Ectaco ER850 Partner English-Russian Talking Electronic Dictionary and Audio Phrasebook

Useless device...don't spend money

Thank you so much!

The representative of Ectaco, who spoke in Russian managed to convince a 77 YEAR OLD RETIREE, who hardly speaks English, that the "product" would help in learning and understanding English. Since the Ectaco representative never explained the return policy while talking to the elder customer (my father in law), my wife and I requested this information from a sales representative who informed us about the 7 days available for the evaluation of the product, and NEVER MENTIONED A 6.5% RESTOCKING FEE. When the merchandise was delivered, it became clear that the PRODUCTS WERE DEFECTIVE. First, all attempts to scan anything with "Ectaco C-Pen scanner" failed. Then, no one could understand the voice of the "Deluxe ER850" - it completely failed in voice synthesis in both Russian and English. Finally, instead of sending a Russian electronic book (a promised bonus), Ectaco managed to send one in Polish! On day 6 of the "7 day evaluation period" we called Ectaco, explained that we did not want this merchandise, received an RMA number, and sent it back via UPS. Simultaneously, we started a dispute regarding the restocking fee, which was not been revealed to the customer prior to the purchase. Moreover, how could my father-in-law understand Ectaco's policy if he was solicited in Russian, but the fine print with the policy on the invoice was written in English? FINALLY, ECTACO REFUSED (stated in the UPS tracking report) TO ACCEPT THE MERCHANDISE WITH RMA# WHITHIN CUSTOMER EVALUATION PERIOD, and sent a letter to the Credit Card Company stated that customers did not contact Ectaco for RMA number, and that the merchandise was never returned. This case, which is currently under investigation by a Credit Card Company, clearly demonstrates that customers have difficulties in returning unwanted and defective merchandise even when following Ectaco's rules. We feel that both English and Russian speaking customers should be aware of all of Ectaco's practices that we faced recently. Think twice before placing your orders.

I have made a purchase of this through Amazon and will review the product once I receive it. My review here concerns the business practices of the company. I initially placed an order directly with the company itself. They advitise that they accept credit cards or PayPal. They however replied to me that I would have to make a direct money transfer. Given the other review on this site and the difficulty they are having with the company I was unwilling to make the EFT as trying to get a refund would have been almost impossible. I hope the product is what it is advertised to be but if it is not then I at least have confidence in dealing through Amazon I will get a fair deal.