Software MacKievReviews of mackiev.com

Like so many other reviewers I never did receive my copy of the FTM spiral bound Manual. I ordered it when it was first announced, paid my £29 + pp and then waited and waited. Online conversations with MacKiev told me various stories about "it is currently being printed, it's being proof-read, it's about to be dispatched" etc but never materialised. After more than a year I requested my money back. I then received a refund LESS the P&P and had to request this again. My sister has had exactly the same experience so clearly MacKiev are taking money fraudulently for a product that doesn't exist. The sooner authorities (I'm not sure who) put a stop to this illegal practise the better. I warn everyone who is thinking of buying this manual, DO NOT PART WITH YOUR MONEY UNTIL YOU CAN BE ABSOLUTELY SURE THE MANUAL IS ACTUALLY AVAILABLE!!! Like many others I am thinking of ditching FTM for some other software which is very sad because the product itself is very good, or was until Mr Jack Minsky got hold of the company. As the programme synchs with Ancestry, perhaps they can do something to improve the abysmal service from Software MacKiev.

This company lives off FTM but has no concept of a relationship with the customers who buy the otherwise very good software. Seems to exist in virtual reality only. I know of no other software company that runs like this- minimal communication, bizarre Alice in Wonderland purchase and update procedures, and yes, after a couple years (!) still no sign or info about my paid-for printed manual. FTM is good, but I'd now use Rootsmagic or MacFamilyTree if you can.

Two months on from original review and I am still waiting for a refund from this company fro thw Companion Guide that has never been forthcoming. I am planning to take the matter further if I do not receive a refund in the next few days. I am afraid I have been conned into parting with money for goods that are not even printed yet. I am a pensioner and cannot afford to throw money away, what is more, I am sure the way MacKiev is working is illegal. You are not told the book isn't printed until after you have paid and every time you write they come up with some excuse.

I ordered a FTM 2019 Companion Guide - Windows Edition (lay-flat spiral binding) on 7 October 2019 costing £29. It was only after the money was taken from my card that I was told that this had not even been produced. After many emails and live chats over the last 18months I decided enough was enough and I requested a full refund, money to be returned to the card I had used to purchased it. The company refused this because it was longer than a year (was this my fault?); a 'check' was then offered (I suddenly realised this would probably be in dollars); next it could be put on my Pay Pal account (I don't have one) and finally they would put it in my bank account if I would supply them with the appropriate details. I was advised that I should never to do this - so stalemate. No book, no money, No more orders - ever.

This upgrade is a downgrade. 'Upgraded' from Family Tree Maker 2017 to 2019, Sync failed, people got erroneously detached from tree, program took 8-10mins to start and would crash. My computer is fine with all other software, tree was compacted and computer was clean booted. Mackiev has engineered a defective product. The Tech Support is usually available but not always observant, a problem clearly depicted in a screenshot was casually overlooked by employee Audrey and had to be re-explained. Tech Support Brandon said he can't talk about a refund, he has since forwarded my refund application to Mackiev's 'Orders Department'.