12/02/2025
I hired CEG in the spring for my Cotati studio's urgent digital maintenance needs. I paid $1,000 for a "full assessment" and a recommendation for a new RAID system (a $10K+ emergency).
The service was an absolute failure:
Zero Urgency & Unprofessionalism: It took MONTHS--not days--to get an equipment estimate, despite being hired for quick response. There were constant delays, missed deadlines, and all-around poor communication.
Hidden Fees & Massive Overcharge: Their final quote was a shocking $19,000--nearly double the initial estimate. A closer look revealed an undisclosed, hidden surcharge on all hardware, and $1,600 more than B&H Photo for the main RAID system.
Rude Management & Illegal Practices: When I called to question the surcharges and ask for my $1K fee back, the supervisor was rude and condescending, defending the "normal" surcharges.
Admitted to Illegal Recording: Most alarmingly, the person I was speaking with admitted on the call that he was illegally recording the conversation without my consent, only stopping the recording midway through. As California is a two-party consent state, this is a clear violation of state privacy laws and demonstrates a complete disregard for ethical and legal business conduct.
I would advise everyone to steer clear of CEG. They overcharge, hide fees, lack professionalism, and engage in deeply questionable business practices.
Jim G.
