"I sent my iPhone by FedEx to HelloTotem in August 2012. I received a proof of delivery from FedEx, but no check was ever sent to me by HelloTotem. I have emailed them numerous time to no avail so this company is clearly not honest or capable of doing business. I highly recommend that you do not use them. They still owe me $90.00 for my iPhone."
"Sent them 2 iPhones in early November 2013, and have never received payment. Company does not respond."
"A year ago this was probably a legit business, but they're clearly not capable of paying people for their phones now, so I STRONGLY recommend you do not use this service - there are plenty of reliable competitors that you can and should use. The fact that they are still capable of soliciting phones and sending people packaging material to send their phones to Totem says to me that they are probably committing theft/larceny by fraud, since it appears from my experience with them that they have no intention of ever paying me for the phones I sent them or returning my property.
According to Totem's status tracker (and an automated email I received), they've had my three iPhones for over a month. They haven't paid me the $605 quoted for the phones or provided any status update. They responded to my first customer service ticket on November 26th to say they'll update status when they can, but I haven't heard from them since despite numerous attempts and, as others have mentioned, their phone number is disconnected. I've filed complaints with the California attorney general, the attorney general of my state and the FTC. I'm going to the better business bureau website next."
"Unlike others, I actually got a response back from Totem saying my phone was worth less than what their website stated. I had them send the phone back. EVERYONE THAT IS HAVING ISSUES WITH THIS COMPANY!!! Go to triphonia.com instead. They are honest with their quotes and you actually get paid for what you send them. Never using totem again."
"My story is pretty much the same as almost everyone else's. I sent in a mint condition iPhone 5 that they quoted me a price of 335$ on October 15, 2013. I can't reach the company via email or phone. I submitted my first claim ticket, although that doesn't sound too promising. My ticket # was 8387. No response. I was quoted a price of $335, and I did not ever receive an email with a new quoted price on it (in other words, an email saying what THEY think its worth). So I'm assuming I am owed 335$. I have kept ALL receipts, emails, screenshots and any other paperwork regarding this transaction...
Did any one else notice that they have the better business bureau logo on their website, yet if you go to
http://www.bbb.org/san-diego/business-reviews/cellular-telephone-service-and-supplies/cellular-distribution-strategies-in-san-diego-ca-171999632/
They are not only NOT accredited, but they have an "F" rating and 435 CLOSED complaints. That's not even counting how many total complaints the BBB have received about them. :(
I will update on this website to let others know about this company. I will update here to let everyone know if I ever hear from a real person, receive my phone back, or receive my check (and if the amount of the check is correct). "
"Order: Q702179 Original Quote Provided 4/6/2013 @ 6:16PM EST Pre-Paid Shipping Box Sent 4/10/2013 @ 1:51PM EST Device Received by Totem™ 4/22/2013 @ 4:46PM EST Payment Sent 6/21/2013 @ 12:03PM EST I have yet to receive check, and I have sent several tickets, time frame is working on 6 months. "
"I sent in my phone 10 days ago. Despite submitting ticket requests (#7791), calling their supposed phone number (disconnected), and emailing their CEO, I have heard nothing. It would be nice for someone from the company to respond to this review. In the meantime, I recommend people stay away from this company. Perhaps a class action for consumer fraud is in order."
"I received a quote for my Ipone 5, I was posted a package two days later, and I immediately send the device. after 3 days I got a requote, which I accepted.Since then I have not receive any information regarding payments. I have written three complaints and I have called the office number but no one seems to get back to me. I really wonder what's is happening."
"It has been 11 months and still no check I have emailed them at least 10 times and all I get are job tickest"
"I'm beginning to wonder if this is a scam. I mailed my iPhone4 in early July, but have not received payment. There is no way to contact Hello Totem by email or phone. I have issued 2 service tags and no response whatsoever."
"I sent in my phone in july and have yet to receive any check of 145$ that was promised to me. They have ceased all communication with me now that they have my phone and have not replied to any of my questions about not receiving my payment. It says on the online tracker that the check has been sent but that was over a month ago. WORST customer service and WORST company. Do not send your phone in because the chances that you will get your phone that they promised are very little."
"Still awaiting for a check disbursement. My phone was received 8/8 but no payment has been issued. Feeling a little shakey about this due to other reviews and the lack of assignment for my ticket request (made 8/14). My fault for not doing my homework and would love to be proven wrong. However, I have not received a reponse to any of my inquiries."
"Accurate payment quote. Satisfied with the payment I received."
"they do not return emails, and their number is not connected. Its been 2 weeks since they received my device and its like theyve fallen of the face of the earth since then, too early to say its a scam but i will be taking legal actions soon"
"I eventually got my check as promised. "