Warning Review: Essy Auto Sales & Services Inc Reviews — My Negligence Concerns and Scam-Like Customer Experience

Warning Review: Essy Auto Sales & Services Inc Reviews — My Negligence Concerns and Scam-Like Customer Experience

Business Name: Essy Auto Sales & Services Inc
Address: 127 Centre St E, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 8V1
Phone: (905) 508-0061
Business Type: Auto repair shop

This article is based on my personal customer experience with Essy Auto Sales & Services Inc, located at 127 Centre St E, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 8V1. I am sharing this review as a warning to other customers who may be considering taking their vehicle there. Based on what happened to me, my experience felt extremely careless, unacceptable, and scam-like from a customer-service point of view.

My First Serious Issue: A Wrench Was Left Inside My Car Hood

The first serious issue happened after I had taken my car to the shop. Later, the shop called me and told me to come back because there was a problem. When I arrived, they asked me to open my hood. I opened it, and there was a wrench left inside the engine bay. They told me they had forgotten their shop wrench under my hood.

To me, this was shocking. Leaving a metal tool inside a customer’s engine bay is not a small mistake. A loose wrench under the hood could potentially move while the vehicle is being driven. It could hit moving parts, belts, pulleys, hoses, the radiator fan, wiring, electrical components, or other important parts of the vehicle.

In a worst-case situation, a loose metal tool under the hood could potentially cause mechanical damage, electrical shorts, fluid leaks, belt damage, overheating, a sudden breakdown, or even a safety hazard while driving. It could also create a risk of further damage that may not be immediately visible at the time. In my opinion, forgetting a wrench inside a customer’s vehicle shows a serious lack of care and attention.

My Second Issue: Under-Engine Cover Hanging and Broken Screws

The next time I went to the shop, I had another problem. When I received my car back, I later noticed that the front engine cover underneath the car was hanging. The bolts or screws appeared to be broken or damaged.

Before bringing the car to this shop, I had never had this issue. The cover was not hanging before, and everything was okay prior to the service. From my perspective, this problem happened while the vehicle was in their care.

I brought the car back to them and explained the issue. They said they would fix it, and they did. However, after fixing it, they asked me to pay $40.

I was very upset because I did not believe this was my responsibility. I told them that this was not my problem, because the issue did not exist before I brought the car to them. In my opinion, if the issue was caused while the vehicle was in their possession, then I should not have been charged to correct it.

I ended up paying the $40 because I wanted to leave, but I was extremely disappointed. After that, I decided I would not go back to Essy Auto Sales & Services Inc anymore.

Why This Experience Was So Concerning

A vehicle repair shop is trusted with one of the most important and expensive things many people own: their car. Customers rely on mechanics not only for repairs, but also for safety. When a shop forgets a wrench inside the engine area, that creates a major concern. When another issue happens later and the customer is asked to pay for something they believe the shop caused, that creates even more concern.

In my opinion, this was not just a small mistake. It was a pattern of negligence. The wrench incident alone made me lose confidence. The second issue with the under-engine cover and the $40 charge made the experience even worse.

This is why I am posting this review and warning. I believe other customers should be aware of my experience before deciding whether to take their vehicle there.

Ontario Consumer Protection Law References

In Ontario, vehicle repair customers have rights under the Consumer Protection Act, 2002, S.O. 2002, c. 30, Sched. A. Section 9(1) states that services supplied under a consumer agreement are deemed to be of “reasonably acceptable quality.” In my opinion, forgetting a wrench inside a customer’s engine bay and returning a vehicle with a hanging under-engine cover raises serious concerns about whether the service was reasonably acceptable.  

Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act also includes specific rules for repairs to motor vehicles and other goods. Section 56(1) says a repairer generally cannot charge a consumer for work or repairs unless the repairer first gives the consumer an estimate that meets the required rules. Section 58(1) says a repairer cannot charge for work or repairs unless the consumer authorizes the work or repairs. Section 58(2) says the repairer cannot charge more than 10% above an estimate for work or repairs where an estimate was given. Section 59 deals with non-written authorization, and section 62 requires the repairer to provide an invoice after the work or repairs are completed.  

The Consumer Protection Act also provides a vehicle repair warranty under section 63(1). That section says that on the repair of a vehicle, every repairer is deemed to warrant all new or reconditioned parts installed and the labour required to install them for a minimum of 90 days or 5,000 kilometres, whichever comes first.  

There are also legal references dealing with unfair practices. Under section 14(1) of the Consumer Protection Act, it is an unfair practice to make a false, misleading, or deceptive representation. Section 14(2) includes examples, such as representing that a repair is needed or advisable when it is not, or misrepresenting the purpose of a charge. Section 17(1) says no person shall engage in an unfair practice. Section 18 deals with rescinding an agreement and possible remedies when an unfair practice is involved.  

I am including these law references because consumers should know their rights when dealing with auto repair shops in Ontario, especially when there are concerns about repair quality, authorization, invoices, warranties, or charges.

My Warning to Other Customers

Based on my personal experience, I would strongly recommend that customers be careful when dealing with any auto repair shop, including Essy Auto Sales & Services Inc. Before leaving your vehicle anywhere, it is a good idea to take photos of the vehicle, ask for a written estimate, confirm what work is being done, keep all invoices, and inspect the vehicle before driving away.

In my situation, I had two serious problems. First, a wrench was left inside my engine bay. Second, my under-engine cover was hanging with broken or damaged screws, and I was charged $40 after bringing the issue back to them. These issues made me lose trust in the shop.

For me, this experience was unacceptable. I stopped going there and I do not plan to return.

Final Review of Essy Auto Sales & Services Inc

This is my personal review and warning about Essy Auto Sales & Services Inc, located at 127 Centre St E, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 8V1, phone number (905) 508-0061.

I had multiple issues that made me feel the shop was negligent and careless with my vehicle. Forgetting a wrench inside the hood area is a serious concern. Returning the vehicle with an under-engine cover hanging, then charging me $40 to fix the issue, made the situation even worse.

For anyone searching for Essy Auto Sales & Services Inc reviews, Essy Auto Sales review, Essy Auto Sales scam warning, Richmond Hill auto repair reviews, or auto repair shop warning in Richmond Hill, this is my honest personal experience and opinion.

Based on what happened to me, I am not comfortable recommending this shop, and I will not be returning.

If you have any comments, reviews, or personal experiences with Essy Auto Sales & Services Inc, please feel free to share them in the comment section below. Your feedback may help other customers make a more informed decision.

When “Neighbour” Apps Turn Into Boundary Testing - Miro Ubovic 647-962-1087 - Brian McCarthy 416-303-5823

Neighbourhood apps are meant for local help, recommendations, and community updates. But sometimes they get used for unwanted flirting, and the problem is not the first message. It is what happens after someone clearly sets a boundary.

In a private message exchange on NextDoor App shared with me, a woman receives a casual greeting and then an invitation to meet for coffee. She responds clearly: she is married. Instead of accepting that boundary and ending the conversation, the sender Miro Ubovic with the phone number 647-962-1087 replies with a flirtatious comment that being married is "more tempting," and then adds that he is in a relationship too, implying that makes it acceptable.

That is the moment the interaction changes. It is no longer a friendly invite. It becomes boundary pushing.

What the screenshots show, in plain terms

• A meet-up invite is sent.

• The recipient says she is married.

• The sender continues anyway with a suggestive message, then rationalizes it by saying he is also in a relationship.

• Later, the sender asks to move the conversation "somewhere else" to another chatting platform.

• The conversation shifts toward taking it off the app, and a phone number is shared.

Why this matters

A lot of people minimize this kind of thing because it is not overtly threatening. 

It is also very offensive when some men treat women like a piece of meat. That mindset reduces a person to a body instead of respecting her as a human being with boundaries, dignity, and the right to say no.

But boundary pushing is still a problem. When someone hears "I'm married" or "I'm not available" and responds by turning it into a challenge, that is disrespectful. It treats the person like a goal to overcome instead of a human being who said no.

Also, pushing to move off-platform is a common escalation step. Once you leave the app, you lose built-in reporting tools, moderation, and recordkeeping. It can also make someone feel pressured to share private contact information.

Red flags to watch for:

• Ignoring a clear "no" or "I'm married."

• Turning a boundary into flirting or a "challenge."

• "I'm in a relationship too," as a justification.

• Trying to move the conversation off the app quickly.

• Asking for, or sharing, personal contact details early.

What to do if this happens to you

• Do not negotiate your boundary. You can end it with one line: "No thanks. Please do not contact me again."

• Do not move off-platform. Staying in-app protects you.

• Screenshot everything. Keep timestamps visible.

• Block and report. Report the messages as unwanted advances or harassment, depending on the app's options.

• Tell someone you trust if you feel uneasy, especially if the person claims to be local to your area.

• If you feel threatened or the person persists after you say stop, consider contacting local authorities.

And another individual in Richmond Hill by the name of Brian McCarthy, phone number 416-303-5823, who works for Margaret Bahen Hospice in Newmarket offered free advice, hand with home or auto issues and stated that he would provide free services to anyone. However, when a male friend of mine contacted him, he stated that he does not provide free services and would only provide them to me.

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UniUni Reviews Complaints Scam Warning

UniUni Reviews and Complaints: Out for Delivery Since Dec 26, 2025 and Still No Package (Scam Warning)

UniUni reviews and complaints from a real delivery experience: my eBay package was transferred from Orange Connex to UniUni and has shown out for delivery since Dec 26, 2025. I believe this is a scam experience and I am filing complaints and reporting it.

My UniUni Delivery Experience (eBay -> Orange Connex -> UniUni)

I am writing this because I want my experience to be public, searchable, and easy for other customers and shipping companies to find. This post is about UniUni reviews, UniUni complaints, and why I personally believe this situation is a scam based on what I have been dealing with.

Here are the exact details of what happened:

My package that was shipped from eBay got handed to Orange Connex shipping company which then got handed to UniUni. My package is showing the status that it's with UniUni and it's been out on delivery since December 26, 2025. I have contacted UniUni by email and phone several times about this package and it's not delivered yet.

That is the core of the issue. The package has been "out for delivery" since December 26, 2025, and it still has not arrived.

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Why I Believe This Is a Scam (My Opinion)

I want to be clear: I am describing what I experienced, and I am sharing my honest opinion about it.

When tracking says "out for delivery," it creates a reasonable expectation that the package is on a truck and will arrive that day. When it stays "out for delivery" for an extended period without delivery, without real updates, and without resolution, it feels deceptive and unacceptable.

That is why I am saying this plainly: UniUni is a scam, based on my experience and the lack of delivery and support so far.

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My Attempts to Contact UniUni

I did not ignore this. I did what any customer would do.

I have contacted UniUni by email and phone several times about this package. I was trying to get basic answers, including:

• Where is my package right now?

• Why is it marked out for delivery since December 26, 2025?

• When will it actually be delivered?

• If it is lost or delayed, what is the official resolution process?

So far, I still do not have my package delivered.

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A Warning to Customers and Shipping Companies

At this point, I urgent all customers and shipping companies to avoid using UniUni.

If you are a customer ordering online, you should know that the shipping chain can change hands without you having a real choice. If you are a seller, a marketplace, or a logistics partner choosing carriers, you should know that the end customer experiences the consequences when a package gets stuck.

This is why I am posting this publicly as part of UniUni reviews and UniUni complaints. People need to see what can happen.

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What I'm Doing Next: Complaints, BBB, and Creating Awareness

I am not keeping this private, because private complaints have not solved the problem.

I am in the process of writing several articles about the detail of this issue and will be submitting it to BBB and many other resources and to other shipping companies as well to create awareness that no one should be using UniUni for shipping.

This is not about drama. It is about accountability and protecting other customers from going through the same thing.

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My Goal Is Simple: Deliver the Package

This situation is still unresolved, and I am stating this clearly:

I will not stop writing and complaining till I receive the package.

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If You Found This Post While Searching "UniUni Reviews" or "UniUni Complaints"

If you are here because you searched keywords like reviews, complaints, or scam, you are probably dealing with something similar. My advice is:

• Screenshot your tracking page and save it with the date visible.

• Keep a log of every email and phone call attempt (dates and times).

• Contact the seller or marketplace (for example, eBay) and open the appropriate claim process if your delivery is overdue.

• Document everything in writing so you have a clean paper trail.

I am sharing this as a public record of my experience.

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Closing

To summarize the full details again in one place:

UniUni is a scam, my package that was shipped from eBay got handed to Orange Connex shipping company which then got handed to UniUni, my package is showing the status that it's with UniUni and it's been out on delivery since December 26,2025, I have contacted UniUni by email and phone several times about this package and it's not delivered yet, I urgent all customers and shipping companies to avoid using UniUni, I am in the process of writing several articles about the detail of this issue and will be submitting it to BBB and many other resources and to other shipping companies as well to create awareness that no one should be using UniUni for shipping. I will not stop writing and complaining till I receive the package.

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UniUni, UniUni reviews, UniUni complaints, shipping scam, Orange Connex, eBay delivery issues, package not delivered

Beware of VLSMarketing.net – A Scam Operation Targeting Small Business Owners

Unsolicited "Red Flags" Sales Call From vlsmarketing.net: My Experience and Why I'm Warning Others

I'm sharing this as a public complaint and warning about a company using the website vlsmarketing.net (branding itself as "Visual Link Solutions"). 

What happened

I received an unsolicited call where the person claimed:
• My website is "not coming up on Google."
• My Yelp listing is "not coming up properly" and "not showing on other social media channels."
• There were "red flags" on my listing.
• I should sign up with them to fix it.

To me, this sounded like a fear-based sales pitch designed to pressure me into paying for a service.

Why their claims did not make sense

Here's what immediately raised my suspicion:

1) Vague "red flags" with no specifics

If someone truly found a problem, they should be able to tell you exactly what it is, where it appears, and how they verified it. "Red flags" is a convenient phrase that sounds serious while staying non-specific.

2) "Your site isn't showing on Google" is often a misleading claim

A site can appear for some searches but not others. Rankings vary by location, device, personalization, search history, and competition. Someone making a blanket statement like that, without showing evidence, is not doing a real audit.

3) The Yelp and "other social media channels" line is a classic confusion tactic

A Yelp listing does not automatically "show up" across social media platforms by default. Businesses can distribute listings to multiple directories using various tools, but presenting this as a "your Yelp is broken everywhere" emergency is misleading. One of the services associated with this domain appears to promote directory distribution across many listings, which lines up with this style of pitch. 

The biggest red flags from the call itself

This is what made it feel scammy and spammy to me:
• Cold call out of nowhere.
• Scare language ("red flags") meant to create urgency.
• Claims that were broad and impossible to validate on the spot.
• A push to sign up, instead of providing clear, written proof.

Also worth noting: public WHOIS information shows vlsmarketing.net was registered on June 16, 2025. A newer domain is not automatically bad, but it is a detail consumers may want when deciding how much trust to place in a company. 

Some automated "website reputation" checkers have entries for this domain, but those scores are automated and should not be treated as proof either way. 

How to verify the truth in 5 minutes (before paying anyone)

If you get a call like this, you can check key things yourself:
1. Check Google results in a neutral way: use an incognito/private window and search your business name and domain.
2. Check indexing: search site:yourdomain.com on Google to see if pages are indexed.
3. Confirm your business listings directly: open your Google Business Profile and Yelp listing from your official account and confirm the details match what's public.
4. Ask them for proof: request screenshots, exact search terms used, the location they searched from, and a written report.

If they dodge those questions or keep pushing payment, treat that as a serious warning sign.

What I recommend if you were contacted by vlsmarketing.net
• Do not sign up based on a surprise call.
• Do not give remote access to your computer or website.
• Do not share login details, verification codes, or payment info unless you have independently verified the company.
• Consider reporting deceptive marketing or suspected fraud through official channels. In Canada, the Competition Bureau has guidance on deceptive marketing practices, and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre provides resources for reporting fraud. 
In the US and Canada, BBB Scam Tracker is also commonly used for scam reports. 

Final word

In my opinion, the outreach and claims I received from vlsmarketing.net were deceptive and designed to pressure me into paying for services I do not believe were legitimate or necessary.

If you have been contacted by vlsmarketing.net, or have any experience with this company, please post your comments in the comments section below.

Food Safety and Hygiene Concerns at Pizza Pizza Thornhill (Order Refused, Then Prepared Under Unsafe Conditions)

Pizza Pizza

8053 Yonge St

Thornhill, ON L3T 2C5, Canada

(near Yonge St and Royal Orchard)

Date and time

Sunday, December 14, 2025

Approximately 2:45 a.m. to shortly before 3:00 a.m.

What happened

I attended this Pizza Pizza location around 2:45 a.m. and attempted to place a new order. The employee working told me she could not accept any new orders and that if I wanted pizza, I would have to buy a slice from the ones displayed at the front. She said she could not make a new pizza.

While still inside the store, I called Pizza Pizza customer service at 967-1111. The representative asked if I wanted to place an order. I said yes, for pickup. I provided my phone number and told her I wanted to pick up from Thornhill at the Yonge and Royal Orchard location. The representative stated the store was open until 3:00 a.m., said the store should still be accepting orders until 3:00 a.m., and took my order and sent it to that store.

My order was:

• 1 extra large pizza with mushroom, pepperoni, and jalapeno peppers

• 1 large cheese pizza

The order printed at the store while I was there. I heard it print. The employee then asked if I had just ordered, and I said yes. She stated she normally does not accept orders at that time, but because it came through customer service she had no choice and had to make it.

Hygiene concerns I personally observed

In my opinion, the food handling I observed raised serious cross-contamination and sanitation concerns:

• The employee was touching many things, including counting money, touching pens, and touching different surfaces around the counter.

• She then retrieved pizza dough from the fridge and began handling it with bare hands without washing her hands first, and without wearing gloves.

• I immediately raised the concern and told her that if she was rushed she could cancel the order because it was not clean and created a cross-contamination risk. She then washed her hands, retrieved another dough, and restarted.

• The employee had very long hair and was not wearing a hair net, hat, or any hair restraint while preparing food and leaning over the prep area.

• A second employee came from the back and began preparing the other pizza while holding and speaking on a cell phone with one hand and handling dough with the other. I did not observe him washing his hands before handling the dough. I asked if that pizza was part of my order and the employee confirmed it was.

Recording and outcome

Because of the hygiene concerns, I started recording for documentation. Staff told me recording was not allowed in the store. I did not stay to argue. I left without taking the food.

I was very upset and frustrated. I also had medication I was supposed to take and I only take it with food, and I was not able to take it at that time due to this incident.

Evidence

Video uploaded here: https://youtube.com/shorts/NJUhFMfgGMo?si=yEbDXY2ViRME7NcS

Reports made

• I reported this to York Region Public Health (DineSafe) and was advised an officer will conduct an inspection and investigation.

• I also posted the complaint publicly on BBB and other platforms, and I stated publicly it would be reported to DineSafe / public health.

What I am requesting

1. Written acknowledgement of the incident at the 8053 Yonge St location on December 14, 2025 around 2:45 a.m.

2. An explanation for why in-store staff refused new orders while customer service stated the store must accept orders until the posted closing time (3:00 a.m.).

3. Confirmation of corrective actions at this location, including training and enforcement regarding:

• proper handwashing and cross-contamination prevention, especially after handling cash and surfaces

• no cell phone use while preparing food

• hair restraint practices for long hair during food preparation

4. Appropriate compensation or resolution for the fact I left without food after placing the order and attending for pickup.

Important note

This complaint is based on my personal experience and what I observed at that time, stated in good faith for public awareness and food safety accountability.

If you choose to leave a review based on your own experience, their Google review link is: http://search.google.com/local/writereview?placeid=ChIJTcZ-mGIsK4gR_GQNUGGlKCg

Full Exposé and Reviews of Divvia, Unity Payments, CDN POS / Canadian POS Corporation, and Elavon: What Every Merchant Needs to Know

Merchant service providers should help businesses operate smoothly, securely, and transparently. Unfortunately, our experience with Divvia, its related brand Unity Payments, its former identity CDN POS / Canadian POS Corporation, and their partnered processor Elavon, revealed serious issues that every business owner needs to understand before signing anything.

This article serves as a complete investigative review, combining first-hand experience, publicly visible patterns, and industry concerns to provide a comprehensive warning to merchants.

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1. CDN POS / Canadian POS Corporation: A Troubling Reputation and Likely Rebranding

Before Divvia existed, the same business operated under:

• CDN POS

• Canadian POS Corporation

This earlier version of the company accumulated approximately 70 Google reviews with an average of 1.2 stars, which is extraordinarily low for any business.

A 1.2-star rating is almost unheard of and indicates major systemic issues such as:

• Poor customer service

• Misleading information

• Failed expectations

• Disputes and unresolved complaints

Based on the review history, business patterns, and the timeline of brand transitions, it appears that CDN POS / Canadian POS Corporation likely changed their name and rebranded to Divvia and later Unity Payments because of the very bad reputation they built under their original names.

Rebranding can be legitimate, but in the payment processing industry, businesses often rebrand after accumulating negative reviews, which should raise immediate caution for merchants.

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2. Divvia's Current Reputation Continues to Raise Concerns

Under its current name, Divvia has:

• 239 Google reviews

• An average rating of 3.6 stars

For a merchant services provider handling sensitive business information, a 3.6-star rating is far from ideal and suggests ongoing customer dissatisfaction.

When a company with a historically poor reputation re-emerges under a new name, but still shows mixed and concerning reviews, merchants should be extremely careful.

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3. Divvia's New Arm: Unity Payments

Divvia also operates under another active brand:

Unity Payments

This appears to be another continuation of the same business line.
Multiple names, shared operations, and overlapping complaints strongly suggest restructuring rather than true improvement.

Businesses should always be cautious when a merchant services provider operates under multiple names, especially when previous identities are associated with unfavorable reviews.

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4. Our Application Incident: Errors, Incorrect Information, and a Decline

We signed up with Divvia through their agent, Nick.

Our application to Elavon was denied, and after reviewing their submission, we discovered:

• Incorrect details

• Information we never provided

• Statements we did not authorize

• Errors that were introduced during submission

These errors directly caused the application decline.

When a provider handles financial information, accuracy is non-negotiable. Errors at this level reflect poor internal controls and should deeply concern any business relying on them for payment processing.

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5. Divvia's Troubling Instructions: "Do Not Contact Elavon Directly"

Divvia instructed us:

• Not to contact Elavon

• Not to send Elavon documents

• To let Divvia handle all communication

• Claiming they have "people who know how to get applications approved"

This raises major red flags about transparency and integrity.

Merchants should never be blocked from speaking directly with their payment processor. A reputable provider encourages transparency, not secrecy.

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6. Elavon's Role and Their Disturbing Partnership Choices

Elavon is a well-known payment processor, yet:

• Elavon's Google reviews show 34 reviews with a 1.9-star rating

• Many Elavon complaints specifically reference

  • Divvia

  • CDN POS

  • Unity Payments

This means:

• Elavon is aware of these issues

• Merchant complaints are not isolated

• Problems have existed for years

• Yet Divvia remains an active reseller for Elavon

This is alarming for any merchant who expects strong oversight from a major processor.

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7. Elavon Terminated Our Account Without Explanation

When Elavon terminated our account, they wrote:

"In accordance with the Terms of Service, Elavon shall have the right to terminate the agreement in whole or in part, at any time with or without cause."

They provided no reason for termination.

This means:

• Your account can be closed without cause

• Your business can lose payment processing instantly

• You may not receive any explanation

• There is no guaranteed dispute process

This is extremely unfair and dangerous for any merchant reliant on stable payment processing.

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8. Why Merchants Should Exercise Extreme Caution

Based on real experience and publicly visible evidence, merchants should be extremely cautious when dealing with:

• Divvia

• Unity Payments

• CDN POS / Canadian POS Corporation

• Elavon

Core concerns include:

• Application errors and misinformation

• Attempts to block direct communication with processors

• Multiple rebrands likely tied to reputation damage

• High volumes of negative reviews

• Sudden account termination without cause

• Lack of transparency

These practices can result in:

• Financial loss

• Frozen transactions

• Business interruptions

• Long onboarding delays

• Reputational damage

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9. Where to File Complaints

If you have had issues with any of the above companies, file complaints with:

Consumer Protection

• Better Business Bureau (BBB)

• Consumer Protection Ontario

• Competition Bureau Canada

Financial Regulators

• Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC)

• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB, USA)

• Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC, USA)

• Regulators overseeing U.S. Bank and Elavon

Additional Channels

• Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre

• Provincial or Federal Privacy Commissioners

• Small Claims Court (if financial loss occurred)

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10. Additional Platforms to Post Your Reviews

To strengthen public awareness, also post reviews on:

• Trustpilot

• SiteJabber

• Yelp

• ComplaintsBoard

• PissedConsumer

• ScamPulse

• Reddit: r/smallbusiness, r/legaladvicecanada

• Merchant Maverick

• CardPaymentOptions

• POS and payment service review blogs

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11. Warn Others Through Business Networks

Share your experience in:

• LinkedIn business groups

• Facebook small business groups

• Local Chambers of Commerce

• Canadian small business associations

• Industry-specific forums

• Startup communities

• POS and payment processing groups

• Local business networking events

Your story may prevent another business from experiencing the same problems.

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12. Final Thoughts: Transparency Is Essential in Merchant Services

Choosing a merchant service provider is one of the most important decisions a business owner makes.

Based on our direct experience, combined with overwhelming negative reviews and concerning patterns across multiple brand names, Divvia, Unity Payments, CDN POS / Canadian POS Corporation, and Elavon should all be approached with serious caution.

Our experience was extremely negative, and we hope this detailed article helps other merchants avoid similar issues.

401 Games Vaughan Reviews: Price Match Hassle, Store Smell, And Customer Experience

401 Games Vaughan Reviews: Price Match Hassle, Store Smell, And Customer Experience

Store details

• Business name: 401 Games Vaughan

• Full address: 7700 Keele Street, Unit 6B, Concord, Ontario, L4K 2A1, Canada

• Phone number: 905 660 4464

• Website: https://store.401games.ca

401 Games is a well known Canadian retailer that sells board games, trading card games like Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering and Yu Gi Oh, as well as sports cards and other collectibles. This article shares our personal experience and adds to the growing list of 401 Games Vaughan reviews, focusing on price matching and the in store environment.

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Our Visit And First Impressions

When we walked into 401 Games Vaughan, the first thing we noticed was not the games or the shelves. It was the smell.

The store had a very strong, unpleasant odour that resembled heavy body odour that has built up for a long time. It was not a faint smell in one corner. It was in the air as soon as we entered and it stayed noticeable the entire time.

There were many people inside, easily around 80 or more, sitting at tables and playing games. It is clear that 401 Games Vaughan is a community hub with tournaments and events. That explains the number of people, but it does not excuse the level of smell that we experienced.

Right from the beginning, the environment made it difficult to feel comfortable browsing slowly or staying for a long time.

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The Pokémon Price Match Situation

We went to 401 Games Vaughan mainly to buy a Pokémon Phantasmal Flames Elite Trainer Box. Before going, we had checked prices online and found the same product cheaper at another Canadian store, Chonky Collectibles, with a difference of about 10 dollars.

Because 401 Games advertises a price match policy, we decided to buy the product from them and ask for a price match instead of going to the other store.

According to their own policy (summarized in plain language):

• They say they will consider matching the advertised price of major Canadian competitors.

• The competitor's product must be in stock and listed in Canadian dollars.

• The price match must be requested and approved before the order is placed.

• All price match requests are considered case by case, at the discretion of management and ownership.

This sounds reasonable on paper. The problem is how it played out in real life.

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What Actually Happened At The Counter

Here is what happened step by step.

1. We showed the staff the lower price for the same Pokémon Phantasmal Flames Elite Trainer Box at Chonky Collectibles.

2. We asked 401 Games Vaughan to price match that lower price.

3. The staff member, who was very friendly and professional, told us he had to call the owner to get approval.

4. This turned into a long wait, even though the price difference was only around 10 dollars.

5. During this wait, we were just standing there, stuck in the middle of the process, in a store that already smelled very bad.

In the end, the owner did approve the price match. To be very clear and accurate:

We did buy the Pokémon Phantasmal Flames Elite Trainer Box from 401 Games Vaughan after the price match was finally approved.

So the complaint in this review is not that they refused the price match. The complaint is about the hassle, delay, and lack of clear process for something as simple and small as a 10 dollar difference.

It is reasonable to ask: if a 10 dollar difference causes this much waiting and requires the owner to be called, what happens if the price difference is 50 or 100 dollars or more. How long would customers have to stand around and wait then.

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How The Hassle Changed Our Shopping Plans

We did not come to 401 Games Vaughan only to grab a single item and run out. The original plan was to:

• Look around the store

• Possibly buy more Pokémon products

• Maybe even grab other games or accessories while we were there

The store has a lot of potential for serious gamers and collectors, and normally this could lead to a bigger purchase and a positive review.

Instead, two things combined to change our plans completely:

1. The strong, unpleasant smell in the store made it hard to feel comfortable staying inside.

2. The long wait for a simple price match, just because staff had to reach the owner, created unnecessary stress and frustration.

Even though we did end up buying the Elite Trainer Box from them, we did not stay to browse more and did not buy anything else. We left the store feeling upset and disappointed, not because of the final price, but because of the overall experience.

This is an important part of honest 401 Games Vaughan reviews. The sale was made, but the way it was handled likely cost them extra business that day and possibly in the future.

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Credit To The Staff, Problem With The Policy

To be fair, the manager or staff member who helped us was very friendly, kind, and professional. He was clearly doing his best within the rules that have been given to him.

Our criticism is aimed at the policy and the way the store is run, not at that individual employee.

• It is unreasonable that staff have to call the owner for a small price match and leave customers waiting.

• The policy creates a bottleneck and makes what should be a quick decision into a long process.

• This is especially problematic when the store environment is already uncomfortable due to the smell.

In other words, the frontline staff are not the problem here. The problem is the rules created by ownership and the lack of empowerment for staff to make fast, basic customer service decisions.

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Store Smell, Air Quality And Health Considerations

The second major point in this review is the store environment.

The smell was so strong that we could not comfortably stay any longer than we had to. This is not just about being picky. In a crowded indoor space, bad air quality and strong odours can become a health and comfort issue.

In Ontario, employers have general duties under occupational health and safety laws. One well known provision is in the Occupational Health and Safety Act, section 25(2)(h), which requires employers to take every reasonable precaution in the circumstances for the protection of workers. That obligation is written for employees, but the same conditions directly affect customers who are in the same environment.

We are not saying that 401 Games Vaughan has legally violated that section. That is something only a regulator or court could decide. We are simply pointing out that in a space with:

• Dozens of people sitting for long periods

• Limited fresh air flow

• Strong persistent odours

it would be reasonable for the business to:

• Improve ventilation and air circulation

• Use air purifiers suitable for the size of the space

• Clean carpets, chairs and surfaces more frequently

• Consider basic hygiene reminders for long tournament sessions

From a customer point of view, it felt like the store had not taken enough practical steps to prevent the kind of smell we experienced.

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Legal Context For Pricing And Representations

Since this is a detailed review, it is worth mentioning some of the legal framework that exists in Canada and Ontario around pricing and how things are represented to consumers. This section is general information only and not legal advice.

Competition Act (federal)

• Competition Act, section 74.05 deals with situations where a product is advertised at a certain price and then supplied at a higher price than the advertised one.

• Competition Act, sections 52 and 74.01 deal with false or misleading representations and deceptive marketing practices, including misleading price claims.

In our situation, 401 Games charged the price that they themselves advertised. The difference was with another store's price. Since price matching is voluntary, section 74.05 about selling above one's own advertised price does not really apply here.

If a business loudly advertised something like "instant, no hassle price matching on all competitors" but then almost never honoured it or made it extremely hard in practice, there might be questions about misleading impressions under the general misleading advertising provisions. However, 401 Games describes its policy as case by case and subject to management discretion, so legally it is less clear.

Ontario Consumer Protection Act, 2002

• Consumer Protection Act, 2002, section 14 deals with false, misleading or deceptive representations.

• Under this law, certain unfair practices can allow a consumer to cancel an agreement and seek remedies if they were misled.

Again, in our experience, 401 Games did not refuse the price match. They honoured it, but in a slow and frustrating way. Unless the store promised a very specific type of easy, instant price match with no conditions (which we did not see), it is hard to say that this situation falls neatly into a clear legal unfair practice. What is clear is that it created a bad customer experience, which is exactly what honest reviews are meant to highlight.

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Suggestions For 401 Games Vaughan

Based on our visit, here are practical suggestions that could dramatically improve future 401 Games Vaughan reviews:

1. Empower staff for small price differences

Let managers or staff approve price matches up to a certain amount (for example up to 20 dollars) without needing to call the owner. This removes unnecessary waiting and makes the policy feel real instead of painful.

2. Explain the price match process clearly

On the website and in store, be very clear that price matches are discretionary and may take a few minutes if approval is needed. That way customers know what to expect before they get to the cash.

3. Invest in air quality

Improve ventilation, add air purifiers and schedule regular deep cleaning. When you regularly host large crowds, the air must be treated as a serious part of the customer experience.

4. Monitor event capacity and comfort

If too many people in the space at once make the environment unpleasant, adjust the number of tables or the scheduling of events.

5. Protect both staff and customers

A better environment is good for workers and for visitors, and it lines up with the general duty to take reasonable precautions to protect people in the workplace.

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Final Thoughts On Our 401 Games Vaughan Review

In summary, here is our honest 401 Games Vaughan review based on this visit:

• Positive points

• The staff member who helped us was friendly, polite and professional.

• The store has a wide selection of products and an active gaming community.

• The store did eventually approve the price match and we did purchase the Pokémon Phantasmal Flames Elite Trainer Box there.

• Negative points

• The store smelled extremely bad, to the point that we could not comfortably stay inside any longer than necessary.

• The price match on a small 10 dollar difference required calling the owner and made us wait far too long.

• Because of the smell and the hassle, we did not stay to browse or buy anything beyond that one item and left feeling upset.

For future customers reading 401 Games Vaughan reviews, this is not a warning that the store is a scam. It is a warning that you may run into a strong smell and a slow, owner dependent price match process. For the store, this is also an opportunity. With some simple changes to policy and environment, they could turn experiences like this from negative reviews into positive ones and keep customers coming back.

PaymentCloud & KurvPay Review: Our Experience, Concerns, and What Merchants Should Know

PaymentCloud & KurvPay Review: Our Experience, Concerns, and What Merchants Should Know

Summary of our experience

We applied for a merchant account with PaymentCloud. Their marketing says they help high risk and low risk merchants get approved quickly. Our business is not high risk, yet after completing onboarding, sharing sensitive details like SSN or SIN and banking information, PaymentCloud told us they had submitted our file to First Data and Nuvei and that both declined the application. Our primary point of contact at PaymentCloud was representative Frank Riffe. This article is our review to help other merchants evaluate PaymentCloud, KurvPay, and the associated organizations.

Who are PaymentCloud and KurvPay

PaymentCloud is a U.S. based payment services provider that promotes solutions for both high risk and standard merchant categories. In 2024, PaymentCloud was acquired by Electronic Merchant Systems. EMS has since rebranded to Kurv and markets merchant services under KurvPay. You will see all of these names connected, which can be confusing to small businesses researching "PaymentCloud reviews" or "KurvPay reviews."

What we were told happened with our application

According to PaymentCloud, our application was submitted to First Data and Nuvei. We were later informed that both declined the account. We share this to document our experience. We do not have independent visibility into the underwriting decisions those acquirers made, since acquiring banks do not disclose detailed decline rationales to applicants through third parties.

Why merchants may feel frustrated

1. Time cost

The process required significant back and forth, document uploads, and explanations. When an application ends in a decline at the acquirer level, the merchant can feel that time was wasted.

2. Sensitive data exposure

Applications typically require SSN or SIN, date of birth, government ID, void cheque or bank letter, and business financials. It is reasonable to worry about privacy and security when multiple parties are involved.

3. Expectations vs reality

Sites that emphasize "high risk merchant accounts" set an expectation of approvals. The reality is that approvals depend on acquirer risk rules, chargeback exposure, product type, and history. Even non high risk merchants can be declined.

Our concerns and consumer-protection perspective

This section reflects our opinions and worries based on our experience. If you are deciding between processors, evaluate these points:

• Data handling

We worry about how sensitive information is stored and shared during multi party underwriting. Processors do have privacy policies that describe uses such as submitting files to banks, card brands, gateways, and fraud prevention vendors. Read these policies, understand opt out options, and ask how long your data is retained if you are not approved.

• Lead brokerage vs underwriting control

Some payment companies act primarily as distributors or ISOs, not as the bank itself. They help package and submit your file to acquiring banks like Fiserv (First Data) or Nuvei. If that is the model, the processor may not control the final decision. Clarify up front which entities will review your file.

• Mixed public reviews

Public reviews show both praise and complaints. Merchants frequently search "PaymentCloud scam," "PaymentCloud complaint," "PaymentCloud complaints," "KurvPay scam," and similar keywords because they want to see real outcomes. Read multiple sources, not just a single directory or testimonial.

Important note

We are not asserting that PaymentCloud or KurvPay sell personal data or commit identity theft. Our view is that merchants should practice due diligence, verify privacy commitments, and proceed carefully when sharing sensitive information.

What PaymentCloud says about privacy and data use

PaymentCloud's posted privacy policy explains that the company collects nonpublic personal information in order to provide services, and that it may share that information with affiliates and non affiliated companies for everyday business purposes such as processing transactions, fraud monitoring, responding to legal requests, and with payment partners like banks, card brands, ACH operators, and gateways. The policy also provides a contact phone number and email for privacy requests and notes an implementation date of February 2024.

Who are the acquirers mentioned to us

• First Data is now part of Fiserv following a 2019 acquisition. Fiserv is a large global payments and fintech provider and continues to operate merchant acquiring services.

• Nuvei is a Canadian headquartered acquiring and payments technology company that supports local acquiring in Canada and global processing.

We include this context because the names "First Data," "Fiserv," and "Nuvei" appear in many merchant account conversations and can be confusing.

Our recommendation if you are considering PaymentCloud or KurvPay

1. Ask for transparency before you apply

• Which acquiring banks will see your file

• The approval odds based on your industry and chargeback profile

• Specific documents that will be shared downstream

2. Minimize exposure of sensitive data until necessary

Provide only what is required for prequalification, then share full documents once you are comfortable with the bank pipeline and data retention policy.

3. Request the bank decision in writing

If declined, ask whether you can see a reason code or general rationale. You may be able to fix the trigger and reapply elsewhere.

4. Compare with at least two other options

Speak with a direct acquirer or a different ISO for a second opinion. Pricing and underwriting tolerance vary.

5. Protect yourself

If you are worried about misuse of your information, consider placing a fraud alert or credit monitoring on your personal credit file. Keep a record of every document you submitted and to whom.

Company names, addresses, phone numbers, and contact details

PaymentCloud

• Legal or trade name: PaymentCloud, LLC

• Main address: 16501 Ventura Blvd, Suite 300, Encino, CA 91436

• Main phone: (800) 988 2215

• General site: paymentcloudinc.com

• General email addresses seen publicly: salessupport@paymentcloudinc.com, support@paymentcloudinc.com

• Stated business focus: high risk and standard merchant processing, embedded payments, integrations, industry specific solutions

Electronic Merchant Systems and Kurv/KurvPay

• Parent organization and brand owner: Electronic Merchant Systems, LLC, now rebranding as Kurv with KurvPay as a payment product brand

• Headquarters address: 250 W. Huron Rd., Suite 400, Cleveland, OH 44113

• Main operator line: (800) 726 2117

• Customer support: (800) 615 1330

• Sales (HQ listing): (216) 674 5708

• Websites: emscorporate.com, kurvpay.com

• Notes: EMS lists multiple regional offices across the United States. Public materials and news indicate the corporate rebrand from Electronic Merchant Systems to Kurv in 2025.

Other names you may see when researching

• First Data, now part of Fiserv

• Nuvei

These firms are acquiring banks and payments companies that underwrite and board merchant accounts. Applications submitted by an ISO or payment facilitator may be approved or declined by these acquirers.

SEO section: common keywords people search

To help other merchants find this review, here are common search phrases that align with how users search for information:

• PaymentCloud review, PaymentCloud reviews, PaymentCloud complaints, PaymentCloud complaint, PaymentCloud scam

• KurvPay review, KurvPay reviews, KurvPay complaints, KurvPay complaint, KurvPay scam

• Electronic Merchant Systems review, EMS reviews, EMS complaints

• PaymentCloud high risk merchant account, high risk credit card processing review

• PaymentCloud Encino address, PaymentCloud phone number, KurvPay phone number

• First Data decline, Fiserv decline, Nuvei decline, merchant account declined what next

Our verdict

Based on our experience, we do not recommend PaymentCloud for businesses that want a straightforward, bank direct approval with minimal data sharing. We advise caution, careful reading of privacy policies, and getting clarity on which acquirers will see your file. If you proceed, document every step, ask for decline reasons, and compare with at least two other providers. If you share sensitive data and later choose not to proceed, submit a formal request to limit marketing communications and ask how long your data will be retained.