Update (Feb.1/08): Authorities ask for help: http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=39bd6190-0ce8-49b7-ad04-cf2e5f0313ba&k=14629
Consumers can report their dealings with iPhoneNow.ca at 1-888-564-9963 or by e-mail at in**@***pa.ca
Update: iPhoneNow.ca is in the news: http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=cf51ae03-de31-46fb-a632-725dc8809508&k=53201
For those on the Westcoast of BC, particularly those in the Lower Mainland, you might have seen the television ads running on the TV listings channel. What kind of ads am I talking about? iPhones of course! There’s this company called iPhoneNow.ca that is advertising “unlocked iPhones” in Canada, and for Canadians to place their orders ASAP because quantities are limited. But wait, it doesn’t stop there–you can qualify for “EasyPay” payments of $69/month! If you order with Interact Online, you’ll save 2% on your purchase, but you’ll lack the “charge back” security provided by credit cards.
Okay, so what’s the deal with iPhoneNow.ca? The new iPhones with version 1.1.2 firmware cannot be unlocked at the moment. So how is iPhoneNow.ca unlocking their phones? Well, after a small investigation, it was confirmed that they are indeed using a TurboSIM-like solution.
iPhoneNow.ca has priced their phones at $699CDN…after checking their website, prices are now at $649CDN. I had a couple readers ask me about purchasing from them. That seems pretty pricey to me, especially ordering online from a start up company that hasn’t been around for a long time. You could just buy an iPhone from the US for $399, then spend $125-150CDN for a TurboSIM chip (eBay), and you will still “save” $100CDN or so.
Are they legit? Should you buy from iPhoneNow.ca? A look at their “About Us” page reveals the site is run by a company that has business interests in both the USA and Canada. They list two dealers as service centers. The one in the United States, lists:
CIPC Worldwide Holdings Corporation
108 West 13th Street, Suite 200
Wilmington DE 19801
In Canada, they offer service through:
Jiffy Wireless
555 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
Canada V6B 1M1
Thanks to one our readers at iPhone in Canada, we were able to get a transcript of a “live chat”…here are parts 1 and 2:
If you were too lazy to read the chat, it explains that the phones are indeed unlocked using a TurboSIM method, and they ship via FedEx or Purolator. Also, the chip solution is “so easy” the CSR’s 8 year old was able to perform it! Wow, I’m sold! 😉
iPhoneNow.ca looks really pretty on their website–they’ve spent a lot of time ripping Apple’s images to place on their site. If there are happy iPhoneNow.ca customers out there, please let us know, as we’d love to hear from you about their service! In the meantime, if you really really really really NEED an iPhone, I would suggest following my list of Top 5 Ways to Buy an iPhone in Canada first before approaching iPhoneNow.ca — you might save some money!
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I ordered one with the Wells Fargo easy pay, cause Wells Fargo called me a bit ago thanking me for being a good customer. I had got some credit from them to pay off a vehicle repair, and repaid them quickly. When I get the phone, thats if I get the phone I will post up how this works. They are advertising on the tv channel listing here in Vancouver, BC Ch. 2.
We ordered from iphonenow .ca here as well…we are suspecting something going wrong with the delivery (no valid tracking number) but we still are inside the 7-14 days claimed by the company. Hoping to have an iphone for christmas!
I also ordered an iphone from iphonenow.ca and I am also having problems with the tracking number but they told me they will send a tracking number via email when the package reaches canada. I ended up dishin out over 900 bucks on that thing. I hope it shows up. I ordered it on December 16th. I didn’t even know what an iphone was and I ordered one for my girlfriend for christmas. I also saw the ad on the channel listing here in Fort Mcmurray AB. Now I’m just tryin to figure out if the thing will work lol.
Webterractive: PLease keep me updated!
Montreal iPhone fan & Did I get Ripped off: I would contact those guys ASAP…or do a chargeback if you paid with your credit card. Definitely a risk, but if you want an iPhone, you have to pay…next time, maybe consider eBay? Good luck!
Man if I don’t get what I paid for I’m gonna find those guys and rip them a new one. All I know is that they have my money now and I don’t have anything to show for it yet. It’s only been 3 days so I probably shouldn’t expect anything yet. I just figured, you know it was on TV and TV is always right lol. Anyway I’ll keep ya posted. Let me know how it goes for you too Montreal Iphone fan and Webterractive. By the way the iphone itself wasn’t 900 bucks, I bought some other stuff too. I got a leather case and some covers or somethin. The shipping cost me 75 flippin dollars and silly me, of course I got the 3 year warranty.
My, brother ordered his on the 10th of december and paid the extra 80 bucks for next day delivery and he still does not have a tracking number. I ordered mine on the 11th and they screwed up my order and I had to reorder on the 14th. They did apply a credit back to my credit card for the first order. I’m not very impressed so far. The little christmas ad they use is a total lie. I talked to reps over the phone and the all said the same thing. it’s next day delivery after the phone gets to canada which takes 7-14 days. that’s not cool when people are paying 160.00 to get the phone delivered.
Still haven’t received phone yet. Ordered on Dec 1st and status was “released” or “partially shipped” since the 7th. It is now the 21st. Called them and operator said it is in “customs”. Don’t know what to believe. Still no tracking number….
I was told by a rep that the phones are trucked into canada to avoid customs.that was one of the head guys from the complaints department who called me . it really seems like we are being mislead, i paid 115 for shipping and i’m wondering why??????????.i got an email last sunday telling me that my phone had been shipped but i still dont have a tracking number. needless to say that we wont be getting the phones for christmas. everyone i talked to had a diffrent story.
I know how how you feel rhino, the reps appear to have no clue as to where the orders are. They can only go by whatever it says on their system. We are literally waiting for next christmas for our phones if that at the least. I got one rep saying that they wait till the truck is full of orders then they ship. Then another rep saying that it is in customs and another saying it goes to Vancouver first then it is shipped FedEx and we get the tracking numbers. One says that it takes 7 -14 days of processing to get from the States to the border and then we are sent a tracking number and from there straight to the destination.
I kinda regret purchasing one from them in the first place. If anyone receives a phone before me please post so there’s hope of eventually getting one. This is just ridiculous, should have just went down to the States and got one myself. I would’ve had one by now….
Yeah, if we had known that this site was a joke we could have gotten our iphones on ebay. I can’t believe that their ad says get your phone the next day and when you talk to a rep they get snooty and point out that it’s 7-14 days which is in the fine print on the bottom of their web page. I have had several reps admit that their web page is misleading. I don’t blame them. They must be getting alot of ticked off clients calling them. most of all I can’t believe that you ordered on the 1st and they have no answers for you. That’s just sick!
I ordered some stuff for my iphone from a different company in the states 4 days after i ordered my iphone and i got my stuff deliverd yesterday.
good luck Bwilde getting your iphone. I will post the minute mine shows up.
just figured id update my status….. still nothin. i wonder if i can get my money back if its not here by christmas, im gettin a little ticked off with this garbage. my sister ordered an ipod from the states last christmas and got it in like 3 days. what a joke. every time i see the iphonenow commercial i feel like putting my foot through the screen.
Well get this…..I ordered an iPhone using my credit card on Dec 17 and they debited the money from my account less then 24 hours later and just two days ago I called the toll free number provided on thier web site to find out what the status of my order was and the rep told me that the payment was declined so after I hung up the phone with her I called my credit card company and they verified that they did recieve payment and could even provide a authorization #…..so I’m not sure what going on here…….also judging by everyones comments on this site no one has yet to recieve a phone does anyone know ANYBODY that has ordered a phone from these guys and actually received it??
Similar story as everyone else so far: Ordered my iPhone on Dec 9th, updated my order to include the One Year Warranty on the 10th. On Dec 19th my order status switched from “Processing” to “Shipped” on one page and “Pending Shipment” on another page only after I had a rather pissy (on their end, not mine) conversation with a support staff member. My credit card just got charged on Dec 21st so I am really hoping it shows up soon. On the plus side I did talk to Visa before I made the purchase and they said I am completely covered if this turns out to be a scam so… I guess I wait. I will not however bother to talk to their belligerent customer service ever again… which makes me wonder what good buying the warranty was.
Anyone get their phones yet? not me. I left a nice message to them lol.
No, guys. no, phone yet and no tracking # We are screwed! You can expect to get your iphone 3-4 days after you get a tracking # , if you get one. If I don’t have a tracking # by Jan 30th I’m asking visa for a refund and getting my Iphone on ebay. They still have that f**king ad up on the web about getting your phone in time for Christmas. They must mean Christmas 2008.
Wow, I am shocked that there are so many people who have not received their iPhones from this company. It must be super frustrating to have to deal with this over the holidays! I guess right now, the best thing is to check with your credit card company to see if you can get a chargeback for this! Good luck everyone!!
I work in Calgary and physically picked up my phones from their Banker’s Hall office to resell. Didn’t have much of a problem, other than not getting through on the phone when i call and setting up a time to get them took forever.
Just curious, has anyone actually read the website? Nothing anyone seems to be talking about here is outside their 7 to 14 (I assume business days) shipping time frame. If you’re all so desperate for iPhone, why don’t you pay the extra money to do same day local pickup?
I researched other boards, all of which had positive reviews. I’m considering another purchase and found this forum and although I’m keeping an open mind, no one has said anything here whatsoever that even seems like a legit complaint. You’re all getting the same story. HELLO? Thats a pretty good indication of the truth to me? But that’s my 2 cents after getting my phones.
I talked to my sister, who also purchased one. He doesn’t have his, but lives in Seattle. He got a tracking number on 12/18 thats showing scans.
Did I get ripped off: Have you asked for a refund? People who get ripped off normally try to get their money back? Same with the others, have you expressed this interest?
If anyone has asked for a refund and not received it, or has found something legitimately wrong with this site, other than you’re upset their shipping with the stated time frame, please call 203-687-4600 and let me know. I’m interested to know if this is something going bad or a good site getting trashed for apparently no reason.
Why is this site getting trashed????? It’s because they had an ad running saying that you could get the Iphone for christmas and some people ordered the phone almost a month ago and still don,t have a tracking #. That really sucks when it was ordered for a Christmas present! I think that speaks for itself. My brother paid 160.00 for next day shipping and it’s 2 weeks later and still no tracking #. i believe the site is totally legit and we will get the phones. I just wish they had been honest about how long it takes to get the phone. My girlfriend bought me my iphone for Christmas and this morning she is really upset that my big gift isn’t here for me to open. And im sure ( Did i get ripped off) Is having fun telling his girlfriend that he bought her something really cool for christmas but it’s not here yet)
No wonder we have no phones, cell shop is buying them all. Kidding… How can you trust their local pickup when the link on their is dead anyways and I’m sure if you live in the states you’d get your tracking number right away. It’s almost a month now, if it doesn’t show up soon.. there will be some serious a** whooping going down…
Amen to that Bwilde. I think I speak for everyone when I say that everyone affiliated with iPhonenow.ca can go f*ck themselves. Ditto to all the other reviews. I ordered my phone on the 2nd of Dec. and am yet to receive it. They had the gull to tell me mard card was declined (twice) when it has never EVER been declined. iPhonenow.ca can go lick a d*ck.
I am sorry to all who had to get into this. It’s 100% scam. People that ordered iphones from the old site(store.iphone-unlocked-now.com) still haven’t got anything. I presume most did charge backs.
Please expect not to receive anything, call your credit card company and do a charge back. Also most banks can do charge backs on your bank account. I’ve done one before through coast capital because paypal screwed me over.
I apologize greatly
I also do not have my phone yet. however, I did get a tracking number.
At first, I got a reference number for Purolator, however when I typed it in it said there were multiple shipments with that number, so I demanded the actual tracking number. I got the story that they don’t give them out till they’re in Canada. So I waited 6 more days and called back.
Their story jives. I got the Purolator tracking number from them ( 329005857217 ), which when I attempt to track it on Purolator’s website, it says I must call Purolator to track this package. Although no tracking comes up, when I phone them they’re able to tell me its on its way and when it will be delivered. Although I don’t think it should take this long to DELIVER (I ordered Nov 24th, but a declined transaction held up my order), its been over a month since I placed the order, but it does appear I’m getting all 3 of my phones. Anyone else have a similar experience? Also just wanted to share my tracking information in hopes that perhaps the rest of you can obtain your actual tracking numbers (don’t go for the reference number, its no good), get the ACTUAL tracking number from them.
I’ll let you all know when I receive my packages!
Just received a Purolator tracking number. It’s been over a month. But it looks like it’s on it’s way. We’ll see…keep you posted.
white rhino: I see 4 people who are upset they didn’t get their phones. When I was in their office I heard they may have had as many as 20,000 phones (I couldn’t get a straight answer, so this is a pure guess based on those convos). People who are happy get their stuff and don’t come back and make posts here in the websites defense.
As a cell store owner, I’m slightly concerned that you’re all jumping to conclusions, based on your disappointment and not fact. I’m rather upset that everyone’s in the “OMG we’re screwed” mindset, when from an outside perspective this all looks like you got what you paid for. Remember Christmas is just a day, it’s the thought of the gift that counts. I know coming from a merchant this is contridictary, but have you all lost your Christmas spirit? This isn’t all about the commercialization.
I spoke with my brother in-law again today and still no new information, but he’s not in a panic.
I don’t see anywhere on this website that says “delivery before Christmas.” I see 7 to 14 days (in some cases it says minimum on the help page). You’re all getting the same story, and now we have someone who got that story and has a tracking number.
The worst thing I can say about the website is their shipping seems to be somewhat slow. Have you ever ordered online from a larger company? Try ordering from Time Life sometime. 4 to 6 WEEKS for delivery, plus these guys are dealing with customs to boot!
It just seems like a very few minority in this case is giving an otherwise good website a bad name. Again if someone asked for a refund and didn’t get it, or something actually wrong happened, please post it or notify this board, but barring that, I’m going to wait a few days and place another order if I don’t see something more convincing then you’re setup your present didn’t arrive on time.
Brett
Hey brett, just read the ” twas the sale before christmas” its the ad that pops up when you go to http://www.iphonenow.ca site. It even implies you can have the phone the next day. That was my problem with the whole thing. also last week there was a little ad on running on their site saying hurry and order the phone by the 18th to get it in time for the holidays.
Yeah. Still no phone. Had to go get the girlfriend a bunch of other stuff for christmas, so I called visa and they said that if it isn’t here within 30 days from when it was charged to ny visa, I can call and get my money back after they dispute it or somethin. I was a little ticked off because I have never ordered anything online before and I just didn’t know if I was bein ripped off or whatever. Now I just don’t care cause its already after christmas. If it shows up, it shows up. If it doesn’t it, it doesn’t. I’ve got nothin against iphonenow but they really need to improve their customer service. Plus the shipping sucks. I would like to hear from someone who has actually recieved their phone though. Anyway merry cristmas everyone. Hey, iphonenow has probably saved us a load of money on cellphone bills lol.
I am also still waiting on a phone I ordered for Xmas and have concerns wether or not it will ever show up. I expect after 9 days, iphonenow would be able to provide a FedEX tracking number. I ordered on Dec 17th and iphonenow confirmed shipment on the 17th via email. I followed up and questioned iphonenow via their online support and they answered all my questions to my satisfaction and was told to expect delivery within 7-14 days. They also confirmed on the 23rd my order was waiting customs clearance. I still have concerns how legit they really are and time will only tell. I also spoke with Rogers and they confirmed they will setup the phone.
JK
hey,
same here i orderd my phone on the 13th, not a word from them. i phoned them they said they will send me a tracking no but i never got one, ia m just tired of this bull**it.
but i am still waiting.
Hey folks, I am moving my updates over to my own website so I only have to update one place instead of 3 different blogs. Sorry if this seems like a way to drive traffic to my site, as it is not… I am just lazy.
http://www.frozenpuck.com/article/iphonemaybesomedayca
Has anyone received their iPhones yet?
wow, my order status just changed from “partially shipped” (Dec 7) to “shipped” on Dec 29, talk about snail mail. Obviously, I still haven’t received my phone yet. Still no tracking numbers. Although I haven’t complained since a week ago. They’re even trying to get more customers with there new Boxing Week add and attract more waiting customers…the nerve.
Nope, still no phone yet and no tracking # Anyone in Calgary have a couple for sale? I’m in town for a few days. When I do get my iphone i will post right away to give you guys some hope.
AAAAAAAATTENTION ALL: this is a S-C-A-M…. i ordered and had the same problem as everyone else… no phone and no answers… then there have been multiple fraudulent charges on my credit card from different companies over the net….
avoid anything to do with this company and check your credit card statement imediatly…..
chrages have been for random amounts from different companies including FIDO…. BE VERY CAREFUL
AAATENTION: this is a SCAM…. i ordered and had the same problem as everyone else… no phone and no answers… then there have been multiple fraudulent charges on my credit card from different companies over the net….
avoid anything to do with this company and check your credit card statement immediately…..
charges have been from FIDO and other random
be very careful and avoid this company at all costs….
Just received a Purolator tracking number. It’s been over a month. But it looks like it’s on it’s way. We’ll see…keep you posted.
Yeah, same here. it’s seems to be an advanced tracking #. with any luck we will have our phones by Friday. I’m not sure why it’s Purolater. As i said before I paid $115.00 for Fedex 1st international.
I really don’t care if it arrives on the back of a camel. Just as long as it gets here.
It may be Purolator from the states to the border, then FedEx or Canada Post from there on….At least we have some progress
When i talked to Purolator they said the shipment info is for delivery in canada and not from the us. I’m thinking the truck has arrived in vancouver and purolator will be handeling the shipment.
it is nothing more than a letter filled with more lies. I received the purolator “package” today.
hey guys,
same here i got a advance tracking no…but when i try to track it .they say call purolator no…..i am also confused i was supposed to get this through fedex ground, but now its purolator.i think all of us will get our phones the same day…..keep ur fingers crossed.
Your all been ripped off – lol
I have busy for an hour trying to find just one person who has successfully received a phone from them, nothing… and the company is registered offshore.
Looks like a very brave scam.
Even customers complaining from Europe.
Thousands of complaints try goodle iPhoneNow.ca scam.
seriously… you need to think smart…. your phones aren’t comming, cancel your cards and get your money back from visa!!!!!
Sorry to hear that this is one big mess guys…hopefully everyone will get their money back from this dishonest company…
i dont know what u guys are thinking, but i am positive that we will get our phones.i met a my friends buddy yesterday, he said he got his iphone from iphonenow.ca
Anyone able to track their package yet. This company should get an award for the smoke and mirror show that they have been putting on for us. I have been waiting now for over three weeks now. If you are thinking of buying an iphone, don’t use iphonenow.ca!
Got all 3 of mine.
Still waiting for 5 others to resell on Carigslist.
Jan: Thanks for the update. That’s awesome. did you get their email about ordering the proper adaptor from them? roger’s or fido?
can you tell us how the phone works and what they are using to unlock the phone. turbo sim? jailbreak? etc.
thanks
Ye Jan sure you did… work for PhoneNow.ca?
How about a scan of a delivery note or something?
You guys are all screwed in the head for ordering from them anyways, even if your phones do arrive at any given point, you could have chosen a better, cheaper method of getting an iPhone and NOT be whining about not having stuff for your girlfriends/boyfriends to open on xmas morning, I really do hope you all get you iPhones, but I also hope you all do your damn research next time before you drop your wad on some lame ass “fly by night” website looking to make money…ontop of that, their Turbo SIM solution blows anyways,depending on what firmware comes on the devices, you may not even be able to use them anyways and somehow I doubt these guys are checking to ensure they are shipping them with compatible firmware.
For everyone who received a tracking number, Have you tried calling Purolator and try to track your packages? Did they given you information on where your order is?
Hey Bwilde, yeah the email was from Purolator and it’s legit. They haven’t received the product for shipping yet. Advance shipment notification??? Never heard of that before ( more stalling tricks) This is what’s happening. I got a shipment notice email from these guys on Dec 17th, That’s what my account info said too. after we got the Purolator email i noticed my account now says shipped on Jan 02,08.
Looks like they sent out false shipping notifications to shut us up for Christmas.
they have updated their site now so you can track your package, BUT it still doesn’t work.
I have yet to read any positive feedback about this company on any of the blogs i’ve been on.
*deleted* at the request of iPhoneNow.ca
When I ordered a phone from these guys, it took them forever just to process my order. I talked to three different reps on the phone, and the first two informed me that my credit card was verified and they’d ship the phone. My order status remained the same. The third rep I talked to, said my card hadn’t been verified yet. She had no explanation to offer me when I informed her that two previous reps had verified my card. They suggested I contact their online customer service, which I did. The person I talked with was so rude that I told them to cancel my order, since I would be asking my credit card company not to release any funds, since my product has not been shipped and I have canceled my order with the company. I was transfered to a “supervisor” who was even worst than the rep in terms of rudeness. I was classified as a dangerous transaction, or whatever term they used, and canceled my account. I should point out that I go through online transactions a lot, mostly through eBay (both buying and selling) and all I have are amazing reviews. For me to be classified as a dangerous transaction is a joke.
I created another account with the same information to see how their fraud security is, since I was pretty much classified as a scam artist. I had no issues creating my account, using the same information. If these guys are legitimate, they have no idea about business, security, customer service, or basic manners.
I also got charged on my credit card for a VOIP call, even though I’ve never used VOIP in my life. The charge came up the same week I ordered the iphone. Thankfully my credit card company agreed that it was a scam and I don’t have to pay for that charge.
BEWARE! I’m convinced these guys, or guy, or whoever is running this operation, is a thief. I won’t be surprised if you guys receive your phones but don’t work, even though they guarantee on their website that the phone will work in Canada with Rogers and Fido.
I wish I could meet the reps I talked to…
The following is a statement from iPhoneNow.ca, Inc. regarding this message board and associated posts.
iPhoneNow.ca, Inc. would like to state clearly and completely that iPhoneNow.ca, Inc. is not owned or operated by CIPC Worldwide Holdings. They are a fulfillment partner only and help us provider customer service to our customers. Further, the owner of iPhoneNow.ca, Inc. isn’t even a male and certainly is not someone who has previously ran scams on the Internet in the year 2000. In fact, our directors are not even located in North America, nor have they ever lived there.
Further to these comments, orders on iPhoneNow.ca are subject to verification. For those who had their orders canceled, it is for everyone’s protection that we must adhere to these policies. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Any iPhoneNow.ca, Inc. customer is welcome to request a refund directly from us. Contacting your credit card company without first raising your issue with us is against our policies. Please reference our terms of service for additional information.
We welcome to contact to the BBB and will happily respond to any complaint or concern.
To the site administrator, you are requested and required to remove the slanderous comments above. Please respond to myself within 24 hours at je*************@*******ow.ca to confirm your removal of the aforementioned. Failure to comply with this direction will result in us availing ourselves to any and every remedy under the law.
Out of 12,000 orders, we’ve had a total of 14 returns. This tells us that our clients are largely happy with their orders or are not concerned with the processing thereof. If you have a concern, please contact us through our live chat, we’ll be happy to assist you.
Guide yourselves accordingly,
Jennifer M. Wilson
Hey everyone, I have been contacted by iPhoneNow.ca regarding the slanderous comment that was made here (which has been moderated and deleted) and they are suggesting court action if similar comments continue.
Now, since there is Freedom of Speech in Canada ;), as stated in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, you are more than welcome to speak your mind/opinion on your situation.
However, please only make comments that you can back up with facts. Thanks. 🙂
Wow, I wonder if anybody in those 12,000 orders actually got their iphone…………. I would love to hear some feedback on how it works. So, to you lucky 11,986 iphone owners out there, start typing!
I’ll be sitting here holding my breath waiting for my iphone to show up. : 0