Kudos to this company. I purchased my TSU6000 from them and within 1 hour they sent a confirmation email thanking me. An hour or so later they sent me an email with the UPS tracking number. My Pronto arrived on time and was packed very securely.

All in all, I am very pleased with the my new toy and would highly recommend www.rrdeals.com

Thank you Randy for your great service.

This is the second similar message this week from someone who registered the same time they posted the message.

I hope this is a legit message, and not another round of spam advertising.

Peter,

We are well aware of the forum owner's expectations of dealers on the forum, and we abide by those guidelines explicitly. In fact, we advertise on the site! That said, I assure you that I, nor any member of my company, would post any sort of spam advertising in the forum. I hope that satisfies your question and your curiosity :)

Randy
www.RRDeals.com

Randy...

I am totally sure that Peter's suspicions are correct. I have seen the same posts with your website in the title multiple times.

Additionally, after what I have found out about your operation this past week, and you full well know what I am talking about with respect to your, in my opinion, underhanded tactics on eBay for which there is another thread in this forum on and a whole discussion section on eBay (I can post public proof if you care to dispute it), I would not trust anything you assure anyone of.

I very much hesitated to make that public a statement, about my feelings, but when I found out what you did this past Saturday within minutes of an auction close, and I saw Peter's post here that confirmed what have been my very suspicions too, I could not hold back any longer. I have absolutely no faith in your integrity any more.

-Bruce
alpha2data
on eBay

This message was edited by alpha2data on 11/20/01 19:44.24.

These types of threads are sad. I've been around this great site for almost 2 years. During that time, many people come and go, users and "dealers" alike. That's the nature of web forums, and the nature of the consumer electronics business.

But what amazes me is how some of you think that it's impossible for there to be more than one good dealer. Just because RRdeals is good, doesn't mean Alpha is bad, or vice versa.

I'll be in the market for a Pro (or maybe the new 9200) in the next month or so. I suspect that I could buy from either one of you and get a good price, and decent service. More than likely though, I won't buy from either of you, simply because both of you seem hellbent on degrading the other. That kind of childish practice leaves a bad taste in my mouth, and isn't the kind of person I'd like to do business with.

Here's my recommendation to both of you. When you see a thread about "RRdeals is great", or "Alpha is great", just LEAVE IT ALONE. Don't pat yourself on the back, and don't try to trash your competitor.

Act like businessmen, not children!

Steve

That was my very recommendation to "RR" in another thread here called Topic: Where to find the Pronto Pro on the Net ?

"SCR" has a point only in that if you are running an operation with the "price of the hour" you have to be prepared to take some flack. I could add more to that, plus specific examples, but it would do nothing to improve the atmosphere of this forum. So, let it go and just run your business the way you want. Why add fuel to a fire?

If you are keeping people as happy as you say, and already doing the kind of 100's out the door volume, then don't worry about it and turn the other cheek. I wish you good commerce as well as the other vendors here.

Since that time, and that statement by Randy about their eBay record, I have come to find, or rather be the victim of what I can only describe in my opinion as underhanded activity.

I am not the only one with that feeling as evidenced by a discussion in the trust and safety section of eBay called Can this guy do this?? - PLEASE HELP!!!

In the past 21 days, and as late as today, I have been the victim of their, in my opinion again, "tricks".
I try to help out other members here a lot. It takes many hours. It is called supporting and giving back to the community you sell to. It is not uncommon in different professions. I also do not come off as you say, at least I hope not, patting myself on the back except when the information I provide is anecdotal in nature and in line with the discussion.

I have also sent my toll free number to members who already own a pronto but where having a problem that I helped out with at my expense in person.

Here is a simplistic example... a post looking for a Docking staion where my recommendation was to call Eric at AVSmarts. I even provided the link to their online ordering system in the post.

Self-serving, no. Honest, yes... perhaps some would say to a fault, but that has never turned around to bite me.

So, if I momentarily lost it here, I apologize to the members of the forum and you personally. If you knew the full reason, you would probably still make the same recommendation, but perhaps you would understand.

-Bruce
alpha2data
on eBay



This message was edited by alpha2data on 11/20/01 21:13.51.

Since this is not a commercial site, such testamonials (as well as pans) are not appropriate. This would be true even if the post was legit and heartfelt. It certainly is far more true if it is in actuality an unpaid political announcement. I don't know which is the case with "Gadget Guru", but it would seem more legit if he had an e-mail address, some sort of profile, and were otherwise recognized around the "campus". None of this is the case with GG, therefore the index of suspicion is high.

There are many dealers who regularly post, and, for the most part, they are either sharing the benefit of their expertise, or seeking solutions to their own problems, not drumming up business. Bruce is pretty much a prime example.

That being said, Bruce you do yourself a disservice by airing this sort of dirty laundry here, no matter how valid your claims. What goes on at E-Bay doesn't concern us here, and the issue here is: was RRDeals taking advantage of this site to post an unpaid ad? It is certainly appropriate to point out that a particular post is inappropriate, or possibly not genuine, but, in broadening that, you only look petty, and it diminishes your opinion, even if you're right. A rep speaks for itself, and if RRDeals is disingenuous, the word will filter and they will pay the consequences. Take the high road.

Randy, I am in no way taking sides regarding the merits of this e-bay issue, or the legitimacy of this post--only saying that a biz rises or falls on its reputation. If this thread is genuine--cool. If it is a plant--boo, hiss!! Regardless of whether you actually provide good service, fair prices, etc., etc.

Joel

Thank you for the voice of common sense. You know I respect you and your opionion and your points are on point. I lost it here. I apologize. I will follow your advice and not publicly air the substantial "why" behind that. I even considered editing my post out to just a ".", but was not sure if that were the right thing to do either.

As always...

-Bruce
alpha2data
on eBay

Peter: Kudos for your commentary. You are absolutely right. These Deals posts pop up far too frequently to be the real thing.

Bruce: stand your ground, and don't back down. I appreciate that you are being sensitive to the opinions of others, and that you do not want to cause rifts or acrimony in this otherwise-friendly resting place. I would like to point out to your detractors, though, that this shows exactly why they are wrong: you have never done anything untoward on this website. You did not "lose it" at all. In fact, I don't see where you publicly aired anything but your opinion... and there is nothing, if not opinions, on this website.

Steve13: yes, you're right, these threads are "sad" in their own way. But they also represent the Yin and Yang, if you will, of this site. Every so often some foul fungus comes along that needs to be burned off. In the case of this website, it is these constant RRDeals threads that seem to pop up with great regularity every week or so. There are no other threads appearing, not even every so often, pointing out the great deals to be had at any of the other "put name here" advertisers.

Further, if you look closely you will see that these guys are not backstabbing each other. Not even R & R have made negative remarks about alpha2data or any of the others. That is simply an oversimplification to point out a "fact" that in actuality does not exist. Something you are definitely correct in stating is that it would be nice if these threads could be just "left alone"; unfortunately, this kind of issue calls for resolution. Heck, I sure don't like bringing these threads back to the top, but it will be worth it if we can clean up this place.

Joel, whether this site is commercial or not I really don't think has any bearing on the topic. I strongly believe that one of the reasons this site exists today is to help us all benefit from other people's opinions on gear and services and retailers. But Bruce didn't air any dirty laundry here; in fact, he showed considerable restraint, I think, in not listing the facts, which are surely damning to RRDeals and which would have supported his contention. It takes a strong man to state his point of view when it is necessary and let others decide whether or not that point of view is to be respected. Under the circumstances, with Bruce never having overstepped the bounds of the "laws" of this site, or even those of common courtesty... and with RRDeals being almost the sole reason for Daniel's implementation of stricter security rules... I would say it is pretty apparent that he deserves the benefit of the doubt.

I'm the first one to call out "shill" when I sense one, and I will continue to do so in the best interests of this WebSite, this place that is quite cozy on most occasions, marred every so often only by the intrusion of a wild animal, a weasel perhaps, in sheep's clothing, trying to sneak in the back door while we're all in the living room having a good time.

As you say, a reputation will speak for itself, and "the word will filter and they will pay the consequences". Well, the word is filtering, and it is thanks to sharp-eyed readers, and those who have had enough, and are taking up the challenge of keeping the rest of us informed when they hear the weasel. -HH-

This message was edited by Harmony Honey on 11/21/01 09:59.13.

Harmony-
I re-read my post a couple of times, and I can't find anywhere where I said anything about backstabbing. Poor business practices, yes, but backstabbing probably not.


Bruce-
If your recommendation was to do what I said, then LEAD BY EXAMPLE!!

I know you help others here, and we all appreciate your contribution to our "community". Rest assured that others know it to. You don't have to toot your own horn. Actions will speak louder than your words. Spend the time you are wasting on posts like these, and instead help someone struggling with their Pronto. I promise you the rewards will be much greater, both financially and emotionally. If you feel the need to "brag" about your help and your services, get a new user ID and do it that way. JUST KIDDING!!! :)

OK, now let's all hold hands and sing Kumbaya (which I obviously have no idea how to spell!!) :)

Steve13....

Peace! This is not Kumbaya, but click Life Goes On!

-Bruce
alpha2data
on eBay

This message was edited by alpha2data on 11/21/01 10:12.16.

Steve13: you're right, the word was "degrading". Semantics, I guess.

But I gotta tell ya, Bruce IS leading by example. He never toots his own horn. And he really regrets actually having said anything here, but I think that sometimes we need to be unbound by the over-inflated ties of "political correctness" and stand up and put Baloney in its place: in the bottom drawer of an unplugged fridge, where it can turn green and whither away, as it should.

Bruce isn't wasting time here; I'm glad someone in the business finally stood up and pointed out that there is more going on than just "suspicous" readers. I would certainly like to post some of the facts, which I now know, but I won't. I don't know if you can take my word for it; I've been on this site for a long time, and I guess most people know my name (whether they care or not is a different story!); so maybe that goes a little ways toward providing some confidence that I'm not shilling for the other side.

Kumbaya, my Lord. Kumbaya. -HH-

alpha2data,

I realize that the only reason you wrote the above message is we are hurting your business and you thought that this was a way to hurt ours. You are a competitor of ours and angry that we sell the ProntoPro TSU6000 for less than you. Well, we live in the United States and every business can sell any product for any price they want.

If our customers are happy and wish to post in the forum, I believe that they have a right to do so.

I have never and would never even think of posting a message like yours knocking the competition. That is very UNPROFESSIONAL and the people who see a message like yours fully understand that you are a competitor. It's ironic that the only people who ever have anything negative to say about www.RRDeals.com are people who have NEVER done business with us.

We have run our business, since 1988, and sell our products for the LOWEST possible price and give our customers the BEST service in the industry.
We have thousands of satisfied customers all over the world who buy from us again and again. To date we have sold nearly 250 ProntoPros - many (or all) to readers of this forum and we haven't read a single complaint.

We stand behind EVERY product we sell and are always available for our customers. If anyone reading this ever has any questions, they can always email me at
[email protected]

I am sorry that this even had to be written, but I couldn't leave your post unanswered. I would rather that you didn't even reply to this post Bruce.

Randy
www.RRDeals.com

This message was edited by www.RRDeals.com on 11/21/01 11:11.26.

The question is not who is the best. The question is what is the purpose of the forum. If it is to write on how you like the place you bought your remote then GG's post belongs here. If it is on how to get the most of the remote, to create fun things to share with others (utilities, games... dealing with the Pronto) and to get the manufacturers to improve the product, then that post did not help with this. It is normal that someone looking for a remote might want to know if the place he is thinking of buying it is reputable. And if someone asks it is normal to answer them with our experience. On the other hand if everyone every time they buy a Pronto talks about their buying experiences then this forum (and any other of the forums) loses value.

On the other hand GG I hope you do not take this personally and that you will continue posting

And a third (mutated) hand: E-bay fights should stay there. I know I am one of the guys that goes on tangents, and who goofs around some times, but attacks never help with anything and personal attacks are "personal" and should be kept that way.

my $.02

Randy, I've seen your business moves in action both here and on eBay. I guess all's fair in Love and War... and business is war. I won't ask how you sleep at night, because I'm sure you sleep just fine. And no one can say you've done anything illegal. Yet.