AIComputers - 50% Off Coupon. Our AI Rep's ICQ#256399925

[teleken]

I'm pleased to report Fleet Bank was quite cool. I explained the situation and they credited my account IMMMEDIATELY; no waiting around for AI to issue the credit. So I guess I'll be doing some shopping at New Egg today.

[faither]

I don't understand those people who feel they got screwed or shafted. Going in to the deal, you had to recognize it was a gamble. A gamble that didn't pan out. For those whose credit cards were charged, there's some work that needs to be done to correct the situation. That's all part of the gamble.

Damn, if this had panned out, it would have been a deal of the decade (up there with the Mercata deals or MSN Dollars or $299 Dell servers).

As best I can tell, no one died as a result of this deal and no one who had half a brain will be out anything more than a little time. That's it. In fact, those folks who are new to "deals" probably received a very good education.

As for Bullethead, I think it's less about you having zero faith as it is your being a whiny crybaby. Good riddance to bad rubbage!

To everyone else, stick around G|A, it's a cool place with lots of good folks!

[Marka]

I don't understand the whole "it was a gamble approach". The net is a place of business just like the "real world" no more no less. Why would anyone think twice about a coupon on a reputable site (GotApex, like I said I used it before), and from a reputable company (look at their site, or what's left of it, there are bigger/better companies that don't come close) that seemed to have been in business for a while, and certainly managed to stay below radar. Why would you doubt a deal solely on the amount off? This company knew as of May 1st yet continued to do business/string people along, things don't go to hell that fast. What financial obligation closes a company if this was generating revenue for them? To some of us here time is money, a little bit of time on paperwork is bad, waiting for a system that doesn't come and losing time when you needed to have a computer, to some people is not earned revenue, to others it's money lost/spent. The people posting here are not crybabies, or whiners. They're people who have been wronged and don't have anywhere else to go to voice their anger/concern/etc... Gabe did what he could to get the mess cleared up, and to help people. My hat goes off to him for that. The rest of you "veteran officers" are nothing more than elitists, who judge based on the join date of a forum.

[psaux]

I'm pleased to report Fleet Bank was quite cool. I explained the situation and they credited my account IMMMEDIATELY; no waiting around for AI to issue the credit. So I guess I'll be doing some shopping at New Egg today.

I'm going to be calling them myself today and it'd be good to have precendent information in case they give me static. Personally, I was in the charged at stage-3 without cancelling state.... so I hope that doesn't complicate things too horrifically. Then again, they do claim "Zero Liability" on the platinum card .. so maybe they'll actually be cool. :bandit:

[n0s0upf0ry0u]

Just got off the phone with my (MBNA) cc company. They told me it'd make no difference if I filled out a billing dispute form and mailed it now or 30 days from now. The rep suggested I wait for the credit they promised "immediately" and also informed me she thought it unnecessary to change my cc# (probably so AI has an acct. # to credit).

[Grubbie]

I don't understand the whole "it was a gamble approach". The net is a place of business just like the "real world" no more no less. Why would anyone think twice about a coupon on a reputable site (GotApex, like I said I used it before), and from a reputable company (look at their site, or what's left of it, there are bigger/better companies that don't come close) that seemed to have been in business for a while, and certainly managed to stay below radar. Why would you doubt a deal solely on the amount off? This company knew as of May 1st yet continued to do business/string people along, things don't go to hell that fast. What financial obligation closes a company if this was generating revenue for them? To some of us here time is money, a little bit of time on paperwork is bad, waiting for a system that doesn't come and losing time when you needed to have a computer, to some people is not earned revenue, to others it's money lost/spent. The people posting here are not crybabies, or whiners. They're people who have been wronged and don't have anywhere else to go to voice their anger/concern/etc... Gabe did what he could to get the mess cleared up, and to help people. My hat goes off to him for that. The rest of you "veteran officers" are nothing more than elitists, who judge based on the join date of a forum.


You KNEW the deal was a gamble come on. Deals on the net are not set in stone like deals in a store, they can claim it was a mistake and cancel all the orders. Just cause it was posted on this site doesn't mean it will come through, I even know that.

Nobody is losing anything but time, bitching and moaning that it didn't come through and that it wasn't a gamble is just plain dumb. If it wasn't a gamble, why did a lot of people stay out of the deal? They realized it was a gamble and decieded to not roll the dice on the deal, while others did.

[groebuck]

Oh yeah your not losing anything - I'll sell you a new BMW for 100 bucks - just give me all your personal info an credit card #..why not do it ? you got nothing to lose...

[Marka]

You KNEW the deal was a gamble come on. Deals on the net are not set in stone like deals in a store, they can claim it was a mistake and cancel all the orders. Just cause it was posted on this site doesn't mean it will come through, I even know that.

Nobody is losing anything but time, bitching and moaning that it didn't come through and that it wasn't a gamble is just plain dumb. If it wasn't a gamble, why did a lot of people stay out of the deal? They realized it was a gamble and decieded to not roll the dice on the deal, while others did.

How do you know what I knew? I just posted what I knew. A net store is still a store, there are still taxes and paperwork that have to be filed. They are still held accountable by law. Apparently you seem to keep ignoring the point I made that for some people time = money, and I mean literally not as a catch phrase. As to the people that stayed out of the deal, WHO? The few who didn't want to spend more money on their systems? Or those that simply didn't have the money?

Was there a link to past info available about AI and AIPCS? I only started looking after a week passed and no response was heard.

[faither]

I don't understand the whole "it was a gamble approach". The net is a place of business just like the "real world" no more no less. Why would anyone think twice about a coupon on a reputable site (GotApex, like I said I used it before), and from a reputable company (look at their site, or what's left of it, there are bigger/better companies that don't come close) that seemed to have been in business for a while, and certainly managed to stay below radar. Why would you doubt a deal solely on the amount off?
Gabe and the Got|Apex staff provides information -- they do not provide the product. Gabe and company make a tremendous effort to vet vendors and deals -- even abandoning outfits that prove unworthy. I WILL NOT HOLD THEM RESPONSIBLE FOR A DEAL THAT DOES NOT PAN OUT. That's one of the biggest problems today -- the victimization of people. No one is ever responsible for their own actions -- it's always someone else's fault. BULLSHEET!

To your question as to whether I would doubt a deal soley on the amount off -- yes I would and I do. The reaon goes back to two lessons learned when I was a young boy; If something seems to good to be true, it probably is, and caveat emptor.

I stuck it out in this deal. No one made me do it. I take responsibility for myself if something goes wrong.



To some of us here time is money, a little bit of time on paperwork is bad, waiting for a system that doesn't come and losing time when you needed to have a computer, to some people is not earned revenue, to others it's money lost/spent.
Time is money to everyone. The difference is the value that's placed on our time. If someone needed a computer for buiness and the wait caused lost opportunity or failure to recognize revenue, then why didn't they just go to CompUSA or order from Dell with next-day shipping. If anyone here jeopardized their business for this deal I can almost guaranty they're not very good business people.

Let be honest here, 95%+ of the people going in on this deal were looking for a cheap computer -- for personal use.


The people posting here are not crybabies, or whiners. They're people who have been wronged and don't have anywhere else to go to voice their anger/concern/etc...
WRONGED?!?!? How were they wronged? Aside from the few people who actually had credit cards charged, the only wrong that was done to anybody was the creation of an unrealistic expectation. If folks got themselves twisted over a deal that was too good to be true, they should chill out and grow up. The only person responsibile for this situation is the organization that created this sham deal -- AI Computers.


The rest of you "veteran officers" are nothing more than elitists, who judge based on the join date of a forum.
It has nothing to do with elitism. It has everything to do with experience. There were a slew of "veterans" who went in on this deal. They were not the ones posting 24x7, looking for instantaneous answers to their worry-wort questions. They were not the ones making demands of Gabe.

Those with experience, understand that this stuff happens and act/react accordingly.

That brings me back to an earlier post where I said there may be good that comes from all this -- a lesson that many of learn when we're much younger.

[Burzhui]

whine whine whine... bitch bitch bitch.

It's a gamble, price mistakes are gambles, double coupons and tripple rebates are gambles, taking a chance with a company that had fishy history is a gamble, no one held a gun to your head and said DO IT NOW!!! or we'll kill you and everyone you hold dear. You went on a "tip", it's the same as buying stock, you get a tip and you go for it, you might gain assets or you might lose them... that's life

[Marka]

Just one question, at what point did I accuse Gabe or the Got Apex staff of anything?

[DarkFury]

wow that was a surprise.
who would have imagened?

So all you old school guys that told us newbie to shut it and ride the storm, stick it.

Im done here after manayear believing this page and the back up form the big guys I have zero faith now.

This is the reason New Egg is the people choice. 9 times out of ten they are the cheapest. And that 10th time who cares I saved money 9 other times and got my crap on day 2.

Delete my AI account and delete my apex account.

CYA later... don't let the door hit cha where the Good Lord split cha. :wavey:

BTW... I TRIED to warn as many folks as possible over the risks of this. But "Caveat Emptor". Even Gabe/Apex said... "If you aren't comfortable with this deal, then back out now" or something to that effect early on.

All folks could see was a "cheap computer"... dayuum the torpedoes and all the warning signs. Either way, all it ends up being is an "inconvenience" to those who DESPITE the warning signs proceeded on.

Hope burns eternal, but COMMON SENSE is everlasting as well. :2far:

EDIT: Personally I do buy alot of my stuff from NewEgg or ZipZoomFly.com... actually I like ZZF better simply because they usually offer FREE 2nd Day shipping versus NewEgg who usually takes about a week to get here (in the MidWest from California)

[Burzhui]

BTW canceling your CC i believe was overkill, but hey to each his own.

[Marka]

Just by the way, I personally got off pretty easy, and at this point am done with the situation. What I take exception to is the fact that you guys are bullying the others posting here. No useful information comes out of you guys either. If the others bitch and moan, the rest of you are in the category of "shut whiner, you gambled, hate the people that just joined and keep posting". Yet it seems OK to write that and not the other.

[SteelheadBob]

Great google eee moogle ee since I was old enough to cash my own paycheck anytime I was going to make a major purchase 500+ I would do a little research. Part of that research would have been was the deal from a source I trusted. In this case the answer would have been "yes" but I would still look into it a little more. I did and decided the risk wasn't worth it. Apex post deals on the web they do the best they can and try and protect there viewers, sometimes slime bags like AI slip through. There are two things that bother me and they are I think Apex should have pulled the plug sooner and no matter what the reason no where do I see a simple " I'm Sorry they screwed us all" Now lets look at those scum bucket AI idiots. Where was this meeting in someones basement? How hard is it to credit a CC? Why couldn't they fullfill the orders? Where any computers really shipped?What have they been doing at AI since they took the orders and charged some of the CC's?Seems to me it's over but is it? I am glad they don't have my CC number!!!!!!!!

[teleken]

Update, FWIW:

Decided to try Intel this time around. I had $800 "invested" in the AI system; here's what I have coming from New Egg:

Intel P4/3.0GHz Prescott w/1MB L2 cache
Asus P4C800-E motherboard
2 512MB Geil Dual Channel PC3200 DDR DIMMs
AIA Radeon 9800 Pro (ATI retail, 128MB)
2 Seagate 80GB 7200RPM SATA HDs w/8MB cache
Generic 16X DVD-ROM
Antec Sonata Mid Tower Quiet Case w/380W Quiet Power Supply

Total came out to $1150-ish including second day shipping. Okay, granted it was $350 more, but it's a lot more video card than I had coming with the AI system, a much nicer case (you'll never hear me say anything bad about the premium Antec cases) and I threw in a second hard drive. I'll also have the damn thing Tuesday. :)

[pcguy]

Here's another link to the "closing doors" announcement:

http://www.aicomputers.com/news.cfm?NID=32&NR=0&view=1

I'm calling my bank this morning just so they're aware. If my account isn't credited back by close of business Monday, I'll start the dispute process.

That is useful, but I meant the page about how they are not honoring orders...you see what I mean?

[dizzytrain]

The only person responsibile for this situation is the organization that created this sham deal -- AI Computers

EXACTLY, stop telling us to take responcibility for being lied to and deceived. And this was not gambling, thats a stupid statement, this was a contractual trade agreement, the only gamble was that which always exists wih people (who are and always will be capable of ill will).
This was a product that was offered fraudulently, to spell it out for you- I WAS CHARGED FOR A PRODUCT I DID NOT RECEIVE AND WAS NEVER GOING TO RECEIVE, Apex was also lied to, so were you.
It is not my fault when i enter into a contract of trade that is then broken by the other party, Apex got screwed we got screwed,
you officers (if not gentlemen) are and were deceived,
I for one am glad we held their feet to the fire,
we got out our pitchforks, and it certainly aided in forcing them to show their cards (for you fans of the gambling analogy) earlier then they would have.

Caveat emptor? sorry they also had slaves in ancient Rome,

we have more than common law in this country, how about the fair trade act of 1986
Heres a new MAXIM- (actually as old as the other) Caveat vendor-
you guys should learn to expect more- if it wasnt for us whiners, you big boys would still have a hard time getting cash refunds on defective products at the local electronics store.
Again we got screwed, this is not some victims fantasy,
Apex got screwed,
So who are you admirals and officers here to defend? US, i think not
APex, no not really We have Nothing against him and have showed graditude for his hard work
AI, perhaps
Your foolish Pride that wishes to pretend you werent slighted when the world can recognize you were, Most certainly

[stovall]

Time is money? Are any of us on this forum strictly adhering to that policy? I love surfing the Internet, and I have saved tens of thousands of dollars for me and my friends over the last 8 years or so since I became a "savvy internet shopper." But I would probably say that my time to money relationship is still pretty poor. I just like doing it.

I didn't get the AI deal, but I actually had a good time on this forum reading about it. (Come on, cancelling your credit cards? And the ones who said the "lost" their debit cards so they wouldn't pay a fee to get another one -- weren't you scamming the cc companies? :)) I've actually been pretty lucky and only had to challenge a charge once in all my deals, but it was relatively painless.

I do feel sorry for Gabe/Apex, because if this deal had gone through, it would have been a nice commission. But for the rest of us, isn't the hunt of the deal the reason our houses/apartments are full of stuff we'll never use? I didn't REALLY need a new home computer -- I just couldn't resist the deal!

[pcguy]

That is useful, but I meant the page about how they are not honoring orders...you see what I mean?

If anyone is interested, I sorted through my temp internet files and found a copy of the gif stating that they were closing etc... that was on the front page....I also took a screen capture showing that it was from aicomputers Let me know if you want them and I can email them to you or something.......

I supposedly have a website.......but I hate registerfly cuz they are teh shadiest people ever and wouldn't transfer to a different host even when they said they had and now it is expired grrrrrrrr.

[stovall]

Oops, one last thing. For those of you who insist on telling the rest of us, "Look at my post a long time ago -- I told you it was a bad deal." Thanks so much for your timely advice. When the phone lines were shut down, the site was fairly inactive, and the emails were not returned, I did not have a clue the deal may be going bad.

The "veteran" dealers, I think, are trying to say: When you state the obvious, it really doesn't help the situation any. Well, since I am not a veteran poster, I would like to disagree: I really enjoy these posts! Especially the ones who think that there may not be a chance to get your money back on your cc if you do not have documentation out the whing-whang. My one dispute, I told them I didn't receive the product. I filled out paperwork that said I didn't receive the product. (The company went out of business.) They refunded my money without question because in this case, the cc are smart enough to know that it was a bad charge. (Note: I admit in a more valid dispute where both sides make a case, it is sometimes a more involved process. I usually just work this out with the vendor directly, and although not always 100% satisfied, I don't feel cheated.)

[sbp]

All you admirals and captains out there, Your web space may have been invaded by a company out to scam you, your friends and your guests. If you cant protect your web space, then you dont deserve it. The towns people have taken to pitchforks cause the cavalry has been in retreat, in denial or at least hiding since day one.Known bad traders and spammers are actively screened out and daily reports are received about miscreants. In short the defenses are as good as ever. But alas the townspeople with pitchforks has become a destructive mob burning things down.

-chief of Got|Apex naval intel div


Just by the way, I personally got off pretty easy, and at this point am done with the situation. What I take exception to is the fact that you guys are bullying the others posting here. No useful information comes out of you guys either. If the others bitch and moan, the rest of you are in the category of "shut whiner, you gambled, hate the people that just joined and keep posting". Yet it seems OK to write that and not the other.Bullying? Such a harsh word that doesn't apply sir. This forum has done things its own way for 4 1/2+ years. It will continue to do so. Furthermore its not elitism, many here have rightfully earned their veteran status over a lengthy period of time.

Its understandable people want to vent, but you have to admit at at certain point it becomes excessive and counterproductive. At that point sorting through page after page to extract the useful chunks of information becomes even more difficult. That's why the same questions kept coming up that have already been answered.

I truly hope all involved get their money back.

cheers,

sbp

[faither]

EXACTLY, stop telling us to take responcibility for being lied to and deceived. And this was not gambling, thats a stupid statement, this was a contractual trade agreement, the only gamble was that which always exists wih people (who are and always will be capable of ill will).
I don't want YOU to take responsibility for being lied to. That's not your fault.

Your fault was believing that a company would engage in such an act of kindness as to sell computers for less than the cost of the components and labor.

Everyone on the Board has a certain amount of intelligence. I refuse to believe that folks who took the plunge on this deal didn't believe there was the slightest bit of risk. I'd like to think that most people went into this "hoping for the best but prepared for the worst."

Who before this deal had any experience with this company? Maybe 5%-10% of G|A (I'm one of them). I gave them a little more slack because of my previous history.

THIS WHOLE SITUATION TO ME IS ANALAGOUS TO THE "NIGERIAN" SCAMS. It's just that here, instead of an inheritence or gold bars, you expected to get a computer worth more than your investment.


This was a product that was offered fraudulently, to spell it out for you- I WAS CHARGED FOR A PRODUCT I DID NOT RECEIVE AND WAS NEVER GOING TO RECEIVE, Apex was also lied to, so were you.
Yes it was offered fraudulently but again, I'll spell it out for you, if you didn't realize this was too good to be true, I guess ignorance is bliss.


you guys should learn to expect more- if it wasnt for us whiners, you big boys would still have a hard time getting cash refunds on defective products at the local electronics store.
We are a very demanding bunch (anyone with any history here would recognize that) -- a mob on occasion -- but smart enough not to get our panties in a wad over a "deal" that did not make business/economic sense.

Did you think AI was selling these computers as "loss leaders" or to engage you into a long-term relationship? If so, there's a little bridge near my office that I own. It's called the Brooklyn Bridge. You want to buy it?


Your foolish Pride that wishes to pretend you werent slighted when the world can recognize you were, Most certainly
Hell, I know when I get screwed -- and it's happened before -- but if I enter a situation with my eyes wide open, recognizing that reputable companies don't sell products for less than their fully-loaded cost (parts, labor, location, equipment, etc.), I wasn't slighted. I effectively tried to get "something for nothing" and it didn't pan out. That isn't being slighted.

God willing, tomorrow's another day. Stick around G|A, maybe you'll like it.

[mrslyger]

it def has gotten annoying wading through pages and pages of complaints. it was clearly stated many times "get out or shut up". i understand keeping an open forum on the subject of AI esp if some people can't get their money back and need other people to vouch for the situation etc. but at this point let it die. there are also people complaining about the fact that time is money...well then perhaps you would be better served to use the time you are wasting bitching about "time is money" on something at least productive.

as was stated above, regardless of knowing anything about AI's past history, we jumped on a deal that was too good to be true in the hopes of getting something for less then cost. sh*t happens get over it and move on. just think about the people who jumped on this deal who don't even have the slightest clue what is going on...or worse yet paid with cash, debit card, or check.

not really adding anything new other then that i don't really see why everyone's so angry about the members here who are active and have been posting their two cents on the matter. fighting like little kids serves no one....or arguing over semantics.

[Comet]

Here's another link to the "closing doors" announcement:

http://www.aicomputers.com/news.cfm?NID=32&NR=0&view=1

I'm calling my bank this morning just so they're aware. If my account isn't credited back by close of business Monday, I'll start the dispute process.
Did anyone else notice that the date of this news stating that AI has closed it's doors is 05/01/04??

My credit card was billed on 05/10/04, a full 10 days after that!! Talk about LATE breaking news....

[Xarthan]

everyone who's complaining just shut up. the deal is over, stop posting and whinning. It's pointless now.

Only post if you are lost on how to deal or get back your charges from AI

[beo]

everyone who's complaining just shut up. the deal is over, stop posting and whinning. It's pointless now.

Only post if you are lost on how to deal or get back your charges from AI
I'm I the only one who sees the irony/hypocrisy in this statement?

[stovall]

everyone who's complaining just shut up. the deal is over, stop posting and whinning. It's pointless now.

Only post if you are lost on how to deal or get back your charges from AI

I love it!!! Xarthan, you are laying down the law -- it's about time! Let's keep idiots from posting. (And for those smart-alecks out there, Xarthan and I are not the idiots!!! :))

[tourbound]

I love it!!! Xarthan, you are laying down the law -- it's about time! Let's keep idiots from posting. (And for those smart-alecks out there, Xarthan and I are not the idiots!!! :))

Yes, his law carries so much authority... :rolleyes:

[pcguy]

Did anyone else notice that the date of this news stating that AI has closed it's doors is 05/01/04??

My credit card was billed on 05/10/04, a full 10 days after that!! Talk about LATE breaking news....

yeah, on the message they had on the front page they also said that they weren't accepting orders after 5/01......which is why anyone who has been charged after that should have me email them the image that I grabbed from my temp internet files. I'll try to host it if I can actually get through to ****in registerfly to b**** at them for lieing to me and try to get my website back.......

[Lodz]

Yes, we should have just waited and said nothing. That way, we could have still held out hope that the deal would go through next month or the month after. And let God smite anyone who wants to discuss what they are currently dealing with. With all that talk, some people may begin to think that they won't get their product even though their credit cards have been billed for $1000 or more. And besides, this forum wasn't made for people to chat or share ideas, it was created for the deals!

That being said, if any of you want to buy an awsome gaming rig for half the price of what you could get on Newegg, PM me and I'll give you the PO Box where you can send the cash.

[pcguy]

That being said, if any of you want to buy an awsome gaming rig for half the price of what you could get on Newegg, PM me and I'll give you the PO Box where you can send the cash.

lol, fufufunny

[Underclocked]

You guys are all wasting time now. ALL of you (and me). And you senior members are coming across as a bunch of pompous swell-heads. But it's all in fun. ;)

And I can say this without fear of the chain of command among you posters. Bruhahaha. :)

Been around awhile too and have always had the "win some, lose some" attitude about hot deals but this one has to take the cake (trophy, shame, lies, deceptions, underhandedness??). Can any of you ol' timers here say you've seen anything quite like this one before? I can't.

[bullethead]

don't whine like a little bitch :rolleyes:

Nice thanks :)

[DarkFury]

I guess Apex/GAM didn't delete your account as requested huh? :shrug:

:hihi:

EDIT: I see you changed what you said... :heh:

Either way, I guess it doesn't matter since you are done with G|A anyways... :shrug:

[bullethead]

I don't understand those people who feel they got screwed or shafted. Going in to the deal, you had to recognize it was a gamble. A gamble that didn't pan out. For those whose credit cards were charged, there's some work that needs to be done to correct the situation. That's all part of the gamble.

Damn, if this had panned out, it would have been a deal of the decade (up there with the Mercata deals or MSN Dollars or $299 Dell servers).

As for Bullethead, I think it's less about you having zero faith as it is your being a whiny crybaby. Good riddance to bad rubbage!

Great so what guys are saying is your deals are more like gambles.

Maybe change the name to "Got Gambles?"

Whinning, haa.
Wonder if I'll ever hear that from a reputable person that steered me wrong.

[DarkFury]

Great so what guys are saying is your deals are more like gambles.

Maybe change the name to "Got Gambles?"

Whinning, haa.
Wonder if I'll ever hear that from a reputable person that steered me wrong.
Nope... that is NOT the case.

Most deals AREN'T gambles... however when you get a deal like this one where they were virtually GIVING AWAY computers, then yeah... that has "gamble" written all over it.

Another deal that I remember might've been a "gamble" was one by Dell where they were selling a 200GB hard drive for like $220, but after 2 $100 rebates you ended up getting the drive for $20...

Most of us instantly thought that this was a mistake... however we still took a chance on it. Maybe it would go through... maybe it wouldn't. Ultimately Dell owned up to it and let it go through and we ended up with an unbelievable deal on a hard drive. In that case it worked... but honestly, it could've fallen through at any time.

Either way, most deals posted aren't gambles like this... but in this particular case the company offering the deal was so shady to begin with that many of us passed on it just because of that. There was a history here... now if this had been a "Dell Deal", you'd probably have that PC on your desk right now... but we KNOW that even Dell ain't gonna make a deal THAT sweet... and yet we still like the deals that they do put out (as they are great in themselves for the most part).

In the end, this particular deal was a "judgement call"... and even Apex posted that if you weren't comfortable with the company...then don't jump in (as a warning after I'd kinda hounded him about the reputation of AI...) Many will say that they didn't see that warning before they participated on the deal... and to those folks, well... I feel their pain and understand where they are coming from, yet... by the time they got here and everyone was screaming "potential scam" get out now... they still hung on (based on others who were like "hey... if it works out, it works out... I have faith).

Pretty much you had to make your own stand on this issue... but as a "comfort", Apex put himself out there to assure folks that if it fell through and they LOST money on their CCs... then he would re-imburse, which honestly amazed the hell outta me. How many other referral website owners would make such a pledge? I personally don't know of any.

Ok... all things aside, I can see that people are upset that they are now not getting their PCs, and that their CC info was put at risk (which hopefully can be resolved quickly with the CC company...) but not, after the smoke has cleared, if you haven't lost anything then you just gotta say "Oh well... I tried"... which is all you really have in the end. It might've worked, but this time it didn't... maybe the next deal will be better (involving a better company of course.)

My only true word of advice with deals on this site is... "check out the vendors offering the deals beforehand"... if they look "shady" then stay away by all means. AI computers is not the first company that has raised eyebrows around here and probably won't be the last. But as far as I could see, there was TOO MUCH info against doing business with them up front... and pretty much it would've been kinda hard NOT to see this unless you only saw the deal and didn't read anything else until after you noticed that no PCs were getting shipped.

I'm sorry to hear about your bad feelings in all of this, but hey... this happens sometimes and we must resolve within ourselves what our "acceptable" risks are before we put our money where our website is. :D

[beo]

I guess Apex/GAM didn't delete your account as requested huh? :shrug:

:hihi:

EDIT: I see you changed what you said... :heh:

Either way, I guess it doesn't matter since you are done with G|A anyways... :shrug:
I do notice he's now on "KP Duty." I laughed out loud at that one...

[sdawg]

man, I just realized AI charged my card May 14. Its Capital One. I called them, and faxed them some info - but I've really got no proof of anything (no emails, etc) - just that crappy AI web site message. I really, really doubt AI is going to refund CC charges (prove me wrong).

Anyone have luck yet with Capital One credit disputes? What did you send or tell them?

[pcguy]

man, I just realized AI charged my card May 14. Its Capital One. I called them, and faxed them some info - but I've really got no proof of anything (no emails, etc) - just that crappy AI web site message. I really, really doubt AI is going to refund CC charges (prove me wrong).

Anyone have luck yet with Capital One credit disputes? What did you send or tell them?

I've got the gif image of the closing message that was on their front page (fetched from temp internet files),

as well as two images of that shown from the temp internet files(screenshots in ie and windows explorer) proving that it was from ai's site.

That's the one saying that no new orders after may 1 will be accepted and ones placed at the end of april and into may will not be fulfilled.

I also have a web archive file of the information they posted on their news section, but that doesn't tell you a whole lot....I tried to find the index page to arhive that from temp internet files, but it got replaced by their new blank index page

If you want any of that stuff, pm me your email and I can send it to you

[Grubbie]

snip

The Chief of Naval Operations HAS SPOKEN.

SILENCE!!!!!!!

[tourbound]

The Chief of Naval Operations HAS SPOKEN.

SILENCE!!!!!!!

Court Martial me, I refuse.

[Xarthan]

yes if someone has a screenshot of the page, please post it up here

[faither]

Great so what guys are saying is your deals are more like gambles.

Maybe change the name to "Got Gambles?"


I'm now going to make this so simple, even you and the casual observer will be able to understand...
Take some responsibility for your own actions. Did anyone hold a gun to your head and force you to partake in the deal? I'm going to go out on a limb and say no.

Anytime you give money to a stranger -- and let's face it folks, that's what AI was (even with the nice unsecure website) --in anticipation of goods to be received at a later date, you're taking a risk. Call it a gamble if you like.

It happened to me recently with CDW and a deal on a Sony Clie and CDW has a history far more extensive than AI or ASPCA, or whatever they will next call themselves. It seemed to good to be true but I tried anyway. They charged my card, said the "package" was no longer available and then I had to hassle them to get back my cash. POOP HAPPENS, so move on and get over it.

If you feel so scorned, never visit another deals site -- they all carry some element of risk. Then, when you want and/or need something, go buy it on your own -- without the benefit of Gabe and folks like him how effectively do all the leg work for you. Go pay full price or shop around if you want to save a couple of bucks.

This website has saved me thousands of dollars over the years and more importantly has made me a better consumer -- largely through Forums like this one and I've benefitted from the experiences of others. DF talks about the Dell deal for the $20 200GB HD. That was classic. It was a risk that paid off.

Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. Both experiences yield an education.

[pcguy]

ok, caught up on emails for everyone who pm'ed me requesting the images. If any of you don't receive them let me know so I can split them up into individual emails ( I had to do that for one person so far). If I can get through to registerfly ever (i think they are ignoring me on their livechat and their email) so that I can get my site back I will host online.

[Apex]

I've got the gif image of the closing message that was on their front page (fetched from temp internet files),

as well as two images of that shown from the temp internet files(screenshots in ie and windows explorer) proving that it was from ai's site.

That's the one saying that no new orders after may 1 will be accepted and ones placed at the end of april and into may will not be fulfilled.

I also have a web archive file of the information they posted on their news section, but that doesn't tell you a whole lot....I tried to find the index page to arhive that from temp internet files, but it got replaced by their new blank index page

If you want any of that stuff, pm me your email and I can send it to you

Just email it to me, I can provide webspace to host it.

[email protected]

[pcguy]

sent, this should be a bit more efficient then me sending it to everyone individually.....thanks for hosting for me apex

ALSO, if anyone has NOT looked at AI's site since they changed their front page to the blank one, but after they posted the message on it when it still looked like the old aisite, except with the closing image, please try to find that page in your temporary internet files and make an archive of it.

That page gets replaced if you go back and they've changed it, so while it's good to have the images/captures I've got....it would be much nicer for people who need to dispute to have the actual page.

I personally wasn't charged (and hopefully won't be cuz I don't want to do through all the hassle), but I'm just trying to help whoever needs it right now.

[dizzytrain]

But alas the townspeople with pitchforks has become a destructive mob burning things down.
The only thing burning is AI computers future, and thats a source of pride not shame


Did you think AI was selling these computers as "loss leaders" or to engage you into a long-term relationship? If so, there's a little bridge near my office that I own. It's called the Brooklyn Bridge
Obviously i did, and so did Apex, hes a stand up guy, if he didnt believe in it he would not have front paged it.
In Acordance with your reasoning why dont you sell your fellow officers that bridge, they can always just disput the charges

im not angry at anyone on this board,
the only thing that got me a bit upset was the classless officer class, describing people who are upset because they were stolen from as "bitching whiners".
My car is also insured but if someone were to steal it (like the Valet) i would be just as upset,
i pay for this insurance, and so do you on your card, we all do.
Are you guys even reading this forum?
People keep saying "you could have gotten out but you didnt so you should just shut up."
Well i tried to get out before my card got charged and after. I could not cancel my card, since i told my company about the pending transaction and was not about to call them up and lie that it was stolen (some people try to be honest even when dealing with dishonest people, a big mistake in this case) By the way i buy things all the time that are lower than the retailer bought them for, infact i am also a retailer and sell things lower than i buy them for to get rid of them, or sell very close to cost to get a bit of exposure if things are real slow. Doesnt surprise me if others do the same

Anyways, i will be the first to state that these posts are getting so off point as to be useless (mine included)
from now on i will try to only throw things up that have to do with the post deal
such as dispute, charge back info.
Hope you Vets find another site to gamble on after this mess i trust Apex to go the extra mile to be sure the companys he deals with are legit. Thats why i will continue using this site, the guy running it is not a gambler but a great bargain hunter, who has shown his ability to look out for the consumer.

[Apex]

Seems like stuff is still there for now.

http://www.aicomputers.com/images/logos/def/closed.gif

http://www.aicomputers.com/news.cfm?NID=32&NR=0&view=1

However, if it does go away, the pictures are here:

http://www.gotapex.com/images/aicomputers/

Thanks pcguy.

[pcguy]

I just realized that the gif is actually still available on their website......there're just no links to it: http://www.aicomputers.com/images/logos/def/closed.gif

maybe that helps even more....but it's still good that we've got backup in case it goes down

the only thing that we can't access currently is the main page showing the gif, which is replaced by their blank, but with text on white, index page

[beo]

the only thing that we can't access currently is the main page showing the gif, which is replaced by their blank, but with text on white, index pageSure we can! With a little bit of guessing and 60 seconds of poking around, I came up with this:

http://www.aicomputers.com/indexold.cfm (http://www.aicomputers.com/indexold.cfm)

Now open that page in IE and do File->SaveAs and you got it...

---
Edit: It might also be a good idea to take a screenshot -

[if you don't know how,
1.) hit the "Print Screen" button on your keyboard,
2.) run "mspaint",
3.) CTRL-V to paste the screenshot from the clipboard to the paint program.]

[pcguy]

very nice that should be extremely useful.......I guess they were even lazier than I gave them credit for.

That should help people out a bit.

I made an archive of that and sent it to Gabe, so that should probably be up soon with the other screenshots in case they take it down

good work, beo

[teleken]

Nothing like ordering from New Egg at 11AM CST and getting confirmation your order has shipped at 8PM the same day. :) Looks like I'll be assembling the new P4 system Tuesday afternoon. Beats waiting a month.

[Markel]

Dang! I guess this means I'll never be able to use the $5.00 in AI Money that I had. :throw:








:heh:

[beo]

Via ICQ:
Eddie (10:32 PM) :

However, I believe they are finalizing all issues over this weekend, and if your card was charged, it will be credited this weekend....

Everybody who was billed check your accounts tomorrow to see if they have actually "finalized" their issue of refunding your cards...

[J_money]

If we WEREN'T charged on our cc, then should we have to worry about a phantom charge coming up?
:gle:

[cyber_nicco]

I don't want YOU to take responsibility for being lied to. That's not your fault.

Your fault was believing that a company would engage in such an act of kindness as to sell computers for less than the cost of the components and labor.

Everyone on the Board has a certain amount of intelligence. I refuse to believe that folks who took the plunge on this deal didn't believe there was the slightest bit of risk. I'd like to think that most people went into this "hoping for the best but prepared for the worst."

Who before this deal had any experience with this company? Maybe 5%-10% of G|A (I'm one of them). I gave them a little more slack because of my previous history.

THIS WHOLE SITUATION TO ME IS ANALAGOUS TO THE "NIGERIAN" SCAMS. It's just that here, instead of an inheritence or gold bars, you expected to get a computer worth more than your investment.


Yes it was offered fraudulently but again, I'll spell it out for you, if you didn't realize this was too good to be true, I guess ignorance is bliss.


We are a very demanding bunch (anyone with any history here would recognize that) -- a mob on occasion -- but smart enough not to get our panties in a wad over a "deal" that did not make business/economic sense.

Did you think AI was selling these computers as "loss leaders" or to engage you into a long-term relationship? If so, there's a little bridge near my office that I own. It's called the Brooklyn Bridge. You want to buy it?


Hell, I know when I get screwed -- and it's happened before -- but if I enter a situation with my eyes wide open, recognizing that reputable companies don't sell products for less than their fully-loaded cost (parts, labor, location, equipment, etc.), I wasn't slighted. I effectively tried to get "something for nothing" and it didn't pan out. That isn't being slighted.

God willing, tomorrow's another day. Stick around G|A, maybe you'll like it.


You do realize, don't you, that you are insulting Gabe with all that. Several times in your post you intimate that if one didn't realize that there was a good chance this was illegitimate that you are ignorant. Furthermore, you equate this to a scam.

Are you saying Gabe is ignorant? Or are you saying that he knowingly perpetrated a scam on his viewers? It's one or the other. Either that, or your whole post is meaningless.

Gabe seems to me to be intelligent, knowledgeable, and honest. If, however, you have information to the contrary, I think you should post it here. Otherwise, no need to insult the rest of us.

:cheers:

[civicdidex]

did someone get jacked or something?

[dcbly]

Just replaced the AI 100 laptop I was going to get with the Best Buy Compaq 2100 for 650 after rebates. Now I'm very happy and to AI :-P

[teleken]

PSA- it merits mentioning that the credit from AI showed up on my online CC statement today. Hopefully everyone else is experiencing similar results. Meanwhile, I'm getting psyched about the new P4 system, even though my current machine (Athlon XP 2000+, 1GB DDRAM, GeForce Ti 4200) isn't really that big of a slouch either.

[dizzytrain]

Glad to hear they credited your account back, called my card company just now and they have not done the same for me. I have the dispute forms at hand, but i have not decided how long i should wait to see if they credit it back on their own. Has anyone else had any luck with the charge being reversed on their card?

[under9hell]

Today, My account change address without my permission. I dont kno who did it... for sure not me... but it make me think about AI...Eventhough the problem is not related to AI company, I still change my accounts because the Ai website is not secured to protect all of my information. Be aware guys just my 2 cent....

[aggieSlaughter]

I just find amusing that this thread has surpassed dell coupon codes for the most views, even though it's 20 times newer..... just something I got a chuckle out of.

[faither]

You do realize, don't you, that you are insulting Gabe with all that. Several times in your post you intimate that if one didn't realize that there was a good chance this was illegitimate that you are ignorant. Furthermore, you equate this to a scam.

Are you saying Gabe is ignorant? Or are you saying that he knowingly perpetrated a scam on his viewers? It's one or the other. Either that, or your whole post is meaningless.

Gabe seems to me to be intelligent, knowledgeable, and honest. If, however, you have information to the contrary, I think you should post it here. Otherwise, no need to insult the rest of us.

:cheers:

In no way, shape or manner did I insult Gabe or any GA staff. For you to even infer that from my post is puzzling. I do not hold the cry-babies and whiners in the same regard.

EVERY deal carries the possibility of risk (unfulfilled rebates, pricing mistakes, insufficient stock, etc.) and I don't think any G|A staffer or educated consumer would argue that. The less familiarity one has with a vendor, the greater the potential risk. This vendor built a history at G|A by offering smaller deals on less expensive merchandise, and once lulling us into a false sense of security, they enticed us with a deal that proved to be "too good to be true." That is not the fault of anyone here. PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT LAST SENTENCE.

I went in on it too, but did so recognizing that the likelihood of someone being able to sell me -- as well as thousands of others who partook in this deal -- a computer for less than its "fully-loaded" cost was highly unlikely. Ergo, my statement that I hoped for the best but prepared for the worst. The folks I have no sympathy for are those who went into this deal not understanding its economics. This wasn't Amazon or Dell posting a deal -- and there are plenty of folks who've had problems with those outfits -- it was AI Computers.

I have no beef with Gabe or the G|A staff for posting the deal. I truly appreciate them posting as many deals as they can dig up. The onus is then on me to pick and choose where I wish to spend my money.

[ThinkBling]

If you haven't already done so, everyone may want to consider clearing out the information on ai's website. Here's the login page....
http://www.aicomputers.com/myaccount.cfm

[dizzytrain]

EVERY deal carries the possibility of risk (unfulfilled rebates, pricing mistakes, insufficient stock, etc.) and I don't think any G|A staffer or educated consumer would argue that
Yes and i excpected this as a potential if not likely out come, however being charged for something i did not or would not receive was not and is not likely when purchasing really good deals on the net. Ive purchased deals from small business large businesses and everything inbetween on the net, but never had someone charge me without the intention of filling my order. That is a crime, and the "what did you excpect" excuse falls short of rationalizing it. it is not whining to demmand your money back on the only forum we know the criminals are reading. They stated that they had closed their doors and would not fulfill orders on may 1st, but then charged our cards after that date. I think we can all agree that the only ones at fault (intentialy) for such an outcome is AI COMPUTERS. This is clear to every sane person, so we dont have to argue the point of who is at fault. we should just focus on charge back info, or dispute relevant information, to make sure these guys dont hold onto our money fraudulently longer than they have. for the record it was not whining that people were doing, they were just showing a little public indignation, something totally deserved by AIcomputers, which is hands down the worst retailer i have ever dealt with on the net.

[Xarthan]

I just find amusing that this thread has surpassed dell coupon codes for the most views, even though it's 20 times newer..... just something I got a chuckle out of.

but not yet the Couch Potato Codes

[Grubbie]

If you haven't already done so, everyone may want to consider clearing out the information on ai's website. Here's the login page....
http://www.aicomputers.com/myaccount.cfm

I love how you can login with [email protected] and test as the password....

[cyber_nicco]

In no way, shape or manner did I insult Gabe or any GA staff. For you to even infer that from my post is puzzling. I do not hold the cry-babies and whiners in the same regard.

EVERY deal carries the possibility of risk (unfulfilled rebates, pricing mistakes, insufficient stock, etc.) and I don't think any G|A staffer or educated consumer would argue that. The less familiarity one has with a vendor, the greater the potential risk. This vendor built a history at G|A by offering smaller deals on less expensive merchandise, and once lulling us into a false sense of security, they enticed us with a deal that proved to be "too good to be true." That is not the fault of anyone here. PLEASE UNDERSTAND THAT LAST SENTENCE.

I went in on it too, but did so recognizing that the likelihood of someone being able to sell me -- as well as thousands of others who partook in this deal -- a computer for less than its "fully-loaded" cost was highly unlikely. Ergo, my statement that I hoped for the best but prepared for the worst. The folks I have no sympathy for are those who went into this deal not understanding its economics. This wasn't Amazon or Dell posting a deal -- and there are plenty of folks who've had problems with those outfits -- it was AI Computers.

I have no beef with Gabe or the G|A staff for posting the deal. I truly appreciate them posting as many deals as they can dig up. The onus is then on me to pick and choose where I wish to spend my money.


Fair enough.

[stech4u]

I love how you can login with [email protected] and test as the password....

i also love the way how you can change your email address to "[email protected]" and make it your personalized login

[thaxi]

Got an email from AI today with the subject Your Order Cancellation. It however had someone else's address in the To field! I guess I received it because I would have been on the BCC field.

The message reads as follows:

Dear Valued Customer:

Your refund ID #: xxxxxxxx on May 24th, 2004.

Please refer to this number should you have to contact your credit card
company.

Thank you.


My credit card company has not seen any refunds coming from AI on my credit card. I guess I guess I will wait a few more days to see if they refund before filling out the dispute forms.

[Comet]

Got an email from AI today with the subject Your Order Cancellation. It however had someone else's address in the To field! I guess I received it because I would have been on the BCC field.

The message reads as follows:

Dear Valued Customer:

Your refund ID #: xxxxxxxx on May 24th, 2004.

Please refer to this number should you have to contact your credit card
company.

Thank you.


My credit card company has not seen any refunds coming from AI on my credit card. I guess I guess I will wait a few more days to see if they refund before filling out the dispute forms.

Exact same thing happened to me with the email address to someome at uiuc.edu and no refund showing up on the CC yet. http://www.gotapex.com/forums/images/icons/icon5.gif

[mrslyger]

just received the same type of email with the same issue. I suppose we can just hope that AI tried to go legit and just got swamped with orders after the deal and realized after all this bad press etc that's come from here and other forums they woudn't be able to successfully continue under the AI name....let alone fullfiill any orders.

as was said before i wouldn't be surprised if the company pops up again with the same website but under a different name.

[Apex]

They just contacted me again today to tell me most of the CC should be handled already, those that are not yet will be by tomorrow.

[Marka]

Not to beat a dead horse, but did any of you notice something odd before? The claim was that AIComputers is NOT AIPCS, that they are two different companies. Well if you went to the AIComp support site you'd see something interesting (you can still look at that site)

http://www.aicomputers.com/support.cfm

[Reaper]

What is his affiliation I wonder??


Personal info edited per user's request.

[tourbound]

I got an email from AI today that said:

Mr. XXXXXX,

Your refund ID #: XXXXXX

Thank you.


I guess atleast it was to me and said my last name. My CC statement online doesn't show a refund or a pending refund. I guess I will see what the next couple of days brings.

[n0s0upf0ry0u]

got the same refund email over here... with the incorrect email address in the "To:" field. oh well, guess i'll wait a day or two.

[kristieswisher]

Same for me...got my "credit" email from AI....but nothing has shown up yet on my credit card. This whole situation just goes to show you that you can only check things out so much...if people want to lie, cheat, and steal...they will and that is a sad commentary for mankind in general. Just my 2 cents...

[djslack]

I had no worries as MBNA's shopsafe server was down when I tried to order, so I put down to pay by MO.

I would like to be blessed with the knowledge of how Sgt. Friday got his neat little sales summary (http://www.gotapex.com/forums/showpost.php?p=682239&postcount=992) :)

Oh well... like they say too good to be true. Thanks for trying.

[dizzytrain]

got home to find the same e-mail that says my card has been refunded, also with a different e-mail address than my own listed,
this is very odd- also no refund on my card yet
hmmm, how long should i wait before filling out the dispute and sending it in?
I'm gonna give them two more days, anyone else actually find a refund on their card?

[Foxdog]

Same for me, got the email addressed to some @Yahoo.com account, but didn't get my card refunded yet. I don't plan to let this go to long without starting the dispute with MBNA.

[cmontyburns]

Same for me...got my "credit" email from AI....but nothing has shown up yet on my credit card. This whole situation just goes to show you that you can only check things out so much...if people want to lie, cheat, and steal...they will and that is a sad commentary for mankind in general. Just my 2 cents...

Company had tons of horrible reviews on Reseller Ratings, was trashed by the Better Business Bureau, was the focus of a negative article in Maximum PC, and had no working telephone number.

But you're saying there were no warnings signs? I think this whole situation shows that, in the Internet age, you can actually check things out a LOT. It's just a matter of what you decide to do with that information.

I'm sure lots of people felt like they didn't need to do that since the deal was listed on the front page of GotApex.com. Which was unfortunate.

[Bidhere23]

Dispute now... don't wait...

[bm47076]

On the plus side it seems this deal that never happened got a bunch of people to join the forums and actually post. Lets hope they contribute something and didnt just sign up to complain.

[Foxdog]

I still have not been credited. Has anyone who never canceled, but then got the cancelation email from AI, had their card credited yet?

[tourbound]

I sent either 3 or 4 cancellation emails to AI between Monday, May 10th and Wednesday, May 12th. Never got an email reply.

I talked to the AI rep on ICQ on Wednesday, May 12th, told him I wanted to cancel, and he told me he would process my refund on Friday, May 21st. And how convenient for AI that they completely closed up shop.

I got my refund ID email yesterday, but still no sign of a refund to my CC.

My bank gives the retailer 30 days to make good on the refund and then I can dispute the charge. So if I don't have a refund by June 9th, I will be getting my money back and I hope whoever the slime ball is that runs AI and is behind this fraudulent activity gets what he has coming.

[Sgt_Friday]

I would like to be blessed with the knowledge of how Sgt. Friday got his neat little sales summary (http://www.gotapex.com/forums/showpost.php?p=682239&postcount=992) :)


Since there was no communications from AI, I got the information from the web site. I wrote a program to send http requests to www.aicomputers.com and tally up the responses based on order status.

As far as I could tell, the first order on 4/27 was #3678, and the only order, recieved after 4/27 that shipped, was #5490, placed a week after the coupon was removed.

[Xarthan]

oooooh do you mind sharing the code? i would like to learn how you did that =)

[Apex]

Anyone actually get credited yet?

[mrslyger]

I haven't seen a refund yet but based on how they actually tried to run their buisness i doubt they are going to be in a super hurry to sort the mess out.

:censored:

[beo]

Anyone actually get credited yet?
No.

[µnδertaker]

No refund yet. Sent cancel emails to AI starting 5/13. Never got a response.

[the greatest]

i had ordered and was charged for 4 systems ($5000+) yesterday i checked with my credit card company and the charges were credited back to my account. i am a little surprised but will continue to monitor my account to see that no additional charges are added to the card. too bad, it seemed like a good deal (too good!)

[sdawg]

No refund for me.

I disputed the charge with Capital One yesterday, and they credited my account. For those of you with CapOne, fill the form out online to dispute - it's a lot faster than calling...

[Foxdog]

Still no refund. I taked to my CC company and appearantly I have to go through the hassel of filling out the back of a printed statement (I usually pay online) and sign it and send it in. Ughhh.

[Comet]

48 hours after credit notification from AI Computers and still no credit posted to my CC. Called my CC company and they indicated that they post credits as soon as they get them. Still waiting.....

[n0s0upf0ry0u]

still waiting here too. but certainly NOT indefinitely. if i don't see my refund posted by friday, MBNA will be receiving my dispute.

[n0s0upf0ry0u]

a quick update... still haven't been credited, but MBNA told me it usually takes about two weeks (on average) for a company to refund your money once they've informed the purchaser of an anticipated refund

[dizzytrain]

Just began the dispute over the phone and will be sending them more info via the mail. The gentlemen at the Card company told me to wait until today to see if the card has been credited back, it wasn't.
After i told them that AI has even taken their site down, they told me its best to begin the dispute.
yesterday i did a bit of research on the net and i found out that most banks will allow you to begin a dispute over the phone and then send the forms in afterwards if you ask them to. What this does is give you an instant CONDITIONAL credit back to your account.
You have to ask to "begin the dispute via phone", thats what i did and to my surprise they gave me the conditional credit after having me answer various questions. They also told me it would be helpful to include with my dispute form info that states that "upon their request i am able to provide them with contact information of others who where also charged by AI and are not receiving anything". Everyone here should include something similiar with their dispute, and if the card company's investigators ask for that info. simply Private message me, and others for the contact info.

Anyways, hope everything works out for everyone on here, i will keep checking out this thread to see how the refund/dispute (i guess thats the real stage four) ordeal is going for those who must endure it.

[thaxi]

I havent been credited yet either and called my CC to start the dispute. They said they would mail me the forms and that as soon as they recieved my signed copy back they would refund the money on my account. In the meantime I do not have to pay the disputed amount since I have placed a dispute on it eventhough my statement is now due.

I have the United Mileage Plus Visa from FirstUSA.

[cmontyburns]

A flood of credit-card disputes would make it very difficult for these guys to establish a merchant account in the future.

[Xarthan]

damn disputes! i'm glad my CC disputes only require one phone call. No messy forms to mail and stuff.

CapitalOne <----- No Hassle :)

[ThinkBling]

aicomputers.com (http://www.aicomputers.com) website is completely down now.

[quantumburnz]

Anyone get refunded yet? I know I haven't... :/ Filed dispute a while ago though, bank already credited me.

[Comet]

One week after receiving credit notification email from AI computers and still no credit posted to my CC. Started dispute on Friday.

[Gidget]

I still have not been credited. If anyone does happen to get a credit please post or PM me please.
Thanks!

[bullethead]

Hey guys its me again. I visited my normal web sites and surfed the porn, apex is now alittle under the porn surf priority.
You poor guys that listened to all the crap saying you suck if you dont stick it out.
I put my money in the X800 XT. $459 and bringing $800-$1100 on Ebay.
Last I visit apex for a deal, burn city, I'll find my own deals.

[Cubsfan]

Hey guys its me again. I visited my normal web sites and surfed the porn, apex is now alittle under the porn surf priority.
You poor guys that listened to all the crap saying you suck if you dont stick it out.
I put my money in the X800 XT. $459 and bringing $800-$1100 on Ebay.
Last I visit apex for a deal, burn city, I'll find my own deals.
Well sir, I can assure you that you will not be missed.

[ACE]

:stupid:

[cyber_nicco]

Does this mean everybody got their refunds? If so, I'm surprised nobody took the time to mention it here. Or, does this mean nobody got their refunds. If so, I'm surprised nobody took the time to mention it here.

This was such a saga, I would have liked to know how it ended.

Anyone?

[DarkFury]

Hey guys its me again. I visited my normal web sites and surfed the porn, apex is now alittle under the porn surf priority.
You poor guys that listened to all the crap saying you suck if you dont stick it out.
I put my money in the X800 XT. $459 and bringing $800-$1100 on Ebay.
Last I visit apex for a deal, burn city, I'll find my own deals.
Geez... can't this guy "stay gone"? Why come back to tell us this? You must like it here to keep checkin' up on what is being said here.

This deal is over... get over it and move on. If you wanna find you own deals, that's your perogative... we'll just continue enjoying the great deals we find here and that's that. No need to keep WHINING about it :neartears :bawl:

Later bud... now somebody go and lock the dayuum door to keep the "riff raff" out. :2far:

[tourbound]

Does this mean everybody got their refunds? If so, I'm surprised nobody took the time to mention it here. Or, does this mean nobody got their refunds. If so, I'm surprised nobody took the time to mention it here.

This was such a saga, I would have liked to know how it ended.

Anyone?

I got my refund ID email on 5/24 and still have not received a refund from AI. I have disputed the charge with my CC company and gotten my refund that way.

I hope my CC company goes after someone at AI.

[quantumburnz]

Ya, I sicked my bank on them, no refund from them here.

[MASTERPL]

anyone received a refund yet?

[Xarthan]

did anyone get ripped off?

[mrslyger]

nope no refund yet. just disputing the charge

[Gidget]

No refund here.

I think most people that got cancellation e-mails said that their emails were not only addressed to them but also to at least one other person. I know mine was. We probably all have the exact same cancellation number!

Has anyone followed up to see if the Company actually initiated any refunds or if the refund came only because of the credit card dispute?

I know one poster mentioned that they ordered about 5K worth of computers and they were refunded. That is probably because once you reach a certain dollar amount ( I think it's 2K) the legal ramifications are much more severe. I don't remember details but I think it's something like it changes from being a misdemeanor to a felony or something like that. AI probably wants to avoid any really major legal problems so they are refunding their large orders and probably are thinking that if they don't refund the money there are plenty of people out there that will just assume the refund is coming and won't think to dispute the charge until it's too late.


I'm still curious as to what happened to this Company and if anyone got their refund other than through their credit card dispute. I hope anyone who followed up will post!

[hang10wannabe]

wow, i've been gone a while but i remember i was thinking about purchasing from the Ai deal... glad i didn't have the money to begin with at that time... sorry to hear about people who got ripped off and apex is a good guy

[DankNstickY]

did anyone get ripped off?

:bigmouth: :heh:

[cmontyburns]

I still can't believe that a company, with no working telephone number, horrible reviews on ResellerRatings and a terrible Better Business Bureau rating, that sold popular items with a 50% off coupon, putting its prices significantly below what the items sell for from countless reputable deep-discount retailers, turned out to be a fraud.

I mean, really. Who could have possibly seen this coming?

[mrslyger]

It was a gamble with risks stated in plenty of prior posts. If it was indeed legit it was a win win situation. That turned out to not be the case. Most people can simply dispute the charge and they will be fine. I feel bad for those who never get around to filing a dispute or for some reason paid cash.

I"m not sure what the point of your post is??? does it make you feel good to be master of the obvious after the fact?

the only reason to keep this forum going is to help out those who need support or information to get their money back.

cheers

[cmontyburns]

My point is simply this:

If this deal had been posted by a regular member of GotApex, or Anandtech, or Fatwallet on a discussion board, by post #3 the red flags would have been waving strong.

Instead, this deal was posted on the front of GotApex.com, by Gabe himself. I'm sure many people didn't even go to the msg board to see if there was any discussion, and figured Gabe's endorsement was enough. In fact, I didn't see anything posted again on GotApex.com's main page about this deal until the company had disintegrated (I may well have missed some interim notice, I admit.)

Obviously, Gabe is not the one who ripped anybody off, and I've bought zillions of dollars worth of crap based on what he posts on his main page. But while everyone else is saying what a sin it is to criticize GotApex.com in any way, I'm saying this: A small amount of digging on his part would have revealed that these guys were dubious, and saved a lot of people a lot of hassle. At the very least, there were reports on the msg board right away that they had no working phone number. I would have liked to have seen that information posted on the main page ASAP.

This wasn't some deal he stumbled on -- he was in direct contact with these guys, and set up the deal with their approval (and though it hasn't been explicitly said, I'm sure he received a commission from each sale). In the future, I hope he scrutinizes relatively unknown outfits more clearly before touting them at the top of his front page, and keeps all visitors to GotApex.com better informed when red flags are raised by members in the forums.

[brain]

Why won't this thread die?

[Arhant]

Why won't this thread die?
Because people want closure. Closure = Refund to CC.
Actually closure would really be the cell door slamming on the AI principals.

[jcbnetwork]

My point is simply this:

If this deal had been posted by a regular member of GotApex, or Anandtech, or Fatwallet on a discussion board, by post #3 the red flags would have been waving strong.

Instead, this deal was posted on the front of GotApex.com, by Gabe himself. I'm sure many people didn't even go to the msg board to see if there was any discussion, and figured Gabe's endorsement was enough. In fact, I didn't see anything posted again on GotApex.com's main page about this deal until the company had disintegrated (I may well have missed some interim notice, I admit.)

Obviously, Gabe is not the one who ripped anybody off, and I've bought zillions of dollars worth of crap based on what he posts on his main page. But while everyone else is saying what a sin it is to criticize GotApex.com in any way, I'm saying this: A small amount of digging on his part would have revealed that these guys were dubious, and saved a lot of people a lot of hassle. At the very least, there were reports on the msg board right away that they had no working phone number. I would have liked to have seen that information posted on the main page ASAP.

This wasn't some deal he stumbled on -- he was in direct contact with these guys, and set up the deal with their approval (and though it hasn't been explicitly said, I'm sure he received a commission from each sale). In the future, I hope he scrutinizes relatively unknown outfits more clearly before touting them at the top of his front page, and keeps all visitors to GotApex.com better informed when red flags are raised by members in the forums.

Very well said.

I originally saw this deal posted on the forums at fat wallet and it seemed too good to be true and then people started pointing out all the suspicious things and I decided not to jump on it. I could not believe it when a few minutes later I cruise by gotapex and see the deal posted on the front page.

[Foxdog]

Still in dispute process, of course no credit from AI. I need to get a "No Hassel" card when the smoke clears. I must have the "Jump Through Hoops" card.

[cmontyburns]

Has anyone received a credit from AI?

[Jax67]

Folks - It's been almost 2 months now. If you haven't disputed your charge, please do so now. Don't wait.

[ThinkBling]

I can't believe some people are still holding out for AI to do anything?!?

[tupacboy]

wow this thread lives forever.....

[Apex]

In the future, I hope he scrutinizes relatively unknown outfits more clearly before touting them at the top of his front page, and keeps all visitors to GotApex.com better informed when red flags are raised by members in the forums.

I think I went over this before, but just in case I did not: We did scrutinize this. We did so for MORE THAN 9 months, starting by posting smaller deals and then working towards larger. Over that period, HUNDREDS of orders were placed and received as expected. We followed closely every step of the way, putting way more time and effort into scrutinizing this company than any other company we work with, and we work with over 600 companies. I do apologize again that I'm not omniscient, and my ability to read the future of a company is rather limited. Heck, my wife says I'm getting increasingly bad at reading her mind to figure out what she wants. :)

[bm47076]

I do spend loads of time researching the companies and deals we post, because I owe it to my viewers. I believe that is my responsibility. Plain and simple.

If this deal falls through, and you made an honest effort to dispute the charge with your credit card, but your credit card will not credit you against the fraud, I will personally pay for your charge, as long as you ordered through our links on gotapex.

My word is good.


I dont know what anyone is worried about, according to the above you have a guarantee by apex that he will pay for your charge if your credit card company doesnt refund you. Seems to me like Apex is going out of his way to guarantee you dont get screwed on this deal. Thats what I call putting your money where your mouth is.

[crackerbox]

Dont make the mistake of only claiming a fraudulent purchase with your credit card company, it is your responsablility, and even duty, to file criminal charges, specifically by contacting 1, your local police agency, and 2, the police department in Farmingdale NY where this company suposedly did business, and even 3, since they were frauding people all over the United States, guess what friends, that constitutes as Federal Fraud, Contact the FBI, start at your local branch, and work your way up if you have to.

A little more help for those who havent filed yet:

The proper name for the type of complaint for your credit card company falls under the catagory of "Disputing charges for goods or services never recieved or rendered"
This applies to all those who are still tracking this who would have been charged, then told they were being credited, and finally were Never Credited.

The only way anything ever gets done in this world, is if someone believes that their ass is on the line if it doesnt get accomplished. If you really want AI Computers, its founders, and all those involved or responsable, brought to justice, and i know you do --as do I, we need to make enough of a blip on the radar for this to have some priority. Listen, fraud of this scale has way more than enough weight to make national attention. There were more than 1000 orders, right, well lets say the average order was billed (before discount and coupons) for $1000.00 that means we are talking about $1,000,000.00 these crooks could have possibly stolen; Stolen from you, from me, from our bosses, and from our friends, from our parents, and our classmates, stolen from all of us, all proud citizens of the United States of America, a country that pledges to stand behind those who are fraudently taken advantage of just as we were.

How to get national attention:
There are 2 ways to get national attention. 1, contact the local news - but everyone is to lazy to pick up the phone and make a call, especailly when you dont have that number handy. -or 2, Post a news blip on www.fark.com linking your headline to the apex forum. Believe me so many national news people have taken headlines DIRECTLY from fark, that it is the ideal way to "make a ripple" or a "blip on the national radar."

Only then, when this thing as national attention, will people be willing do make this a priority. think about it, If the Agent who gets put in charge of this investigation knows that his Boss has heard of the situation on the national news, he will be 10 times more likley to not be a lazy ass and put this one on the back burner.

WE ARE TALKING ABOUT A $1,000,000.00 FEDERAL FRAUD CASE HERE FOLKS.
And guess what, anyone who comes forward about this, to a news agency has the chances of getting your 15 minutes of fame, on a national level -- and without even having to kill your wife!

[bradpitt]

OH **** I GOT MY COMPUTER!!!




































just kidding :(

[Gidget]

Did anyone ever get a refund?!?

[thaxi]

Disputed the charge with CC company and they promptly refunded the money to my account. I will call them and find out if they know whats going on with AI Computers.

[Foxdog]

Is there any new information on this yet? My cc has credited my account, but I was wondering if anyone knew more.

[INXSible]

:puke:
<bump>

[DankNstickY]

:confused:

why'd you bump this? :disa:

[Cubsfan]

I'm guessing some people are still holding out hope of getting a refund :disa:

[Markel]

:confused:

why'd you bump this? :disa:
I think they keep mistaking this for the old "keep it rolling" thread. :hihi:

But I wish it would just go away and die (seeing that AI Computers did the same).

[hobbit000]

Now I know that some people want this thread to do, but I have to know something. Please forgive me. Everyone seems to have been ripped off by AI Computers. My experience with them was rather different. I ordered my computer around Christmas and it came sometime in January. I had to send it back because it wouldn't play Medal of Honor, my favorite game, and tech support couldn't help over the phone. I got it back and it pretty much worked fine, except it keeps overheating. I need to fix that part.

Anyway, I need to know what's wrong. How did AI rip off all these people and then give me a computer that seems to work all right? Did they go out of business because of unfair practices? What's the deal?

[Markel]

Anyway, I need to know what's wrong. How did AI rip off all these people and then give me a computer that seems to work all right? Did they go out of business because of unfair practices? What's the deal?
You obviosly were dealing with them before they hit the skids. Just before the skids, they had (and G|A displayed) a great 1/2 off deal. They were flooded with orders, sputtered a while, then disappeared. Most people never got charged, and hence were not ripped off (except for their hopes being dashed). Some were charged and never received systems. Most of these will be refunded by the credit cards. So in the end, only a very few actually lost anything.

[DarkFury]

So in the end, only a very few actually lost anything.
A bunch of folks "lost their tempers" however... :angry:


But as always... Caveat Emptor for when the deal sounds TOO good to be true. :D