ADT Self Setup Logo

ADT Self Setup

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143 User Reviews

6.2

Overall Score

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LAST UPDATED: April 7th, 2023

Previously known as Blue by ADT, ADT has rebranded its product to ADT Self Setup. The security provider is a pioneer in DIY smart home security, offering Wi-Fi-enabled security products that are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Homeowners and renters can choose from three security sets or build their own custom security set to fit their needs. Low monthly monitoring starts at $19.99 per month to $24.98 per month plus tax. Read our full ADT Self Setup review below to see if the home security company is right for you.

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The Good

  • Equipment Warranty and 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
  • Remote Access on All Plans
  • No Landline Phone Connection Required
  • 24/7 Professional Monitoring
  • Home Automation Options
  • Transparent ADT Self Setup Pricing

Equipment Warranty and 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

ADT Self Setup provides its customers with Wi-Fi enabled, wireless security products for up to 40% off. An equipment warranty is added to provide protection throughout the entirety of the service contract. All of ADT Self Setup products also come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. The 30-day money-back guarantee refund covers upfront costs, including activation fee when applicable, and shipping. Note that customers must return promotional items. 

Remote Access on All Plans

The completely wireless home security systems use internet and cellular connections to monitoring centers. Users can use the ADT Self Setup app to arm and disarm the alarm system from any location. With four layers of protection (including high-speed internet, cellular signal, cellular text, and landline phone) and 24-hour battery backup, the home security system stays connected to help you stay protected. 

No Landline Phone Connection Required

Customers have the option of using landline phone connection as an unrequired backup, but ADT Self Setup home security systems don't need a landline connection to operate; rather they operate via cellular and wireless networks.

24/7 Professional Monitoring

Three coast-to-coast monitoring centers help protect you day and night from burglary, fire, and flood. They are backed up with two generators and uninterruptible power supplies. These monitoring centers will immediately alert the customer and emergency service personnel the moment a signal alert is triggered.

Home Automation Options

ADT Self Setup has smart home automation included in all plans. With the free ADT Self Setup mobile app, you can manage your home security system and your smart home devices. ADT Self Setup systems are compatible with Amazon, Alexa, Google Assistant, IFTTT applets, and Z-Wave Plus devices. ADT Self Setup customers can access the following home automation functions directly from their smart device:

  • Locking and unlocking smart door locks
  • Dimming or turning on/off your lights
  • Turning smart outlets on/off
  • Controlling smart thermostat temperature and controls
  • Opening and closing your garage door

Transparent ADT Self Setup Pricing

ADT Self Setup has all pricing information listed on its website. The security systems are priced from $199.15 to $376.10. There is also an option to build your own custom security system.

Monthly monitoring is $19.99 without video storage and $24.98 (plus tax) with 30-day video storage. Available smart home security products with ADT Self Setup include:

  • Patented base station
  • Entry keypad
  • Security touchpad
  • Indoor camera
  • Outdoor security camera
  • HD video doorbell camera
  • Door sensor Window sensor
  • Pet-friendly motion sensor
  • Fire safety sensor
  • Glass break sensor
  • Nest thermostat
  • Carbon monoxide alarm
  • Flood sensor
  • Keychain remote
  • Yard sign and window stickers
  • 30-Day cloud video storage
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The Bad

  • No Professional Installation
  • Company History

No Professional Installation

ADT Self Setup is a DIY installation home security system. ADT provides plenty of resources and customer support to help homeowners properly install their ADT security system, customers are responsible for installing every component themselves, which may lead to some issues including connectivity problems.

Company History

The company's overall history has been relatively unstable. The company was founded in 2004 and then purchased by DIRECTV in 2013, which then became a part of AT&T in 2015. In April of 2017, the former CEO of Blue by ADT, previously known as Lifeshield, acquired the company from AT&T and brought back the original self-installation platform with a direct-to-consumer approach.

However, in 2019, LifeShield was acquired by ADT. Recently rebranded to ADT Self Setup and with ADT support, the company is now taking product innovation to the next level, while continuing to make excellent customer service a top priority.

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The Bottom Line

ADT Self Setup offers total security solutions to customers across the United States. Monthly plans feature 24/7 professional monitoring, equipment warranties, and remote access from virtually anywhere. Starting at $19.99 per month for entire home coverage and included smart home automation features, service plans are competitively priced against other home security marketplace options. Ordering is easy on ADT Self Setup's website without credit checks or activation fees. There are also home automation options controlled through the ADT Self Setup mobile app that allows homeowners to synch their home security system and their smart home devices. To hear what past and current customers have to say, read ADT Self Setup home security reviews below.

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User Reviews

Star Rating

3.2

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143 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

24%

4 grade

29%

3 grade

13%

2 grade

8%

1 grade

27%

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Ellen

ADT owes me over $500. I don’t have time to give accounts of all of my calls with the company and their failure to resolve right now but I just wanted to get the process going. I joined ADT back in 2021. (I will provide exact details later.) So far I have gone through at least 8 ADT Blue malfunctioned cameras which have been fedexed to me after failed attempts to get my cameras connected to my Wi-fi. After about the 8th pair of failed camera connections, I just gave up in August of 2022. However I have receiving a $56/monthly bill faithfully every month since then. My blood pressure would get dangerously high after navigating through countless 1-2 hour phone calls with customer service, and I just couldn’t tolerate nor did I have the previous time to devote to these fruitless, frustrating, attempted but failed trouble-shooting calls sometimes incompetent representatives. I am a teacher in public schools and have very limited extra time to devote to things like this. In the meantime, since August, and previously, during these lapses of time, I have not had ANY security services. My neighborhood and condo complex is in a dangerous area in Memphis, TN, which is a city with one of the highest crime rates. So every day, I feel very unsafe, and worry for mine and my daughter’s safety and well-being. Just last weeks I had a very expensive Thule bike rack stolen from my shed, which is right in front of a camera. But since the camera is broken, I could not catch the thief on video and therefore lost a very valuable piece of equipment. I have had to put all of this on the back burner because of my busy job and being a single parent to 2 kids, one who is in a residential treatment center. Not ONCE have I EVER gotten a call about my customer satisfaction with the Blue by ADT service. In fact, about 5 minutes ago, a customer service age

5 months ago

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Fabio Costa Troy, MI

DO NOT BUY BLUE ADT!!!! They assured the Blue ADT alarm system would not be triggered by pets, the attendant mentioned clearly, at first call, no cats or small dogs can trigger it. I had a cat jumping from the table and the system has been triggered, I called them and another attendant said sorry if we didn't mention, but do consider cats on the floor not on the table. Really this blue ADT system NOT WORKS as it was sold to me. In two months I already had a false alarm calling the police, more one and I will be fined. Had other two more false alarms due bad function of the sensors. Already have two entry sensors replaced, two motion sensors replaced. The cameras always loose the connection. The system is very slow. Started the Blue by ADT service in January of 2023. Since that time I have had to call into customer/tech support for several issues that are still not resolved. I have asked that they would accept the return and refund me because I spent more than 30 days to install everything and to realize how bad this product is. They said once it's after the 30 days, they will not accept the items return. Now I am digesting the idea to accept loose around $1000, because once I am not an expert in installation and spent more than 30 days to install it, I can't return these items after 2 months of use. My recommendation, avoid this bad quality product.

6 months ago

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Carol Howe Maricopa, AZ

I've had some problems with the systems from day one. The thing would go offline numerous times, so that's some real trouble. I remember one time, where the alarm just kept beeping and beeping as if there was something there, but there wasn't. My phone kept ringing, so I had to take out where it wouldn't alert me. They should make equipment that actually works.

6 years ago

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Pat R Santa Clara, CA

This company refuses to give return equipment address labels until the lease is complete and account is closed. They didn’t allow me to close my first account until I established a second account “trial” that was actually a 3 year lease. They’re refusing to allow me to return in-used equipment I never used and told me to give it to another person to use. I’ve tried to send back equipment for a year, but they will not allow me to until my lease is completed And account closed by them. I don’t suggest this company to anyone.

6 months ago

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Devia Walsh Oceanside, CA

If I could give zero stars I would. This company is a NIGHTMARE. Every time we get the sensors up and running one of them craps out. We call, they walk us through the whole tedious process of resetting them, they claim they’re fixed, a couple days to a week later they aren’t working AGAIN. So, we call again, same process, we request new sensors, still not working! We have repeated this horrible go round multiple times with them! We’ve even had a new hub sent to us. I’ve asked twice now for them to deem the equipment as malfunctioning and waive our remaining contract fees but they REFUSE. What a nightmare. I’m a Navy Veteran and my husband is currently serving as active duty (we live on a military base) and we will definitely be putting out a warning for all our military friends living on or off base to STAY AWAY!

9 months ago

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Mark Waller Blue Ash, OH

Worst service ever. DO NOT BUY!!!! Started the Blue by ADT service in November or December of 2021. Since that time I have had to call into customer/tech support for several issues that are still not resolved. I have asked that they let me out of the contract since my problems started before the cancellation period ended. They are not willing to let me out of the current contract and I am paying for a service that does not fit my needs. There are several notes on my account from the numerous phone calls and they have even given me bill credits and free months to compensate. My cameras do not function as they should and they have sent me new equipment several times without resolution. Every time I have to call them I am usually on the phone with them for more than a hour troubleshooting issues and changing settings, all for me to have to call back because things are still not working as they should. I am exhausted trying to get them to do the right thing and let me out of contract so that I can get something that works. The last thing they said to me was that there needs to be more troubleshooting done. I feel as if we have run through everything that can be done and it is not working. They also tell me that if I cancel there will be an early termination fee of over $1000. This system has never worked for me as it should and it is well documented.

11 months ago

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Shelby Morgan Irmo, SC

Ive called multiple times, requested multiple calls back, filed complaints with the inspector generals office as well as the BBB. I was supposed to receive a call back in regards to requesting calls to be pulled from October of last year. Blue by ADT is using deceptive practices to collect more funds and I am extremely frustrated with this entire practice. Not only have I requested multiple calls back, Ive also received two spam calls daily in regards to paying an overdue balance I shouldnt even owe. Ive never missed a payment with ADT and I will not be harassed when my issue has yet to be resolved. I relocated from Baltimore in October of 2021. At that time, the relocation team advised me my contract would remain the same, however, due to my relocation would need to be serviced by Blue by ADT. I confirmed MULTIPLE times that my contract would not be extended for an additional 3 years, but would instead continue as signed in 2019 at the start of my initial contract, and would end October of 2022. As of last week, I was advised they would pull the calls as requested- no response, but multiple spam calls daily to collect on a $41.00 balance. I called today to follow up, turns out they refuse to pull the calls and "I shouldn't have signed the contract". I specifically followed up on the contract when received and was told "don't worry about it and I have to sign it to get my equipment". That's what's on the recorded call they suddenly refuse to review. They make you pay to get out of the contract or pay to get into a new one. It's deceitful and deceptive.

11 months ago

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Bob Brezniak

I don't know if the product is great or not since I have not even been able to get it working. Trying to follow what little documentation there is about setup, i found the device didn't work at all. I called their support line on 9/5/22, 9/7/22 and 9/11/22 leaving my number each time since it was over a 15 minute wait EACH TIME. I never heard back. I finally waited the full 15 minutes, and their "support" person was too inept to even read the script correctly. When i wanted to talk to a manager, she hung up. I then called their complain line on 9/11/22, and i have not heard back in 9 days. DO NOT PURCHASE THIS SERVICE AT ALL

1 year ago

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Whitney Moore

This security system is a complete joke. None of my equipment hardly ever works. One of my cameras will not hold a charge at all, and there is a major delay in any alert. I also have a nest doorbell and I will get that notification MINUTES before I ever got an alert from ADT. I could not even get footage of a stalker for a restraining order to use from ADT. Everything was so delayed, I had to use my doorbell footage to get my DVO and finally start to protect myself. Then they wanted to charge me $60 for doing absolutely nothing to ensure my safety! I will never deal with ADT again! And I will make sure anyone in the market I know, knows about my experience. And good luck with the app, I rarely can get logged in and that was before they turned off my mobile access. ADT is just for show at my house, to make people think I have a security system.

1 year ago

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Claudia Patrick Cabot, AR

The system never worked. When the alarm is turned on, you can walk in and out of my house, and nothing happens. The alarm doesn't go off, and no one is alerted. I have spent more than 25 hours trying to resolve issues with ADT's technical support and nothing was resolved. I paid the Geek Squad to install the system to make sure it was done properly and they couldn't get it to work effectively. When I had the initial ADT system that they installed in another location, I never had an issue. The ADT Blue system is not worth the money if it doesn't work. I am sure there are environments that support their system.

1 year ago Edited January 28, 2022

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Chrystal Chyrai Hesperia, CA

If I could give them -10 stars I absolutely would. If you are looking for Security System PLEASE DO NOT GET BLUE BY ADT. The customer service is terrible and THEY ARE NOT AVAILABLE 24 HOURS. The equipment does not work properly, around 12am someone came past both my outdoor cameras and stand right in front of my door where my camera is pointed directly and These Cameras that I am being charged 400$ for never notified me about human activity or took a picture/video of the person and the only reason why i seen them is because my Ring Doorbell Cam detected it and notified me. These Cameras cost 200$ and don’t pick up any human activity or motion and even if you cancel within 30 day period they will still send you through hell to get your money refunded. Please choose a different company to secure your home, Blue by ADT is a complete waste of time and money.

2 years ago

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Aly Powell Sandy, UT

The worst of customer service and extremely overpriced. They advertise one low price then show up and install a $3000 system. Extremely sexist customer service. When my husband called to cancel they told him “no worries, but have your wife call in since she’s on the account” and then had the audacity to say to me “so you don’t want to protect your family?” and refused to let me out of the contract even though I canceled in the 3 day window. Sat on hold for over an hour, 4 phone calls, and multiple representatives later and all of them were extremely rude and unprofessional. Go to simpli safe and get the same package without their slimy businessmen for $400.

3 years ago

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D.V.Johnson Omaha, NE

My experience with Lifeshield has been nothing but frustration and disappointment. The monitoring equipment fell off the wall multiple times. The system frequently went off-line. Technical assistance was not knowledgeable at troubleshooting this cut-rate equipment. Customer service was NOT helpful when issues arose whether related to equipment or the account. We gave up trying to troubleshoot the problems about 2 years into the contract. Ending the contract was not easy either. They want their crappy equipment back. Why I don’t know because it doesn’t work. Be careful. Better yet choose another company. Anyone you choose will undoubtedly be better than Lifeshield!

4 years ago

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R Quinn

I had lifeshield for about a year. I would estimate my system became mysteriously offline unable to access through their portal about 200 times during that year. I had numerous surveillance, cameras set up and never could get all of them to work at the same time. the pricing in the package goes up if you want to monitor your own home mine went up $!0 for video viewing even though the camera is in the package, i called customer service about the issues with the system being unavailable and my cameras being undetected by the system thay would fix it till the next day when it would happen again then when my home was broken into while the system was unavailable they stole the lifeshield security tablet which is your lifeline to your system without it your whole system is worthless, i finally just stopped paying them, it damaged my credit score but im not paying for a home security system that only works when it wants to,

6 years ago

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Anonymous Cary, NC

Website painfully slow. Products are just okay. My camera frequently stops working and I have to reset it. Cost seems high for the little I actually receive.

6 years ago

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Jeff Robbins Yoakum, TX

Support is ridiculous, never had a call on their system in 3 years. Still charged me another month after cancelling, wont get a final bill for 7 weeks. The lady in the cancellation dept. is nice but the policy is built to screw the customer (they are going to suck every dollar out of you). It took me 5 phone calls to be able to cancel. comparable...bleu or ADT is way too high . If you enjoy the personability of doing business with a company, don't choose Bleu or ADT! Michael Robbins ACCT NO. ***742247

2 years ago

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K&E Dog training Winchester, CA

Please don’t go with this company if I could give negative stars I would. Absolutely a nighmare. I have never been scammed harder in my life. I have had the system for 4 months. The cameras have broken 2 x . They charged me 25$ to come fix it which they didn’t fix but they didn’t forget to charge me. Then they informed me if I wanna cancel it would be over 6,000$ . Also the cameras don’t work if your WiFi is to far or if it goes down . Just please stay away, just get a dog . Much cheaper and less stress full.

2 years ago

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Rajesh. Shah Roslyn, NY

Very bad experience. I will never deal. Salespeople call promise lot. Technician comes ask money for everything. Too much sales pressure. After installation they make you sign so fast . DocuSign. You don’t have chance to read. After 3 days you done. They don’t tell you that you have 3 days to cancel. Big penalties if you do. New installed alarm 2 times false alarm. Bad cheap equipment. They want big money for cheap installation. Never use ADT.at night alarm will go on. False alarm.

3 years ago

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Viviana Patricia Cortes Elkridge, MD

this is the worst security system don't buy them they only took money from my bank account in three moths they take $834.00 I call them and I do not have any response they just send me to collections for a amount of $1600.00 because they argument the I stop making my payments but how I can pay if I was waiting to get my refund of $834.00 please do not get this system. Now I am in collections with this big amount because they said I was broke my contract

3 years ago

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Patrick Fortuna, CA

Get a Dog better alarm system the ADT /Lifeshield the Dog will appreciate you . I REPEAT DON'T WASTE Your Money & Time NO Technicians to service you , Customer support is a 50/50 chance to get help had numerous hang ups , Hours are Eastern Standard Time . BAD PRODUCT ,BAD CUSTOMER SERVICE, They are fast commodity consumed by Large Corporations .STAY CLEAR OF LIFESHIELD & Michael in Customer Service Mgr.

3 years ago

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John Pagano Staten Island, NY

From the begining problems, installation, priceing and overcharging for equipment that was never installed. A service call after 1 day of installation , front door camera went off line and smoke detector was beeping all night had to take it down and remove batteries. Loss of power to keypad door bell power did not ring and i was charged for a wi fi front door lock which was never installed. And they insisted i had one.

4 years ago

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Eve Guilbault Lexington, KY

@BluebyADT is not user friendly. As soon as we installed it we received error messages. After calling support they informed us we would need to buy all new batteries. That would cost us a lot of money. It is not a very user friendly system. Basically I got it in March and have yet to get it to function properly so I switched to Vivint.

1 year ago

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Josh Minneapolis, MN

Garbage for a company I wouldn’t advise anyone who wants security through ADT BLUE, our first impression and experience was off the charts of horrible customer service!!! We are in the process of shipping back all their equipment and will not ever call them again as well will share our horrible experience to all who we know .

1 year ago

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Sheila Lincicome Bloomington, IL

Would give them a minus grade if I could. Terrible experience. Sold me a system that didn't exist and tried to sell me something more expensive. Customer service stinks. Waited on phone for an hour for help! DO NOT EVEN CONSIDER ADT!!!!!!

2 years ago

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REITA Chamberlain

I will advise family and friends NOT to use LifeShield security. We have now had their equipment for nearly 2 years. It hasn't worked for more than half of that. You are stuck for another year if you don't call within 20 days before date service started. Were told one thing last year, and a different thing this year. Awful customer service!!!

5 years ago

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Noriel Reyes

Alarm goes "whacko" after a 15 min away mode. Happens 2x in a week period. We get billed twice for $130.00 for 1 serv rep visit. Not a cop but a serv rep from Lifeshield ... Cust serv states 2 visit... but we only had 1 signed visit. WHAT A RIPPED OFF. We cancelled our serv. before we max our contract...

6 years ago

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Shiv Shivakumar ,

Takes hours to connect with a person. Their Chat help always comes back as not available. I have been a customer for more than 10 years. Extremely frustrated as I cannot get any answers unless I am on the phone for hours.

2 years ago

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Tpz Evanston, WY

I have a problem in my system on Thanksgiving, they simple don't working on the burglary day in America. The people's no half of America dont home!!! Worst security company ever!!!

3 years ago

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Jim Davis

This system does not work well, Ive had it for over a year and it keeps going out of service, even had one false alarm. Would not recommend, I plan to cancel as soon as my contract is up.

6 years ago

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Anonymous Sunnyvale, CA

The customer service for an incidence was horrible. They never honored the Warranty.

6 years ago

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Shane Porter Aurora, CO

They used to work a lot better. My experience with their service has not been good.

6 years ago

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Jamie Hoxie Taunton, MA

They should do a better job monitoring the alarm. So far, it's been a negative experience.

6 years ago

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Paul Mycroft Lafayette, IN

Nothing. Because they fail to listen to me when I kept calling fedex because the package was suppose to be delivered by the 1st but fedex never got the package

2 years ago

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Faith Michels Herrin, IL

Better off buying fake cameras and signs since the system never works. Good luck cancelling because they lock you in a contract as well.

1 year ago

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M Lincoln, NE

It goes off line all the time. The tablet broke.

6 years ago

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Anonymous Douglas, GA

Too many issues with equipment.

6 years ago

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Jessica Taul Monroe, MI

I've been trying to cancel for months to no avail. Even in my trial period. I can't get any answers. Ugh

3 years ago

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Brian stroud Grants Pass, OR

I am sending ur stuff back don't stick always falls off the wall.. and takes the paint I am done with it

5 years ago

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