Reviews often describe breakdowns in shipping, returns, and warranty support. Many customers mention surprise recurring charges linked to a rewards program. Product feedback splits between items arriving broken or cheaply made and a smaller set of long-term positive experiences. Communication issues include silent support channels and repeated unwanted emails.
Examples from available reviews (Jul 2017 – Mar 2026).
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.”
Order never arrived after months, company did not deliver purchased item.
“I placed an order June 29th, and today, October 2nd, still nothing.”
Beware! This company is a scam. It claims to be an American company but everything I bought cam...
“Beware! This company is a scam. It claims to be an American company but everything I bought cam...”
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.”
Many reviews describe orders that arrived late, were canceled, or never shipped at all. Several customers say refunds were held back, returns were logged as not received, or warranty requests were denied after changes in ownership or timing. A few reviews mention fast, helpful service, but they are outnumbered by complaints.
Some reviewers report unexpected monthly recurring charges after opting into a rewards program, with checkout details described as unclear. Others point to high restocking or return fees and prices above mainstream retailers. A handful of positive comments say certain long-term purchases felt worth the cost.
Customers mention items shown as in stock that were not, mixed messages in order updates, and missing parts that left products unusable. Several describe checkout as making it easy to accidentally enroll in a paid program. A smaller group reports smooth exchanges and helpful front-line staff.
Many reviews say items arrived damaged, low quality, or not as ordered, including broken products, corroded batteries, and furniture that needed rework. Some customers report big differences between what arrived and the website photos. Long-time buyers also describe reliable quality and lifetime guarantees, though those comments appear less often.
Reviews often describe emails that went unanswered, phone calls that were not returned, and missing updates on backorders or returns. Several customers also report ongoing marketing emails even after unsubscribing. A few reviews credit staff with quick fixes, but those cases are uncommon.
Reviews show a sharp split: many low ratings tied to shipping, billing, and support problems, and a smaller group of long-time satisfied customers. Billing and refund disputes stand out as key drivers of negative feedback. Positive experiences mainly show up in isolated quick resolutions or purchases that held up over time.
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: March 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 runs an online store and mail-order catalog selling consumer goods and specialty gadgets. Common categories include electronics, home and outdoor items, toys, and personalized gifts. Product pages show warranty and guarantee information along with shipping choices. The company offers a paid rewards program and provides email and phone support for orders, returns, and warranty questions.