-
May 2022 by Andrew H.
I was looking to hire a professional to help me with my home Wi-Fi system. Before the first visit, which (I thought) was merely a consultation, I was not informed of that there would be a fee, or of the amount of such fee. Charlie told me a telephone number to call Verizon customer service, and, while I was on hold, Charlie and I chatted for 1/2 hour, and he stayed with me for approximately 15 minutes longer while I ordered what I thought was an upgrade in my home Wi-Fi service. Charlie then gave me a bill for $200, after literally not saying more than 5 words about my system or providing any guidance whatsoever to me. Rather than argue with him (because he was referred by an acquaintance), I simply paid the bill right then and there. Thereafter, when Verizon's personnel visited my house and told me that I already had Verizon's "maximum" Wi-Fi service, I contacted Charlie to ask whether a Wi-Fi "mesh" system would help. He said that it would help immensely and selected one of the most expensive systems available for home networks, and he told me that either he could get that system for me at the standard retail price (even though he buys at wholesale price--but that is perfectly fine--as I have no issue with him benefitting from his relationship with the vendor), or that I could order it myself. After I asked Charlie to order it for me, he sent me an invoice for the system that was ~$300 higher than the retail price (or more than a 22% markup over retail pricing on the manufacturer's website). I asked him politely whether the system he was proposing that I purchase was the identical system as I had seen on the manufacturer's website for ~$300 less, or whether the system I was viewing online was different from the system that he was going to purchase for me. He then told me (in my opinion, after being effectively "caught" in the act of overcharging me) that it was the same system and that he was too busy to take on our project. I tried reaching Charlie several times since then, and he has failed to answer my calls or return my messages, finally responding to say that he was busy and that I should work with someone else. I feel that Charlie was trying to take advantage of me, because I don't know a lot about technology, and he just quit rather than having a discussion with me when confronted about his attempt to overcharge me. I then hired a very expensive, but also very reputable, company to assist me with this project, and they told me unequivocally that a "mesh system"--the $2,239 project that Charlie was recommending for my home--would be a complete waste and that it would not increase my bandwidth noticeably because it relied on the same wireless protocol and network. Based on these experiences, in my opinion, I strongly recommend that you consider all viable alternatives before hiring Charlie or his company and that approach any prospective business relationship with Charlie and Avalon with a great deal of caution and skepticism. I will certainly avoid working with him at all costs. This poor review is not about the money--in fact I am spending substantially more money implementing a different system; rather, it is based on my distrust of Charlie, a complete lack of confidence in his skills and abilities and my unwillingness to work with any provider of services that I would not be comfortable having in my home or granting access to my data and home network. I simply don't trust the guy at all, and my feelings are based on my direct, albeit limited, experience with him. I would be remiss if I failed to note that Charlie has received a number of positive reviews; however, those reviews reflect experiences that are vastly different than mine.
-
September 2020 by Greg Trout
I would recommend Avalon Computer to anyone dealing with the computer issues and networks of a small business. Charlie has been doing our work for years now and never disappoints! Always provides professional service and makes himself available when need arises. The IT world needs more companies like this!
-
August 2020 by Karen W.
Charlie always does a great job when we have IT needs. We can count on him whenever we have an issue.
-
July 2020 by suzanne newman
After much frustration Charlie came to my rescue and updated my invoicing system which did not work on my newly acquired computer. Hats off to Charlie. Great guy and I highly recommend.
-
July 2020 by Studio LC Hair Salon
I totally recommend Avalon computer. Charlie is the best! Not only did he help design my website he manages it. He helped me thru the corona virus salon closing and reopening by keeping my clients up to date with all the new changes. I can’t thank him enough!!!
-
July 2020 by Dispatch Ct
Amazing service, Charlie took care of all our needs will definitely recommend to anyone
-
April 2020 by Leslie Lefkowitz
This is the computer-help resource that more people in Bergen County need to know about! Charlie is a life saver. No need to go to a "factory" help center or call Geek Squad; or even a local outfit that you aren't sure if you can trust. He is a one-man show who is a smart, competent professional. With fair pricing. He will come to your house to help, pick up your computer to work on it, or help via the phone. I cannot recommend him enough for any computer issue, big or small. Once you call Charlie, you will tell all your friends about him and never go anywhere else.
-
March 2020 by Carole Hodges
Charlie is the BEST! Over the past ten years - whenever I have had computer problems/issues - Charlie has absolutely been there for me - and just recently transitioned me to Windows 10. Grateful and happy to know him. ??????
-
May 2019 by Ali Q.
Charlie Redmond is a thief. I highly encourage all business owners to stay away from Avalon computers at all costs. He does not complete the work he promises to complete. Once you pay him, he cashes your payments twice, both as an ACH payment and an a check, then refuses to acknowledge it. Stay away from Avalon Computers.
-
August 2016 by Karen G.
Charlie at Avalon computer is absolutely the best. He is responsive, knowledgeable, reasonable and just an absolute pleasure to work with. I will NEVER call anyone else when I need assistance with computer issues. Do yourself a favor - call him! KG Tenafly
