Query
05-11-2010, 05:58 PM
I have two expensive sport related items, one of which never worked right, one of which eventually failed, that the manufacturers wouldn't to cover under warranty, nor would they let me buy components to make a repair possible, when I contacted them directly. Both were described by the manufacturers as impossible to repair. Total value of the two items is close to $1000.
I volunteered to help out a local store run a sport festival event. As it happens, both companies sent representatives to the festival. I spoke to the representatives, and showed them the defective devices.
To my complete astonishment, though the devices are now fairly old, one representative made arrangements for a free warranty repair (I paid shipping), and the other company representative agreed to have a new device shipped to me, at no charge.
Someone at someone in authority at the store said it was quite likely the representatives agreed to the repairs because I was associated with the store through the volunteer work.
This suggests that if a manufacturer doesn't want to back their product, you could become temporarily associated with a dealer in some way, even on a voluntary basis, and speak to a rep in that context, and possibly obtain a repair or new unit.
This is frankly amazing.
I volunteered to help out a local store run a sport festival event. As it happens, both companies sent representatives to the festival. I spoke to the representatives, and showed them the defective devices.
To my complete astonishment, though the devices are now fairly old, one representative made arrangements for a free warranty repair (I paid shipping), and the other company representative agreed to have a new device shipped to me, at no charge.
Someone at someone in authority at the store said it was quite likely the representatives agreed to the repairs because I was associated with the store through the volunteer work.
This suggests that if a manufacturer doesn't want to back their product, you could become temporarily associated with a dealer in some way, even on a voluntary basis, and speak to a rep in that context, and possibly obtain a repair or new unit.
This is frankly amazing.