?
While Hammacher advertises a satisfaction guarantee, the actual experience of returns and refunds appears to be problematic. Customers report difficulties in getting return requests honored, delays in processing refunds, and instances of refund checks bouncing. Some reviewers also mention being charged restocking fees or having to pay for return shipping, contradicting the idea of a hassle-free return process. The lack of responsive customer service further complicates the return process, making it a source of frustration for many customers.
Based on 10 reviewsWhy are customers complaining about unexpected charges from Hammacher?
A recurring complaint is the unexpected monthly charges for a "rewards program" that customers claim they did not knowingly sign up for. These charges, typically around $16.95 per month, appear on credit card statements without clear explanation. Customers report difficulty cancelling these charges and obtaining refunds, leading to accusations of deceptive billing practices. This issue is a significant driver of negative sentiment towards Hammacher.
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