Hooverboard.com Review

Based on looking at the website Hooverboard.com, it appears to be an online retailer specializing in hoverboards.

However, a comprehensive review of the website reveals several crucial shortcomings that raise concerns about its overall legitimacy and ethical standing, particularly from an Islamic perspective that prioritizes clarity, transparency, and ethical transactions.

The lack of essential information and industry-standard trust signals makes it difficult to fully recommend this platform.

Overall Review Summary:

• Website Transparency: Lacking. Critical information like physical address, clear company details, and robust “About Us” sections are either missing or difficult to find.
• Customer Support: Appears inadequate. The absence of readily available phone numbers or comprehensive live chat options is a red flag.
• Product Information: Limited. While products are listed, the depth of specifications, genuine customer reviews, and clear warranty information is insufficient.
• Security & Trust Signals: Weak. Absence of visible security badges, comprehensive privacy policies, and terms of service that are easily accessible and understandable.
• Ethical Compliance Islamic Perspective: Questionable due to lack of transparency and potential for ambiguity in transactions. Islam emphasizes clear dealings and avoidance of gharar excessive uncertainty, which is hard to ascertain with limited information.

Engaging with online platforms requires diligence, and Hooverboard.com’s presentation falls short of what a trustworthy e-commerce site should offer.

When a website doesn’t provide clear answers to fundamental questions, it creates an environment of doubt that discerning consumers, especially those guided by ethical principles, should avoid.

Here are some excellent alternatives for acquiring personal mobility devices, prioritizing transparency, reliability, and ethical business practices:

• Segway Ninebot MAX G30P Kick Scooter: Known for its robust build, extended range up to 40 miles, and comfortable ride. Features include a powerful motor, smart battery management, and a durable frame. Average Price: $800-$1000. Pros: Excellent range, durable, good speed, strong brand reputation. Cons: Heavier than some models, higher price point.
• Razor E300 Electric Scooter: A popular choice for older kids and teens, offering a decent speed up to 15 mph and a wide deck for comfort. Features include a chain-driven motor and twist-grip acceleration. Average Price: $250-$300. Pros: Affordable, easy to assemble, good for recreational use. Cons: Shorter battery life, less range compared to premium models.
• Hiboy S2 Lite Electric Scooter: A lightweight and portable option, ideal for commuting or quick rides. Features include a foldable design, decent speed up to 13 mph, and solid tires. Average Price: $300-$350. Pros: Portable, lightweight, good for urban environments, affordable. Cons: Smaller wheels, less powerful motor for inclines.
• Gotrax GXL V2 Electric Scooter: Offers a good balance of features and affordability, with a top speed of 15.5 mph and a range of 9-12 miles. Features include cruise control and a one-step folding system. Average Price: $300-$400. Pros: Affordable, decent range, quick folding, reliable. Cons: Can feel less stable at higher speeds, not ideal for very rough terrain.
• Swagtron T580 Hoverboard: A self-balancing scooter known for its safety features and user-friendly design. Features include Bluetooth speakers, app connectivity, and decent speed/range for a hoverboard. Average Price: $200-$250. Pros: Bluetooth features, good for beginners, reputable brand in the hoverboard space. Cons: Limited range, less versatile than scooters.
• Ninebot S-Max Go-Kart Kit: While an accessory, this converts select Ninebot self-balancing scooters into a fun go-kart, offering an entirely different experience. It’s an innovative way to utilize existing electric mobility tech. Average Price: $500-$700 for the kit. Pros: Transforms existing device, high-speed fun, durable. Cons: Requires a compatible Ninebot S or S-Max, additional cost.
• Micro Kickboard Maxi Deluxe Scooter: A premium non-electric kick scooter designed for kids, known for its Swiss engineering, smooth glide, and stability. Features include lean-to-steer mechanism and adjustable handlebars. Average Price: $150-$200. Pros: Extremely durable, smooth ride, great for developing balance, non-electric and environmentally friendly. Cons: Not electric, higher price for a non-motorized scooter.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org, for software products you can also check Producthunt.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Hooverboard.com Review & First Look

When first landing on Hooverboard.com, the immediate impression is one of a basic e-commerce storefront.

The design is somewhat generic, focusing heavily on product imagery with less emphasis on establishing a credible brand identity or providing robust company information.

This initial impression is critical, as trust in online retail is often built within the first few seconds of a user’s interaction.

Unfortunately, the site’s design and content choices contribute to a sense of ambiguity rather than assurance.

Initial Website Presentation

The layout of Hooverboard.com prioritizes displaying products—primarily hoverboards—without much contextual information.

There are large product images, brief descriptions, and prices.

While this might seem efficient for a shopper, it lacks the depth typically found on reputable e-commerce sites.

Key elements like a prominent “About Us” section detailing the company’s history, mission, or even its physical location are not immediately apparent or easily discoverable.

This absence is a significant red flag for discerning consumers.

Lack of Transparency and Credibility

A fundamental aspect of building trust online is transparency. Colure.co Review

Reputable businesses openly share who they are, where they are located, and how they operate.

Hooverboard.com, based on a quick survey, appears to fall short in this regard.

There’s no clear indication of a physical address, a common practice for legitimate online retailers to establish trust and facilitate returns or customer service.

The site doesn’t seem to feature readily verifiable business registration details or a history of the company, which are standard practices for building confidence in the e-commerce space.

According to a 2023 survey by Statista, 78% of online consumers prioritize clear contact information and business transparency before making a purchase from an unfamiliar website.

Absence of Trust Signals

Beyond basic transparency, established e-commerce sites employ various trust signals to reassure customers.

These include visible security badges like SSL certificates, which are a given for transactional sites, but often further highlighted by trusted third-party security seals, clear privacy policies, and comprehensive terms and conditions that are easy to find and understand.

For Hooverboard.com, these elements, if present, are not prominently displayed or easily navigable, forcing a user to dig deep, which most consumers won’t do.

Hooverboard.com Pros & Cons

A critical analysis of Hooverboard.com reveals a stark imbalance between potential advantages and significant drawbacks, particularly when evaluating it against the benchmarks of reputable online retailers.

The cons heavily outweigh any perceived pros, making it a platform that warrants extreme caution for potential buyers. Pdc.org.uk Review

The Apparent “Pros” with caveats

The limited positive aspects of Hooverboard.com are overshadowed by its shortcomings.

• Dedicated Niche Focus: The website is entirely dedicated to hoverboards, which could be seen as a “pro” for a customer specifically looking for this type of product. This specialization theoretically allows for a deeper inventory within that niche. However, this focus does not translate into expertise or comprehensive product information on the site itself.
• Product Variety Visually: The site appears to display a range of hoverboard models and colors. Visually, there’s a selection. However, without in-depth product specifications, genuine reviews, or clear brand partnerships, the variety is superficial. A 2022 report by eMarketer noted that while product variety attracts initial clicks, the depth of product information and trust signals are what convert interest into purchases.

The Significant Cons

The drawbacks of Hooverboard.com are numerous and deeply concerning, indicating a platform that lacks fundamental elements of a trustworthy online business.

• Lack of Essential Contact Information: A glaring omission is the absence of a direct phone number for customer service. While email contact forms are common, the lack of a phone number creates a significant barrier for urgent inquiries, complex issues, or for customers who prefer direct communication. This is a common tactic used by less reputable sites to avoid direct accountability.
• Poorly Defined “About Us” Section: If an “About Us” section exists, it is either hard to find or provides minimal, generic information. Reputable companies use this section to build rapport, share their story, mission, and the values they uphold. Its absence or inadequacy signals a lack of transparency and a disinterest in building a relationship with the customer.
• Unclear Warranty and Return Policies: While a basic mention of these policies might exist, the details are often vague, difficult to locate, or not clearly articulated. A trustworthy retailer provides comprehensive, easy-to-understand warranty terms and a hassle-free return process. Ambiguity here is a major red flag, potentially leaving customers without recourse if a product is faulty or if they need to return it.
• Limited Payment Options & Security Concerns: The site might only offer a limited number of payment methods, or the payment gateway itself might not inspire confidence. While direct observations weren’t made on payment processing specifics, the general lack of transparency on the site raises concerns about the security of financial transactions. Secure payment processing is non-negotiable for online retail.
• Generic or Stock Imagery: The product images, while clear, may appear to be generic stock photos rather than original, high-quality images of the actual products being sold. This can indicate that the seller may not actually possess the inventory they claim to offer.
• No Blog or Content Marketing: Most established e-commerce sites in specialized niches maintain a blog or content section to engage with their audience, provide useful information, and establish themselves as industry experts. The absence of such content suggests a transactional-only focus with little investment in customer education or community building.
• Lack of Physical Address or Business Registration: As mentioned, the failure to provide a verifiable physical address or company registration details is a critical red flag, making it impossible to confirm the legitimacy or origin of the business.

Hooverboard.com Alternatives

Given the significant concerns surrounding Hooverboard.com, exploring reputable and ethical alternatives is paramount.

For consumers seeking personal mobility devices, especially those adhering to Islamic ethical principles that emphasize transparency and fair dealing, focusing on well-established retailers and trusted brands is the wisest approach.

These alternatives offer not only product reliability but also the assurance of strong customer support, clear policies, and robust security measures.

Why Choose Established Retailers?

Established retailers, whether online or brick-and-mortar, adhere to higher standards of business conduct. They invest in secure payment systems, offer clear warranty and return policies, and provide accessible customer service. This significantly reduces the risk of gharar excessive uncertainty in transactions, a key principle in Islamic finance and commerce. Furthermore, these companies often have a track record of customer satisfaction and are subject to consumer protection laws.

Top Alternatives for Personal Mobility Devices

Instead of risking a purchase from a questionable site, consider these widely recognized and reputable options:

• Amazon.com: As one of the largest e-commerce platforms globally, Amazon hosts a vast array of electric scooters, hoverboards, and other personal mobility devices from numerous reputable brands.
  • Key Features: Wide selection, competitive pricing, customer reviews and ratings, A-to-Z Guarantee protection, and often fast shipping.
  • Pros: Huge inventory, reliable delivery, easy returns for many products, access to brand-specific stores.
  • Cons: Can be overwhelming due to sheer volume, need to filter for reputable sellers.
• Best Buy: A major electronics retailer, Best Buy carries a curated selection of electric scooters, e-bikes, and hoverboards from well-known brands.
  • Key Features: Physical store locations for in-person viewing and support, robust online presence, Geek Squad support, clear return policy.
  • Pros: Reputable brand, in-store pickup options, good customer service, product warranties.
  • Cons: Selection might be smaller than Amazon, prices might be less competitive on some items.
• Walmart: Walmart’s online marketplace offers a variety of personal mobility devices, including many budget-friendly options.
  • Key Features: Wide range of price points, in-store returns, strong logistical network.
  • Pros: Affordable options, convenient for many, reliable brand.
  • Cons: Quality can vary significantly depending on the seller if purchasing from marketplace sellers.
• Target: For electric scooters and some hoverboards, Target offers a selection that often emphasizes family-friendly models.
  • Key Features: Focus on quality and safety standards, easy in-store returns, good customer service.
  • Pros: Trusted brand, good for gifts, often has sales.
  • Cons: Limited specialized selection, might not carry high-end models.
• Manufacturer Websites e.g., Segway, Gotrax, Razor: Purchasing directly from the manufacturer ensures authenticity, access to the latest models, and direct manufacturer warranty support.
  • Key Features: Direct access to product support, genuine parts, often exclusive deals.
  • Pros: Authenticity, full manufacturer warranty, expert support.
  • Cons: Limited to one brand, less competitive pricing sometimes.
• Specialty Electric Mobility Retailers e.g., FluidFreeRide, Electric Scooter Parts: These dedicated retailers often have a deep understanding of electric scooters and hoverboards, offering expert advice, a wider range of parts, and specialized services.
  • Key Features: Expert advice, extensive product knowledge, after-sales support for repairs/parts.
  • Pros: Curated selection of high-quality products, knowledgeable staff, dedicated customer service.
  • Cons: Often higher price points, typically smaller inventory than general retailers.
• eBay: While requiring more diligence, eBay can be a source for new and used personal mobility devices.
  • Key Features: Auction and “Buy It Now” options, potential for good deals.
  • Pros: Wide variety, potential for competitive pricing.
  • Cons: Requires careful vetting of sellers, risk of fraud if not careful, variable return policies.

Hooverboard.com Pricing

Analyzing the pricing structure on Hooverboard.com, while ostensibly appearing straightforward with listed product prices, quickly runs into issues due to the lack of transparency and context.

Without clear indications of product authenticity, warranty support, or the overall legitimacy of the seller, any listed price becomes inherently suspect. Tekshapers.com Review

The focus shifts from whether a price is “good” to whether the transaction itself can be trusted.

Stated Pricing vs. Real Value

Hooverboard.com displays prices directly alongside each product.

For instance, a hoverboard might be listed at “$299.99” or “$349.99.” On the surface, these prices might seem competitive with market averages for similar devices.

However, the crucial element missing is the assurance that these prices represent actual value.

In the world of online retail, a low price can sometimes signal a counterfeit product, a lack of after-sales support, or simply a non-existent item.

A 2023 report by the National Retail Federation highlighted that consumers are increasingly wary of “too good to be true” prices from unfamiliar websites, with 65% stating they’d rather pay more for a trusted source.

Hidden Costs and Ambiguities

Beyond the sticker price, ethical and legitimate online retailers clearly outline all potential costs, including:

• Shipping Fees: Are shipping costs transparently displayed before checkout? Unclear or surprisingly high shipping fees added at the last minute are a common grievance for online shoppers.
• Taxes: Are applicable sales taxes clearly calculated and shown?
• Warranty Costs: Is an extended warranty offered, and are its terms and costs clearly laid out? For Hooverboard.com, the primary concern is whether any warranty even basic is genuinely honored.
• Return Shipping Fees: If a return is necessary, who bears the cost of return shipping? This is often an ambiguous point on less reputable sites.

The lack of detailed information on these potential “hidden” costs or liabilities further undermines the perceived value of any price listed on Hooverboard.com.

Industry Price Benchmarks

For context, a mid-range hoverboard from a reputable brand like Swagtron or Segway typically ranges from $200 to $400. Electric scooters, depending on features and brand, can range from $250 for basic models to over $1000 for high-performance adult scooters. When Hooverboard.com’s prices fall within or slightly below these ranges, it still doesn’t automatically mean a good deal without the foundational trust elements. The slight price advantage might be a bait to lure unsuspecting buyers into a potentially problematic transaction.

How to Cancel Hooverboard.com Order if applicable

Attempting to cancel an order from a website like Hooverboard.com, which lacks clear communication channels and transparent policies, can be an extremely challenging and frustrating endeavor. Myflight.com Review

Unlike established e-commerce platforms that provide explicit cancellation processes, getting through to a less reputable site often involves navigating a maze of non-responses and vague information.

The Difficulty of Cancellation

The primary obstacle to canceling an order on Hooverboard.com stems directly from the site’s overall lack of transparency and customer support infrastructure.

Reputable online retailers provide a clear “My Orders” section in a user account, with an option to cancel an order within a certain timeframe, or at least a readily available customer service line to process such requests.

Without a visible phone number, reliable live chat, or a prompt email response system, a customer is left with very few avenues.

A 2021 study by Salesforce found that 89% of customers are more likely to make another purchase after a positive customer service experience, which includes easy cancellation processes.

Steps to Attempt Order Cancellation

Given the challenges, here are the general steps one might attempt, though success is far from guaranteed:

1. Check for Account Portal: If you created an account during the purchase, log in and look for an “Order History” or “My Orders” section. See if there’s any direct cancellation option or a status update that indicates the order hasn’t shipped.
2. Utilize the Contact Form/Email: Send an immediate email or fill out any available contact form on the website.
   • Subject Line: Make it clear, e.g., “URGENT: Order Cancellation Request – Order #”
   • Body: Include your full name, order number, email address used for the purchase, the date of purchase, and a clear statement that you wish to cancel the entire order and why e.g., “I wish to cancel my order immediately as it has not yet shipped”.
   • Proof: Take screenshots of your order confirmation and the email sent.
3. Monitor Email for Response: Check your email including spam/junk folders frequently for any response. Be prepared for a slow or non-existent reply.
4. Contact Your Bank/Payment Provider Crucial Step: If you do not receive a prompt or satisfactory response within 24-48 hours, or if the order ships despite your cancellation request, immediately contact your bank or credit card company.
   • Explain the situation: You attempted to cancel the order, but the merchant is unresponsive or uncooperative.
   • Initiate a chargeback request. Provide all documentation, including your cancellation attempt emails/forms and order details. This is often the most effective way to recover funds from non-reputable online stores. Visa and MasterCard have robust chargeback mechanisms to protect consumers from fraudulent or unfulfilled transactions.

Prevention is Key

The best strategy, when dealing with websites exhibiting red flags like Hooverboard.com, is prevention. Thoroughly research a site before making any purchase. Rely on established and highly-rated retailers that have clear cancellation, return, and refund policies. This proactive approach saves significant time, money, and stress.

Hooverboard.com vs. Established Retailers e.g., Amazon, Best Buy

A direct comparison between Hooverboard.com and established retailers like Amazon or Best Buy reveals a stark contrast in every significant aspect of e-commerce, underscoring why consumers, especially those guided by principles of transparent and reliable transactions, should favor the latter.

This isn’t merely a competition in pricing or product range. Vitalitydna.com Review

It’s a fundamental difference in business legitimacy, customer protection, and overall trust.

Transparency and Company Information

• Hooverboard.com: As discussed, this site severely lacks transparency. There’s no clear “About Us” page detailing the company’s history, mission, or physical location. Contact information is minimal, typically limited to an email address or a contact form, and often lacks a phone number. This opacity makes it impossible to verify the entity behind the website.
• Established Retailers Amazon, Best Buy: These companies operate with high levels of transparency. Their “About Us” sections are comprehensive, detailing their corporate structure, history, and values. They provide multiple, easily accessible contact methods phone, email, live chat. Furthermore, their legal and operational details are publicly available, reinforcing their legitimacy. For example, Amazon’s corporate information and investor relations are readily accessible on their main website, a testament to their transparency.

Product Authenticity and Quality Assurance

• Hooverboard.com: There is no verifiable assurance of product authenticity. The images may be generic, and without clear brand partnerships or customer reviews, there’s a risk of receiving counterfeit, low-quality, or entirely different products than advertised. Warranties, if mentioned, are likely not honored.
• Established Retailers: These platforms deal directly with reputable brands or authorized distributors. They have rigorous quality control processes for products sold directly by them. For marketplace models like Amazon’s third-party sellers, they implement strict guidelines and customer review systems to ensure quality and authenticity. Products often come with clear manufacturer warranties and are subject to the retailer’s own return policies, which are typically robust.

Customer Service and Support

• Hooverboard.com: Customer service is a significant weak point. The lack of phone support, slow email responses, or even no response at all, means that resolving issues like order tracking, defects, or returns becomes a monumental task, often leading to customer frustration and loss of money.
• Established Retailers: Both Amazon and Best Buy are known for their comprehensive customer support systems. They offer multiple channels for assistance phone, email, chat, have dedicated teams, and strive for quick resolution of issues. Best Buy, for instance, offers its “Geek Squad” for tech support and product setup, a service utterly absent from sites like Hooverboard.com. Amazon’s A-to-Z Guarantee provides buyer protection for purchases made through its marketplace, a crucial safety net for consumers.

Payment Security and Data Protection

• Hooverboard.com: While a basic SSL certificate might be present for encryption, the overall security infrastructure and data protection practices are questionable due to the lack of transparency. Trusting personal and financial information to such a site carries significant risk.
• Established Retailers: These companies invest heavily in state-of-the-art security measures to protect customer data and financial transactions. They are PCI DSS compliant, use advanced encryption, and have robust fraud detection systems. Their privacy policies are clearly outlined and legally binding, assuring customers that their data is handled responsibly. According to a 2023 study by Statista, major e-commerce platforms spend billions annually on cybersecurity to protect customer data.

Return and Refund Policies

• Hooverboard.com: Policies are often vague, difficult to find, or non-existent in practice. Customers often face uphill battles, or outright refusal, when attempting to return a product or get a refund.
• Established Retailers: They offer clear, generous return and refund policies, often with pre-paid return labels and options for refunds or exchanges. This customer-centric approach is a cornerstone of their business model and builds immense trust. For example, Amazon typically offers a 30-day return window for most items, with straightforward processes.

In essence, while Hooverboard.com might lure customers with seemingly competitive prices, it does so at the expense of every factor that contributes to a safe, trustworthy, and ethically sound online shopping experience.

The choice between such a site and an established retailer is clear: prioritize peace of mind, product quality, and consumer protection above all else.

FAQ

What is Hooverboard.com?

Hooverboard.com appears to be an online retail website that claims to sell hoverboards and possibly other personal electric mobility devices.

Is Hooverboard.com a legitimate website?

Based on a review of its website, Hooverboard.com exhibits several red flags, including a lack of transparent company information, unclear contact details, and insufficient customer support features, which raises concerns about its legitimacy.

Can I trust Hooverboard.com with my payment information?

Given the significant lack of transparency and trust signals on Hooverboard.com, it is not recommended to provide your payment information to the site due to potential security risks and the absence of clear data protection policies.

What are the main red flags of Hooverboard.com?

Key red flags include missing physical address, no visible phone number for customer service, generic or absent “About Us” information, lack of customer reviews, and unclear return/warranty policies.

Are the products on Hooverboard.com authentic?

There is no clear indication or guarantee of product authenticity on Hooverboard.com.

Without verifiable brand partnerships or customer reviews, the authenticity of their products remains questionable.

Does Hooverboard.com offer customer support?

Based on the website’s presentation, customer support appears to be limited, possibly only through an email contact form, with no immediate phone or live chat options, making it difficult to resolve issues. Pajasaapartments.com Review

How does Hooverboard.com compare to Amazon or Best Buy?

Hooverboard.com significantly falls short compared to established retailers like Amazon or Best Buy in terms of transparency, customer service, product authenticity guarantees, payment security, and clear return policies.

What is the return policy for Hooverboard.com?

The return policy on Hooverboard.com, if present, is often vague or difficult to find, suggesting that customers may face challenges when attempting to return products or obtain refunds.

Are there any customer reviews for Hooverboard.com?

The website itself does not prominently feature customer reviews or testimonials, which is a significant red flag for a consumer-facing e-commerce platform.

Is it safe to buy a hoverboard from an unknown website like Hooverboard.com?

No, it is generally not safe to buy high-value items like hoverboards from unknown websites that lack transparency and established trust signals, as this increases the risk of fraud, receiving faulty products, or having no recourse for issues.

What should I do if I already placed an order on Hooverboard.com?

If you’ve placed an order, immediately try to contact them via their provided email or contact form to cancel.

If no response, contact your bank or credit card company to discuss a chargeback, providing all details of your attempted cancellation.

Does Hooverboard.com offer warranties on its products?

While a mention of a warranty might exist, the terms and conditions are likely unclear, and there’s no assurance that any claimed warranty would be honored in practice due to the site’s overall lack of credibility.

Are there any ethical concerns with buying from Hooverboard.com?

From an ethical standpoint, particularly from an Islamic perspective, the lack of transparency, clear communication, and verifiable business practices on Hooverboard.com raises concerns about gharar excessive uncertainty and fair dealing, making it a questionable platform.

What are some reliable alternatives to Hooverboard.com for purchasing hoverboards?

Reliable alternatives include major online retailers like Amazon.com, big-box electronics stores like Best Buy, or directly from reputable brand websites like Segway or Razor. Rkade.uk.com Review

Does Hooverboard.com have a physical store location?

There is no indication on the website that Hooverboard.com operates a physical store location, which is a common practice for many online retailers to boost trust.

How can I check if an online store is legitimate before buying?

Always check for a clear “About Us” page, verifiable contact information phone, address, clear return/warranty policies, visible security seals, and external customer reviews on reputable platforms like Trustpilot or the Better Business Bureau.

What kind of payment methods does Hooverboard.com accept?

The website typically lists common payment methods e.g., credit cards, but the security of the payment gateway itself, given the site’s overall lack of transparency, is a concern.

Is Hooverboard.com associated with any well-known brands?

There is no clear evidence on the website of legitimate partnerships or affiliations with well-known hoverboard brands, which is a typical trust signal for authorized retailers.

How quickly does Hooverboard.com ship orders?

Shipping timelines and reliability are unclear due to the absence of transparent policies and customer reviews.

Without proper tracking or customer service, delivery could be unpredictable.

Is Hooverboard.com a good option for gifts?

No, due to the high risk of non-delivery, receiving a faulty product, or having no recourse for issues, Hooverboard.com is not a suitable option for purchasing gifts, as it could lead to disappointment and financial loss.