Tobi Steamer
Consumer Ratings - Page 2 of 7
Medicore steamer; tricky customer service
3/31/2008 - ruth lee of al, usa writes:
I too, wish I had found this site before ordering, and I did search for comments???? My results are similar to most others; it leaks onto floor, hose not long enough, but did give out good steam, as compared to one I had a few years ago. I basically found it impossible to do the job, unless I held onto piece of garment being worked on; which resulted in my hand, fingers; even arm being steamed. I too, spent 1/2 hour on an item; determined that I just hadn't quite gotten "hang" of it. I wound up ironing it. The only things with which I was remotely successful were a linen blazer and khaki pants; heavier things that didn't require handling. I tried laying items on table, in attempt to try on firm surface; still unsatisfactory. For every wrinkle I removed, I inserted more; along with water droplets, which led to even deeper wrinkling...Best to come: Made 1/2 dozen attempts to call customer service for info. on returning. Each time, after I told them what I wanted, I got, "May I help you?, 3 or 4 times, (probably 10 seconds.) as I was attempting to speak. They would then end with, "I have permission to", or, "I'm going to" hang up now;" because they supposedly weren't hearing me, which I didn't believe. (This went on for days.) But; if I called order line, they heard, but couldn't help me. Each attempt to connect me to customer service ended with me being cut off. I finally sent email, which was never acknowledged; saying that I suspected the reps. were instructed to handle return requests in this manner; and I do believe it. 3ard time I called order line, I told her of my suspicions, and she stammered that she had heard of problem with incoming calls with cust. service, but she still couldnt-wouldn't give me RMA & return address. She did, however get me connected to cust. service this time, and I was given a return address only; not RMA. Another trick to use when they refuse my return? Guess I'll find out in day or so......
Pleasantly surprised
3/28/2008 - Mark of Ontario, Canada writes:
I just received the product yesterday and it does "actually" work. If you are expecting a total substitute for an iron to make those "perfect" creases - forget it!!! I bought it to use the steam for making my dress shirts easier to iron and the first thing I did was put it together and try it out. The steam came up as promised and away I went - In less than 10 minutes I had two presentable shirts. I will update as I go to let everyone know the progress as I use it but if I had to admit that I spent my money wisely from my first try, I did so. Buyer beware, look at what you are going to use it for, if your expectations are to totally replace your iron - not your product. If you want to make those nagging wrinkles go away, this product does that - period.
Does not work
3/28/2008 - Anna of NJ, USA writes:
I bought this product for $119.00 at [] after seeing the ad on TV. It does not work! I was very disappointed!! So I went back to the store and got my money back.
I like it but....
3/20/2008 - Holly of OH, USA writes:
I bought the Tobi 8/13/07. I had no problems with ordering, and I received the unit in under 1 week. I did not pay for expedited shipping. I can honestly say for the last 6 months, I have LOVED the Tobi. I absolutely hate ironing and have bought clothes that just hung in my closet because I did not want to iron. As of recently, I am beginning to see why people have been rating it very poorly. I'll list the pros and cons. Pros: Gets out wrinkles in most fabrics perfectly Easy to assemble Easy to use after the first few attempts Lightweight Travel unit worked extremely well on my husband's golf trip Cons: Clothes stand is flimsy Stand needs to be taller Unit needs to be cleaned often with vinegar solution (even after using distilled water) Doesn't work as well with thicker fabrics Hose should be a bit longer Let me explain a few of the above issues. As of 2 weeks ago, my Tobi was working like a charm. The only issue I saw was that it was harder to get the wrinkles out of thicker fabrics like jeans (yes I let my jeans sit in the dryer too long). Now the unit is not working properly. I can tell the water is being heated properly, but the steam doesn't come out of the nozzle like it did at first. The hose is even hot to the touch, so it's as if there is something in the nozzle preventing the steam from coming out. There are very brief moments of steam, but not enough to be productive anymore. I called customer service today and was told I was still under the warranty and they will send me out another unit if I paid the $29.95 shipping/handling. I thought that price was very high. It also was the same amount as 1 payment if you chose to break the payment up over a few months. I asked if they would split the shipping cost with me, but they refused. This is even more strange. The lady (who was hard to understand due to a thick Indian accent) asked me what kind of water I used. For the first month, I used tap water (even though the manual said to use distilled). I began to see brown gunk form at the bottom of the main unit, so I cleaned the Tobi and switched to distilled water exclusively. I've been using distilled for 6 months and have not seen anymore of the brown gunk. She tells me to clean the unit with the vinegar solution but to use tap water!!! I said that the manual says to use distilled and she said that I should use tap water. I was astonished! I told her that she's telling me to do something other than what the manual says to do. I'm going to try tonight to clean the unit with the vinegar solution, and I'm hoping that it unclogs whatever is in my hose/nozzle. If not, I will begrudgingly pay the $29.95 for the shipping to get a new unit. I will, of course, use only distilled water. I think the Tobi works, but since it's temperamental you may want to shop around before buying. The lack of customer service and the problems that arose within the first year of use makes it hard for me to recommend this product.
Don't trust the 5 star ratings !!! ITS BULLSHIT
3/17/2008 - doc of New York, USA writes:
I got this for my birthday from my mom. I was skeptical. Once I got it i was eager to try the thing out. After assembly and watching the video I got very excited to try it. Boy was I in for a sad surprise. First off, the stand that comes with the damn thing is too short. You can't do it standing up, its bullshit! The moment you hang a shirt on the hook and try to "slightly" pull on it, the shirt sways out of the way along with the whole unit. IT SUCKS!!! You have to do it on your knees first of all because as I said above the damn pole is too short. It doesn't even remove the damn wrinkles that good. The hose is too short too! This product is the worst. I'm glad I didnt spend money on it but my mother did and I wanna pound somebody at that company in the face for selling shit. After reading all these reviews I'm afraid that sending this thing back will be impossible, but I got news for them when they deal with the Credit Card's Fraud department. DO NOT BUY THIS PIECE OF SHIT PRODUCT!
Customer service & the product sucks!
3/17/2008 - Mahwish of Texas, USA writes:
Not only does this product not work, the customer service also SUCKS!!! Do not buy this product at all or you will REGRET it. I bought this product in May of 2007 during that time my credit card was stolen and when I called the customer service I could not get any one to pick up the phone. I called and called but no one ever picks up, three months later they turned MY ACCOUNT OVER TO THE COLLECTIONS. I call the collections, they don't pick up, I call Tobi’s main line they direct me to their customer service. I am going on almost a year now to try to pay them off and I can't, there is no way to get in touch with anyone. I have made so many efforts to pay them off and I am just stuck with $63 on my credit from the collections and no way of paying it off. You can’t send in a check, only way to pay them off is by calling. I even went on their web site and filled out Contact info, so they can call me so I can pay off my remaining balance well, they surely do CALL YOU AT 6 AM. and they have this automated machine telling you to call them back at the same number where no one picks up. Please stay away from this product not only that you are wasting your money, you will be also wasting your time if anything goes wrong and most importantly the product DOES NOT WORK!
Do not purchase!
3/17/2008 - Carol of Pennsylvania, USA writes:
I don't know where to begin. I ordered this for my boyfriend who had been looking for a steamer for quite some time. I payed an additional charge for "rush delivery" since I wanted him to receive it BEFORE Christmas. I was ordered well before the holidays and I didn't receive it until a week after Christmas. THEN - once we opened it - realized it was complete junk. It's very cheaply made - unstable and the steam is not powerful at all. It took us almost 1/2 hour to steam his work shirt. Not worth it. And every time I called customer service - I could never get a direct response. Very unprofessional - not worth the aggravation - the cost - etc. DO NOT ORDER!!!!
Tobi Steamer is CRAP
3/13/2008 - eric of Florida, USA writes:
The TOBI Steamer I received this product and found that it did not put off enough steam at all. When held up to a shirt you could not see any steam come through the shirt at all. Apparently the one on TV is a different product. Also the Travel Steamer broke after the second use. TOTAL CRAP. This product was given to me for a Xmas gift and when I decided NOT to keep it I called the company and obtained an RMA number and shipped the product back at MY COST and was not told of any time frame for the receipt. Now a month later I call and they advised they canceled my RMA and are shipping the product back to me. So apparently I stuck with this Piece of CRAP. Don’t make the same mistake STAY AWAY FROM THIS PRODUCT AS WELL AS THIS COMPANY.
Total CRAP !!! NO !!! NO !!! NO !!!
3/12/2008 - Eric of Florida, USA writes:
I received this product and found that it did not put off enough steam at all. When held up to a shirt you could not see any steam come through the shirt at all. Apparently the one on TV is a different product. This product was given to me for a Xmas gift and when I decided NOT to keep it I called the company and obtained an RMA number and shipped the product back at MY COST and was not told of any time frame for the receipt. Now a month latter I call and they advised they canceled my RMA and are shipping the product back to me. So apparently I stuck with this Piece of CRAP. Don’t make the same mistake STAY AWAY FROM THIS PRODUCT AS WELL AS THIS COMPANY.
buyer beware
3/12/2008 - james of idaho, united states writes:
Wished I had viewed this sight before ordering my Tobi steamer !! My order was for one Tobi steamer, one Tobi tree, one free travel steamer plus S/H. Received one Tobi steamer, one Tobi tree and three travel steamers which I was charged an extra $29.95. I called them and said I did not order two extra travel steamers. They said I did and to give them to friends if I did not want them. Total bill $221.58. Tobi steamer does not work as advertised period. I will not send this item back as I would rather have something to show for my money than nothing like some people.
Terrible product and bad CS
3/11/2008 - Elizabeth Lopez of Florida, USA writes:
The product does not work well. It is bad on the arms when trying to iron since there is no support. Yes, you burn your fingers. Yes, water spills to the floor. It is terrible and I have been trying to get my refund for aout a month now and still they keep saying the credit is being processed and they have charged a payment even after returning it. Do not waste you money on this product. Pick one up at a target or walmart and try it out and return it to the store if it does not work. Much easier this way.
Replaced my Iron
3/10/2008 - Mary of Illinois, USA writes:
UPDATE: I'm updating my review but it won't let me change my rating from 2 stars to 4. I gave it a low rating so I wouldn't seem overly taken with the product, but this thing has replaced my iron completely and is fun to use. I didn't get the side-mounted board, but I do use my little table to quickly do bottom of pants, sleeves, the occasional collar, etc. I like to look sharp for work, but do not wear dress shirts, for instance, so understand that 100% crispness isn't always needed. I use tap water and can kinda see some brown gunk whenever I take out the green water container, but I'm not paying for distilled water. Also, I find this product very convenient 'cos I just plug it in (switch is always left on) and let it do its thing for a few mins till I'm good and ready to use. I probably wouldn't have bought this if I read about their shady money practices first (I HATE getting ripped off!) Although I didn't get ripped off, I sympathize with those that did. That aside, the product itself is great, IMO.
FRUSTRATED
3/8/2008 - Alma of California, USA writes:
I atttempted to return the product however the customer service were horrible. They never return your calls and are placed on hold then then disconnect you. I am unhappy with the results of the Tobi steamer. It is much harder to press your clothes than what the infomercial leads you to believe. As careful as I am, I constantly burn my fingers. I have a hard time avoiding additional creases that are being pressed after I pull the clothing tautly. I have read all of the instructions and I am still unable to handle the machine as easily as it appears on TV. I find myself having to press my clothes on my knees so that I can pull the pant legs or long dresses tightly as to be able to press. This position is uncomfortable and hard on my back. Pressing my clothes is taking a longer time than I expected. i do not recommend this product to anyone.
Golden Rule!!!
2/28/2008 - Earnestine of Illinois, USA writes:
The customer service is so bad there is no way a reasonable minded person would move forward with a purchase. I was on hold and blatantly ignored when I called customer service. Trust must be earned. If we can't trust you from the beginning then there is no relationship, and that includes a buyer/seller relationship. I was told two different shipment dates on the tobi that I ordered. Also I was charged the full amount instead of the agreed upon 4 payments of $29.95 therefore I no longer trust the sellers of the tobi because of the lies and the bad treatments. Lies hurt people, especially the ones telling the lies. NO!!, I have not gotten the Tobi yet but I will stop payment and return to sender. These sellers of tobi seem to be conducting fraudulent activity. Middle class and blue collar Americans who typically buy after seeing tv adveretisements usually use the word burned not burnt so it seems Indian people with very american girl/guy next door names wrote some good reviews, and I know I've talked to some very rude, unhelpful people on the the tobi customer service line who seem to sound very Indian. It's an insult that you believe we are so stupid. Lies and cheats will never prosper. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you as the golden rule directs. Would you like to be lied to and cheated? What goes around always seem to come back around.
I love it!!!
2/27/2008 - Diamond of Ontario, Canada writes:
I read a lot of the reviews here, and I must say - I don't understand them! I absolutely love this product, it instantly removes wrinkles from 95% of my clothes. I'd like to know what kind of materials you're trying to use the steamer on that it doesn't work for you guys. I have a pretty average wardrobe, and since I got the Tobi, I can wear clothes that I haven't worn for months, cause I was just too lazy to iron. It's actually fun to use. And no, I don't work for Tobi like someone mentioned here, I just love the product..
False Advertising
2/26/2008 - Chris of Wellington, New Zealand writes:
This product is a waste of money. It is flimsy and unstable. The Steam hose is way too short, it is impossible to stand straight, hold the fabric tight and steam a pair of mens pants. You cannot get a nice tight pull on the clothing without either trying to burn yourself or the whole until falling over. Nothing like the commercial on TV, feel ripped off. I can see no value for the money you pay in the unit as well. It would take me longer to do my ironing use the Tobi than your traditional iron by the time you get each garment set up.
Works as Expected
2/26/2008 - Jay of Tennessee, USA writes:
I received my Tobi steamer yesterday and used it to steam wrinkles out of about 10 dress shirts. I did not experience any problems, with the exception of getting my hand too close to the steam a few times. The Tobi did a good job for a steamer. It is not quite as good as ironing, but much faster! The only complaint I have is that the bar holding the clothes is not stable. After reading so many terrible posts after ordering, I am pleasantly surprised with the Tobi Steamer.
I like it!!
2/25/2008 - Tammy of Ontario, Canada writes:
I got my Tobi about a weeke ago, but I did not order off the site after hearing what everyone has been saying about the customer service. I went to one of the stores that sells the things off T.V. (Barrie, Ontario. Store was in []. Paid $98.88 for it.) The staff there was amazing. They let you try everything out there and show you how to use it. I have used a pro steamer at work so I had something to compare it to and I found that the Tobi works very well. The only thing that I am finding is that the pole is not very stable but it does the trick. My work shirts are really a pain in the @ss to iron and I am amazed at how much easier it is. If you have never used a steamer before it does take some time to get use to but I don't think I will be going back to my iron again and time soon. You have to give it a chance if you have never used a steamer, it is different then an iron and does take some time to get use to it. I would recommend trying to find one of these stores so that you can see it and try it for yourself before you buy. Just my two cents.
Don't Buy Online!!!
2/21/2008 - Stephanie of Virginia, USA writes:
I wanted to use this to clean drapes and upholstry, mainly. It's incredible awkward to use, the electric cord is very short, the hose is very stiff, and the handle is way too close to where the steam comes out. Oh, and I ordered one, but four came in the mail, and customer service told me that I had in fact ordered four according to their "records". I shop online frequently - never had anything like this happen befoere. It's been almost two months since they have recieved my returned package and I have not been issued a refund. Please wait until you can buy this in a store and test it out then if you think you will have different results.
TOBI Sucks!!! DON'T BUY!!!
2/19/2008 - Joanne of California, USA writes:
I ordered my TOBI in mid Oct 2007 and received it end Oct 2007. I was excited about it and used it immediately. The damn thing leaked badly and soaked my carpet! Not to mentioned I was in danger of being electricuted. I emailed and called CS to get my unit changed. CS said the problem was with the water tank and that they will send one over to me. I waited for over a mth and still nothing. In Dec 2007, I got CS to agree to send me a return label. IT IS ALREADY END OF FEBRUARY 2008 AND I STILL HAVEN'T RECEIVED ANYTHING FROM THEM! Just a bunch of liars and cheats who will verbally promise you but never act on it. Isn't there something like a consumer's association or consumer's rights law against companies like this? Is Infomercial going to step in to help consumers like me? The product advertised on Informercial is a misrepresentation on the real thing. Where is the product integrity?!
| Merchant | Price* | |
|---|---|---|
| Taylor Gifts | $119.98 |  |
|
Sponsored Listings |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|