Outstanding Prices; Amazing Packaging; Inexpensive Shipping
Written: Jun 22 '03 (Updated Dec 07 '03)
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We have four cell phones—it’s a lot, but when you have two teenage sons and you want to be able to contact them at any time, it’s worth the cost. The service provider we use offers the business I work for special rates on cell service and phones, so upgrading our phones is easy and often free. This last month I upgraded three of the four phones (Nokia 3560, Nokia 3590, Nokia 1260 ). With the upgrade, we all switched to Nokia phones—you know the fun ones with optional faceplates! I also needed to buy a car charger since that is where I seem to spend most of my time.
I always thought faceplates were somewhat silly, until I started checking out the huge selection now available. I figured what the heck, for a few dollars I could change my bland navy blue phone into something more fun—besides, it’d make it easier to tell which phone was mine in a sea of Nokias.
I spent a lot of time online looking for the right combination—good prices on both items, reasonable (or free) shipping, and quick delivery. I soon discovered there are some shady sites out there that use bait and switch to get you to order from them. I also found huge ranges in pricing for identical items.
I originally wanted Nokia brand products only, not compatibles, but I soon found that Nokia only offers about five “real” faceplates for my phone and I didn’t like any of them. The prices were considerably higher also. I decided to give a compatible faceplate a chance and I wasn’t disappointed. It fit perfectly—more about that later.
I finally settled on http://www.cell-phone-accessory.com/. It’s not the prettiest site, and it doesn’t have the largest selection, but it has absolutely the best customer service and packaging.
SHOPPING
They carry items compatible with Audiovox, Ericsson, LG, Mitsubishi, Motorola, Nextel, Nokia, Panasonic, Qualcomm (Kyocera), Samsung, Sanyo, Sony, and Touchpoint.
You find your phone by searching the site or by selecting the brand and then model number. Photos are used to help you identify your model. Once on your phone's page, you’ll find all the accessories they have available—batteries, chargers, cases, data cables, headsets, etc. Everything in one place and you’re assured they’re the correct accessories for your phone.
Photos of the accessories as well as descriptions allow you to determine if the item is right for you. Click on “order” and the item is added to your cart. You continue shopping until your cart is full or your charge card is emptied….
Real-time inventory means that there’s no chance for bait and switch—you're informed right in your check out basket if the item is ready to ship. You’re also given the shipping information immediately as well.
PRICING & SELECTION
Small selection but OUTSTANDING pricing! Seriously. The faceplate I ordered was a translucent red rose—absolutely gorgeous on. The price was $7.50 which included a new coordinating key pad as well. Most charged $11.50-19.50 for the same faceplate and no keypad.
CHECKOUT
A simple check out process—standard information: name, address, billing address, credit card information, etc., are all sent over a secured server. Immediate notification by e-mail recaps the order for you including charges and shipping.
SHIPPING
They use USPS for most orders and shipping for a car charger and face plate was $4.95 – very reasonable.
My package arrived the next day—granted, I live in the same state, but the speed with which the order was processed was amazing. It came pristinely packaged—seriously, the most care anyone has ever taken to wrap a package.
Shipping fees are clearly spelled out on the site:
S&H charges for any item is $4.95 for the first item and $0.50 per item thereafter.
We use US Postal service Priority Mail to ship most of our US orders.
We use FedEx Ground to ship some of the heavy orders
We use first class air mail to ship all international orders.
You’ll have to call them to upgrade to express shipping.
CUSTOMER SERVICE
I did contact customer service by e-mail and received an immediate response via e-mail and later a follow-up call. Customer service was extremely contentious and interested in hearing about my experience.
GUARANTEE
They offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee on all of their products or they'll refund your money (upon return of the products).
ENDNOTES
Loved the service, loved the items, and am seriously pleased with the contact I’ve had with the owner. I will shop again and look forward to seeing the site improvements he has planned. If you’re shopping for cell phone accessories (or camera and watch batteries) give this site a peek—you might find what you’re looking for at a phenomenal price and I promise you’ll be astonished at the speed and care with which your items will arrive.
****UPDATED 12/7/03**** I've just made another purchase and it's still outstanding. My original faceplate was dropped too many times and was held together by scotch tape--not pretty. Rather than go back to the ugly navy & pea green faceplate that came with the phone I opted to purchase another custom faceplate. This time I went retro with a 60's-inspired happy face design. I also purchased my older son a translucent green faceplate for his phone. The customer service and packing is still top notch!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
briandalsmom
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 - Top 100 |
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Member: Mom
Location: USA
Reviews written: 249
Trusted by: 191 members
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