SmallBizGenius Analysis
OWC (Other World Computing) receives mixed feedback, with customers praising their upgrade kits and helpful tutorials but expressing concerns about customer service and product quality control. While some customers have had positive experiences upgrading their Macs, others have encountered issues with faulty products and difficult return processes.
Category Breakdown
Scores based on analysis of 15 recent reviews
Customer Service
3.0/10Customer service is a major point of contention. Many reviewers report slow response times, unhelpful support staff, and difficulties resolving issues, especially for international customers. For example, one customer described OWC's customer service as 'appalling' with 'ZERO regard for their customers'.
8 reviews mention thisProduct Quality
4.0/10Several reviewers report receiving used, faulty, or incompatible products. This includes receiving a used hard drive when a new one was purchased, a defective SSD, and a 'downgraded' computer tower. One reviewer stated, 'It would seem almost impossible that a company like OWC could send out a dud SSD Blade drive… But that’s exactly what they did.'
6 reviews mention thisReturns and Refunds
3.5/10Customers frequently complain about difficulties with returns and refunds, including restocking fees and paying for return shipping. One reviewer described a 'bait and switch scam' involving a 'Linux Capable Tower' and claimed they were cheated out of a quarter of the money they paid.
5 reviews mention thisUpgrade Kits & Tutorials
8.5/10Many reviewers praise OWC's upgrade kits for their completeness and ease of installation, especially when combined with their online tutorials. Customers appreciate the detailed instructions and the resulting performance improvements to their Macs. One reviewer said, 'Every thing I needed to instal a 2TB SSD that was also included in the kit. All installed and working in less then two hours, Brilliant thank you for saving my Mac and me.'
5 reviews mention thisShipping & Delivery
6.0/10Shipping experiences are mixed, with some customers praising fast delivery and others complaining about high shipping costs and issues with international orders. One reviewer mentioned super-fast delivery to the UK from Belgium, while others detailed expensive return shipping costs for faulty products.
4 reviews mention thisPros & Cons
What Customers Love
"Every thing I needed to instal a 2TB SSD that was also included in the kit."
"following the excellent owc videos after 4 hours I now have a blazingly fast imac"
"If you want to upgrade your Mac in any way this is the web site to view and purchase from ."
"friendly knowledgable customer service"
"Delivered fast. Very satisfied"
Common Complaints
"Bought new hard disk, got used failing disk"
"Support not existing!"
"They cheat hundreds of people every year of $300 by bait and switching them"
"I then had to arrange shipping back to the US of their dud drive at MY EXPENSE!!!!"
"they were incredibly SLOW to reply during the conversation!"
Common Questions About Owc
Answers derived from customer review patterns
Is OWC legit and trustworthy?
OWC's legitimacy is not in question, as they are a real company selling Mac and PC upgrades. However, trustworthiness is a concern based on the reviews. While some customers report positive experiences, a significant number describe receiving faulty products, experiencing poor customer service, and facing difficulties with returns. These negative experiences raise concerns about OWC's reliability and commitment to customer satisfaction.
Based on 8 reviewsDoes OWC have good customer service?
Customer service is a major pain point for OWC, according to the reviews. Many customers report slow response times, unhelpful support staff, and difficulties resolving issues, especially for international customers. Some reviewers describe the customer service as 'appalling' and lacking responsibility. However, a few reviewers mention having positive interactions, suggesting that the quality of customer service may be inconsistent.
Based on 8 reviewsIs OWC worth it for small business?
For small businesses, OWC may be a viable option for Mac upgrades, but it's crucial to weigh the potential benefits against the risks. The upgrade kits and tutorials can be valuable for businesses looking to extend the lifespan of their Macs. However, the reports of inconsistent product quality, poor customer service, and difficult returns raise concerns about the reliability of OWC as a vendor. Small businesses should carefully consider the warranty and return policies before making a purchase.
Based on 4 reviewsWhat is OWC's return policy like?
OWC's return policy appears to be a source of frustration for many customers. Several reviewers report difficulties with returns, including restocking fees and paying for return shipping, especially for international orders. One reviewer described a 'bait and switch scam' and claimed they were cheated out of a portion of their money due to restocking fees. These negative experiences suggest that OWC's return policy may not be as customer-friendly as advertised.
Based on 5 reviewsWhy are some OWC customers claiming 'bait and switch'?
The 'bait and switch' claims stem from customers alleging that OWC advertises one product (e.g., a 'Linux Capable Tower' with specific specifications) but ships a different product with downgraded components or altered configurations. These customers claim that OWC does this to trick them into buying a product they wouldn't have otherwise purchased, and then charges restocking fees when the customers attempt to return the item. This practice has led to accusations of deceptive marketing and unfair business practices.
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