Allergy Be Gone

Full review
*updated to include information about the website,product selection, and order process - refer below*

This was our first (and last) purchase made through this merchant. We bought two Frigidaire AC (FAA065P7A) units which were very well priced (~$150). Since we live in northern Manhattan and the company is located in Brooklyn, shipping was not excessive ($54) and the product was slated to arrive in a few days. However, only one unit was delivered, not two as ordered.

I immediately called customer service to inquire about the second unit. The customer rep was not rude, nor was he polite. I ask to have the unit delivered the next day and he said it wasn't possible - remember, the merchant is located in Brooklyn, they could have ordered a local courier to deliver the unit. That would be proper customer service - call me old fashion! I asked to have the shipping fee refunded and was told that wasn't possible. I then asked to speak with a manager and was told the manager was out, but that I would receive a call. That call never came, so I sent an e-mail to customer service and copied one of the president/founders (I found the e-mail addresses on the website).

No reply, so I called customer service in the morning, explained that I was not satisfied with the situation, as I must now spent another full day at home waiting for this unit to be delivered. This is a significant inconvenience (imagine missing a second day of work!) as my brother is visiting from Canada and we had plans for Thursday which must now be canceled. I was speaking with the customer service rep when in MID-SENTENCE I was rudely transferred to a voice mail - I have no idea who or if something was wrong with my phone. I was completed shocked! I had no idea people could be so rude! I didn't really know what to do and left a rambling message as I was so still in shock. I called back to inquire who had transfered me as such and was told that there was no way of knowing (hmm, really?). I asked to speak with a manager and was politely transfered to Jason' voice mail. I left a message, but I am doubtful that my call or request for a shipping refund will be returned.

I would NEVER recommend you purchase any products from this vendor - they have terrible customer service. The product may be a few dollars cheaper, but it could end up costing you an additional day's work/pay if you need to remain at home to accept the delivery. If you order one unit, you may not experience any problems, but beware. I come from a family which owns and operates a business in Canada and we would never have stayed in business (and remain in business) for over 25 years if we had treated people like this! For every happy customer, that individual will tell 3 people of their experience, but for every unhappy customer, 10 people will be warned. You've been warned - stay away from this merchant. I hope they get the message, I'm tired of poor customer service and lack of respect for what is a significant investment for our household.

I guess a $450 sale is nothing for them - as evidenced by the terrible customer service. My money and time is worth more than is granted by this company.

The Unit (search under FAA065P7A for additional posting)

Regarding the unit (FAA065P7A), the one we have installed thus far seems to be working well. There is a slight slushing sound from time to time but nothing excessive (it has been very humid lately). The energy saver mode is great and the start-up of the compressor is not obnoxious (an especially nice option during the night). We sleep with the fan on low which makes/generate some noise - the unit is under $200, one cannot expect pristine tranquility - but it was not disruptive. The fan on high is not as loud/disruptive as expected (though this is my first window unit, so I have no point of reference), especially given some of the reviews posted on Amazon; nonetheless, it may be a little too intrusive for light sleepers. The unit was very well reviewed by Consumer Report (both for 2007 and 2008) and received their best buy option.

Allergy Be Gone

The company is based in Brooklyn New York along with it's sister company Todaysconcept.com. Allergy be gone is a purveyor of allergy control products, while Todays Concept sells small home appliances.

Allergy Be Gone
140 58th St, Suite 7K
Brooklyn, NY 11220, USA
1-866-BE GONE 0 (1-866-234-6630)

Allergy Be Gone's website is easy to use, with product options in the left margin and service option along the top, below the advertising banner. The center of the home page is a more detailed listing of the product offering provided in the left margin. The bottom of the page lists and provides logos in support of the companies safe rating as a merchant.

Products
Product availability ranges from bedding supplies to air filters for a variety of machines, humidity control and personal care products.

Searching for Products
The placement of the cursor on the product listing in the left margin will generate a drop-down box with additional options to further define your search. There is also a search box in the top left corner, under the advertisement banner.

When one selects a particular product type, you are redirected to the appropriate product page. A small introduction is provided which summarize the products and features/options to consider. Individual products can be selected by selecting a particular brand (logos for Frigidaire, Eureka, GE, etc...) or type of unit (window AC, thru-wall AC, portable AC, etc...). It appears a majority,if not all items are for sale on the Allergy Be Gone website. The full price is listed along with their sale price (and the savings is noted as a percentage). Product availability is also provided.

To Purchase a Product
The buyer need only to ensure the correct number of units is indicated in the box and click buy. You have to option to use paypal, all major credit cards and international order seem to be accepted. A complementary gift is provided for all orders over $150 (it's a set of knives, a $25 value). The checkout process is similar to all other major online vendors and does not require you to become a member/use a password. The shipping and order review pages are simple and clear to read, segments are well labeled and neatly divided.

Shipping of products is relatively quick.

As noted above, my experiences with customer service has not been favorable. Following 3 calls and one 1 e-mail, I have yet to hear from a manager. I will post any updates.