I did lots of research before choosing a data recovery service for a dropped external hard drive and thought I'd picked well. Initial customer service was quick and friendly. I provided plenty of details about the drive, a very popular brand and not too old, and was quoted a fee ranging from $450 to $1800. Huge range so I asked lots of questions, the response being along the lines of "there could be various amounts of damage that require different types of work and the range covers those scenarios." Fair.
They stated that no payment was required unless data could be recovered, and only after they provide a list of files they can recover. They mentioned the $25 return shipping, should I decide not to use their services after the initial inspection. Fair. They also stated total turn-around time of up to 2 weeks.
They provided an overnight FedEx label, and instructions on packing the damaged drive and a new replacement drive I'd purchased on my own. Wrapped with tons of bubble wrap as they requested, secured it in the box and off it went.
Their response after their initial inspection was within the time originally stated, however, they said the drive had excessive damage" that required new parts in order to proceed - though they were confident in a full recovery after these pieces were replaced - the price was $300ish more than the HIGHEST of the original range I was given, and they asked for a $200 deposit before beginning the recovery process.
They also said, that it would now take up to 4 weeks to complete (double the initial time-frame promised). I pressed for answers as to how a supposedly experienced data recovery company quotes such a wide price range to begin with but doesn't take any kind of "additional" damage or replacement parts into account, when I was very upfront about how the damage occurred and how the drive was behaving since it was dropped. Also asked why the deposit was suddenly required - when I'd signed documents that clearly stated nothing was due until they showed a list of files that could be recovered. The rep said he'd "try and talk to the manager."
I didn't hear back within a day so after all these red flags, I requested to have my drives returned.
I paid the $25 return shipping invoice promptly and was told it would be shipped back within 24 hours. It was, though a tracking number was not provided until after I had to ask because I'd been blocked out of their nifty customer service tracking portal after paying the return shipping.
Then I received the tracking number. USPS Priority Mail. 2-3 day shipping. Insured up to $50.
Three things:
1.) I ship frequently for my business, so I know this costs $15 at the very most. More likely $12-$13. Sometimes $8.
2.) I also know, from extensive experience, that USPS is nearly impossible to get a hold of and process a claim for damaged or missing packages.
3.) Anyone who works with hard drives should know that a brand new 4T replacement drive like the one I sent costs much more than $50.
Waited patiently for my drives to arrive. No actual shipping problems.
Box was in nice shape, delivered when promised, etc.
HOWEVER.
Both drives were wrapped in a single layer of bubble wrap and not cushioned otherwise in the box. Meaning they had a good 2" in the box to wiggle around from top to bottom.
They didn't even wrap the return shipment in the manner they requested drives to be sent TO them.
Everything appeared to be ok though.
So I breathed a sign of relief for avoiding what was looking to be a sketchy deal.
Took the drives to a local place who was aware of the exact things Secure Data Recovery said was wrong with the drive.
Their data recovery professional spent 3 minutes doing a pre-check on my drive and noted that the original factory seals of the inside drive components had not even been opened.
.... and thought there was no way they could have come up with the list of specific "excessive damages" without having opened the internal case... and that there isn't a way to put it back like that after opening it.
I will reserve a sliver of possibility that this person is incorrect, or that Secure Data Recovery could possibly be that good at reassembling drives. After the other issues though - I'm completely skeptical and can't recommend them at all. read more