Aquatraders! Is Bad.

scott26 · Nov 2, 2009

I recently bought a 4 x 54w light from them a t5 set up and when I recieved it I already thought it was cheap by how flimsy it was when I picked it up. I took it home a started to assemble it and put the bulbs in when I started putting the bulbs in two of the stockets had broken tabs not letting me install the bubls correctly. Unon noticing this I contacted them and had to go through email and wait a day to get a respone talk about slow! After I got the response they said I could fix it if I wanted to or exchange it I thought about exchanging it after I all it was just two sockets then later that night two of my moon lights went out on the fixture after this I had no diser to keep the fixture seeing as how cheap it was and who knows how long it would last. So I contacted them and asked to return it and if I would have to pay shipping or a restocking fee I asked them this question about 3 or 4 times and all I got was read out return policy which stats if damaged contact us within 48 hours then it says if not within 48 refer to the 30 day return policy, which does say you will have to pay a restocking fee. However I notified them in time and he would not answer my question so I returned the product hoping that it would not be charged when it got there after I had to pay shipping to get the cheap damaged fixture back to them they charged me a restocking FEE! BS is what I had to say to this and now they will not issue me credit after bringing this to their attention.

Overall this is a horrible place to do buisness with and I would stay away unless you want a fixture that will only last as long as the shipment.

Also if you go to the Better Buisness Bureau and look up their company they have had 17 complaints issued against them and only 3 have been resovled!

Stay away from this company is my advice to anyone considering to purchase from them.

Scott

litenyaup · Nov 2, 2009

wow thanks for the advice...crapy way to do business!!

scott26 · Nov 2, 2009

Yea I am not trying to bash the company I just want people to know hwo my ordeal went and it was very unpleasent.

And many other people have had the same experiance.

JNye · Nov 2, 2009

i would contact my credit card company, the restocking fee is an unauthorized charge probably and wrong.

scott26 · Nov 2, 2009

I had used pay pal through my banking account I tried to file a dispute before I returned the product hoping that they would say we will not charge you a restocking fee but the dispute was dropped becasue they did not have the part to issue credit. I wonder if I can file another one through paypal?

scott26 · Nov 2, 2009

Damaged Shipment, Incorrectly Shipped Item(s), or Non-Working on Arrival
If in the event that the item(s) is damaged during transit, incorrectly shipped, or non-working on arrival, customer should notify AQUATRADERS.COM within 48 hours of arrival. Please submit your report on-line through the Contact Us section in our site. 30-Day Return Policy will override any claim of damage, incorrectly shipped, and non-working on arrival if we receive the report after 48 hours of arrival.

Now where on this return policy does it say anything about a restocking fee if notified with in 48 HOURS?

brward5 · Nov 2, 2009

the way most of these policies work is that the restocking fee applies if you are returning the product, regardless of when you return. replacement of a damaged item would not incur a restocking fee. Since you decided you did not want the item (yes, it was cheaply made, but the reason is immaterial) the restocking fee applies, which is probably detailed in the 30-day return policy.

I've run into the same issue when I've purchased cheap (poorly made) items from other non-reef vendors. Item arrives DOA, no restocking fee if replaced, restocking fee if you change your mind and just want to return for a refund. It's one of the downsides of buying online. Support your LFS or thoroughly research what you're buying to be sure it's a high-quality well-made product.

scott26 · Nov 2, 2009

I had read an inncorrect thread stated by someone who I am sure works for the place saying they were good my mistake is what I have to chaulk this up to but I will be doing my research from now on and look at the BBB to make sure they are a reputiable dealer. Before I buy from another online company.

I got a Current Nova Extreme Pro from marineandreef.com and let me tell you boy it is nice good piece of equpiment!

wicked demon · Nov 2, 2009

I got my light from them with no issues yet,(knock on wood) but alot of people get incomplete/damaged goods from them and get little/no resolution. Bummer about your experience man.

scott26 · Nov 2, 2009

At least I was able to use this to convince the wife that we need to spend more to get a good product hence the current extreme pro.

starfish · Nov 3, 2009

Aquatraders is famous for this just go on line, you will see tons of threads in different forums about them. There lights are hard to repair and almost not worth the money to repair. Cheap lights till you can do better but its always buyer beware. The plastic parts they use will dry and crack in time.....cheap lights cheap material.