Tariffs Frustrations, Mother’s Day Gift Issues, Data-Privacy Risks, Amazon Pallet Scam, American Home Shield Complaints
Consumers voice major complaints about Amazon’s fees, 23andMe’s data privacy issues, misleading Amazon Pallet deals, and repeated service problems with American Home Shield.
It’s been a busy month on PissedConsumer.com—over 59,000 new reviews came in, with shoppers speaking up about everything from Trump’s tariffs and overcharges to privacy concerns. In this newsletter issue, I’m digging into some of the most talked-about topics: how consumer react on Amazon’s increased charges on Chinese items, what’s going on with 23andMe and data privacy, the trap behind so-called “Amazon Pallet” deals, repeated letdowns from American Home Shield, and some heads-ups for anyone shopping for Mother’s Day gifts.
This issue also includes fresh insights from the latest customer service trends report by PissedConsumer.com, where we found that 58% of consumers never get a response from a company.
As always, if you’re a journalist or media representative seeking firsthand accounts, additional data, or expert commentary, feel free to reach out for more insights.
58% of Consumers Never Get a Response—Are Brands Listening?
We surveyed 40,843 consumers to understand consumers' experiences with customer service. Our latest Customer Service Trends Report uncovers critical gaps: 58.3% of customers never receive any reply when they reach out to a company’s support. What other challenges do consumers face, and how can companies improve?
Here are some key findings:
74% of consumers said companies don’t offer them any solution to their problem or complaint.
52% of consumers noted they wouldn’t use the company again after a negative experience.
Nearly 65% of consumers still prefer traditional contact methods like phone and email over AI.
Read the full insights in this report to learn more. Feel free to reach out for details or an expert commentary.
Consumer Privacy Worries Mount as 23andMe Seeks Buyers in Bankruptcy
With 23andMe scrambling to find buyers in bankruptcy, consumers are trying to delete their genetic profiles, facing long hold times, unresponsive support, and locked-out accounts. Recent 23andMe reviews reveal widespread frustration over the company’s lack of responsiveness and transparency.
“...when trying to delete my account through customer service, I am unable to get ahold of anyone [...] It should be illegal to prohibit people from deleting their accounts and getting their data/DNA information off of their servers…” (23andMe review #6515520)
“I'm concerned about my DNA data. I'm having trouble signing in to my account, and I tried calling the customer service number and got nowhere.” (23andMe review #6516118)
Amazon Pallet Deals: Consumers Left Unsure If Legitimate or Scam
A recent Facebook ad enticed consumers to buy an “Amazon Pallet,” only for them to receive tiny, random items. Some shoppers wonder whether it’s a legitimate Amazon deal or a third-party scam impersonating the brand, while others leave reviews and comments claiming that Amazon runs misleading advertising.
“I purchased 2 Amazon Pallets expecting 5-20 items in each as advertised on Facebook. Much to my extreme disappointment I got 2 tiny Mystery Boxes with one item in each.” (Amazon review #6593053)
“Ordered pallets of returned items in original boxes from internet 3 boxes. It looks like PayPal got the money (MasterCard account number) and I did Not get any merchandise.” (Amazon review #6499838)
Tariffs Shown on Purchases Frustrate Consumers
In many online reviews, consumers voiced frustration over not knowing exactly what they’re paying for. Specifically, Amazon shoppers called on the company to clearly break down how much of a product’s price is due to tariffs, just like it does with taxes and shipping fees.
“...You had a chance to do the right thing put the tariff cost on the item page which is right which you should do you outline tax and everything else freight [...] Yes if Im paying it would I wanna know yes…” (Amazon review #6593031)
“Have the guts to do the right thing and show how much your costs will increase per tariffs. They are unnecessarily making your prices go up, and you must put the extra cost on the consumer, but you shouldn't be forced to hide it…” (Amazon review #6592338)
American Home Shield: Delayed Repairs, Unavailable Parts, and Unexpected Costs
In their American Home Shield reviews, customers report waiting up to a month for A/C repairs, being pushed into expensive system upgrades, or having warranty claims denied outright. One reviewer says they were forced into a $3,494 full-system upgrade after the American Home Shield offered no real solution.
“..I got dismissive responses and no real solutions, even after escalating the issue. My home reached 86°F inside, and my child started having nosebleeds from the heat. Still, AHS offered no meaningful help. The only other option I was given? Pay $3,494 for a full system upgrade completely out of pocket…” (Review #6589905)
Mother’s Day Gift Issues: What Shoppers Warn About
Last Mother’s Day, consumers shared countless reviews of online gift orders that failed to meet expectations. Ranging from flowers to candies, purchased gifts left them frustrated due to late deliveries, wrong items, and unhelpful support. Below are last year’s reviews warning about pitfalls to watch for this year.
“Ordered a hoodie for Mother's Day and even paid extra for expedited shipping. It took over a month for me to get my product… Of course, they messed up my order by putting my sons' names on the same sleeve of the hoodie instead of separate sides, like I ordered.” (RoseFeels review #5903170)
“They ruined my gift for my daughter's 1st Mother's Day! I ordered the Deluxe Cotton Candy( I even paid extra) which was falsely advertised but I got a completely UGLY set of flowers!..” (JustFlowers review #5900207)
“My son ordered this gift for me on Mother's Day [...] This item was delivered with everything smooshed to one side of the box [...] order delivered with all the items smooshed to one side, melted on top of each other.” (Edible Arrangements review #5882949)
“I ordered half a dozen chocolate-covered strawberries from Edible Arrangements, and the strawberries got moldy in 24 hours…” (Edible Arrangements review #5865409)
Want to celebrate your mom’s powerful voice and strong opinions? Find the perfect gift for her at the PissedConsumer Store.
This is just a snapshot of last month’s consumer-reported issues. If you’d like to explore any topic in more depth, let me know—I can research specific reviews, share detailed insights, and connect you with customers for firsthand perspectives.
Jonna Clark-Simpson is the head of consumer research and marketing at the PissedConsumer.com review and reputation management platform. She analyzes consumer experiences and keeps her eye on the latest consumer alerts. Joanna assists media representatives in their investigations for news stories and writes articles with helpful tips for consumers and companies.
Connect with Joanna on LinkedIn.