In this review sample most customers report problems with shipping, billing surprises (including recurring rewards charges), returns handling, and slow or absent responses from support. A small minority described a positive experience with fast replacement and courteous service. If you consider purchasing, review return and warranty terms carefully, watch for trial-to-subscription language at checkout, and retain tracking numbers, photos, and receipts. For payment safety, monitor statement activity and be prepared to dispute unexpected charges through your card issuer if necessary.
Examples from available reviews (Jul 2017 – Feb 2026).
Incorrect size was quickly replaced and customer service was responsive.
“She was very kind and responsive.”
Unexpected recurring rewards charge appeared after opting for shipping discount.
“checked a box for a discount on shipping. Since then we have been charged $118.65 at $16.95/month.”
Company did not respond to emails and failed to provide service.
“They do not respond to email or queries.”
Returned wrong items but company claims never received them despite proof.
“they are telling my bank they never received the return and I have proof”
Most reviewers report missed deliveries and unwillingness to resolve returns or refunds; one reviewer described fast, helpful service.
Several reviewers report unexpected fees, high prices compared to other retailers, and recurring "rewards" charges they did not anticipate.
Frequent complaints about late shipments, wrong items, checkout/signup confusion, and lengthy return or refund processing times.
Multiple reports of defective, damaged, or lower-than-expected items, plus inconsistent product descriptions and workmanship concerns.
Many reviewers report unreturned calls, automated responses, or no replies to emails; a small number describe prompt, helpful contact.
Predominantly negative overall impressions: customers cite billing surprises, unresolved returns, delivery problems, and poor support experiences.
For each review, the core experience based on original source reviews.
Sources: Trustpilot (54) · Reviews (17) · resellerratings.com (15) · Reviews (1) · Quotes shortened · As of: February 2026
Multiple order errors and poor customer service prevented resolution.
“I returned it for an exchanged but they ended up giving me the wrong item”
Product arrived broken and replacement had corroded batteries; further support failed.
“The product (singing rabbit) was broken.”
Multiple unexpected charges and restrictive purchase policies frustrated buyer.
“this morning I found 3 charges on my visa acct for the same amount”
Product was low quality and not worth the price, despite sale.
“It is definitely not worth the $139.99 price tag”
Wrong item delivered and long delays without promised manager callback.
“Opened the box and a Mother Goose stuffed animal was in the box, not what we ordered.”
Purchased expensive scale that broke and was much cheaper elsewhere.
“Walmart is selling the same scale for $40.”
Return handled poorly with restocking fee and gift certificate instead of refund.
“Hammacher Schlemmer charged a significant restocking fee.”
Former employee reports being let go after one day without explanation.
“I was let go after only one day with no explanation why.”
Received product unsuitable and company refused to accept return or follow up.
“But they won't take it back.”
Unexpected monthly $16.95 rewards charge billed for months before cancellation.
“a $16.95 per month charge on my credit card for "Hammacher Schlemmer" rewards”
Late shipment, wrong item, and refund refused after return claimed not received.
“Shipment arrives 3 months later.”
Order sold out without notice and refund processing delayed.
“I asked why there was no "Sold Out" or "Out of Stock" notice on the website.”
Customer service slow and refund credits take weeks.
“Their customer service is horrible.”
Returned wrong items but company claims never received them despite proof.
“they are telling my bank they never received the return and I have proof”
Product was uncomfortable, low quality, and overpriced.
“Horrible product, only good for getting rid of unwanted guests.”
Product arrived without power cord and was unusable.
“we got the item without a cord to the wall making it useless.”
Item bought five years earlier no longer honored under lifetime warranty.
“It's been 5 years since I bought an item that was over $200, and now it's not warranted”
Order shipped incorrect items and customer service responded rudely.
“Received two items that I didn’t order and missing two items that I did order.”
Warranty replacement took months and customer service was poor.
“Customer service is horrible, they actually told me they have no date of replacement.”
Defective product and company failed to honor promised refund.
“projector does not work.”
Company responded poorly to return questions; reviewer won't buy again.
“Poor company response to questions about return”
Customer service was poor and orders contained unexplained charges.
“There is an extra $188.83 charge for "something"...?”
Product did not match website images and was disappointing.
“My table top fiber optic tree looks NOTHING like what is shown on their website.”
Remote failed and company refused proper replacement under warranty.
“No help whatsoever lifetime gaurentee is a lie !”
Item shown in stock, but seller provided no confirmation and conflicting updates.
“This company advertised item in stock. NOT TRUE!”
Returned defective item but company refused full refund and didn't follow up.
“they then stated i could not receive the full refund.”
Company failed to provide promised replacement and delayed resolution months.
“They agreed to send a replacement battery, then advised it was no longer available.”
Lifetime warranty did not honor claims and company charged premium prices.
“their 'lifetime warranty' turns out to be deceiving and basically bogus.”
Company charged excessive fees and refused to refund full return amount.
“they charged me $110 keeping $18.90 for themselves.”
Reviewer says products are garbage and service was worse.
“products are garbage, service is worse”
Warranty replacement required large fees and manager was unreachable.
“they say 100% satisfaction guaranteed and life time warranty which is a complete lie.”
Company kept returned item and refused to process exchange or refund.
“They need to make this right and give me back the item I purchased.”
Customer was charged monthly rewards fees and only partially refunded.
“they have been deducting $14.95 from my account.”
Item was backordered and company failed to notify customer of delay.
“I ordered an item which was never shipped to me.”
Purchased low-quality product and company refused reasonable warranty remedy.
“their "Lifetime Warranty" is not for a lifetime...it’s not even a warranty!”
Rewards program signed reviewer up and charged monthly without consent.
“Don't shop here. One order will sign you up for "rewards program" and charge you $14.95 monthly.”
I had a great experience with this online store, with friendly customer service and a good product. I ordered a pair of indoor booties from them and the first time I got the wrong size. I contacted them immediately and they sent me another pair immediately with the right size! They arrived in 2 days and the second time it was perfect. My new boots fit wonderfully. I was also impressed by how fast I could get in touch with someone to help me out. She was very kind and responsive. Thank you so much HS for everything, and I will definitely purchase from you in the future.
Order delayed repeatedly with no communication and pending charges.
“I have received ZERO communication from this company explaining or apologizing for further delays”
Reviewer praises consistent quality over ten years of purchases.
“I love the quality of the items I have ordered through Hammacher Schlemmer over the past 10 years.”
Personalized puzzles arrived ambiguous and looked cheaply made.
“They both arrived with no designation on which puzzle went with which address!”
This page combines submitted experiences with public reviews from platforms such as Google, Trustpilot, etc. Recurring points are summarized without changing the content of reviews.
Hammacher Schlemmer is a U.S.-based retailer and catalog company selling consumer gadgets, home goods, and specialty products through online and mail-order channels. People checking reviews typically focus on shipping, returns, warranties, and any subscription or rewards programs.