[CQ-Contest] A couple of Observations

[Richard Zalewski]

I pay close attention to the remarks made on the reflector when it pertains
to manufacturers and vendors.  Most of this feedback has been given with the
best of intentions and can provide valuable data to us all in making future
decisions.  With that in mind I would like to pass on a couple of recent
experiences.

#1  The Good News

I purchased a Force12 C4SXL.  I was very pleased with the quick shipping and
handling of the product by the seller Texas Tower.  And get this, they
actually thanked me for the business when we concluded our telephone call.
But the good news does not stop there.  When I had some questions regarding
the construction and erection of the antenna, I called Force 12.  Tom
Shiller took both of my calls and gave me the information I needed in a
polite and informative manner.  He did not rush off to take another call or
try to brush me off but filled me in on some "extra" details that were very
helpful and clearly demonstrated to me the he and his company really cared
about their products and service.  So thanks Force12.

#2  The Bad News

I had to send my IC775 off for some service.  I had previously talked with
this repair shop regarding a potential problem and thought I would call him
and get his opinion on the possible repair.  During that conversation he
never informed me that he was not an authorized Icom repair station.  In
fact he indicated that there would be no problem in obtaining parts if
required.  Certainly he sounded knowledgeable on the product.  So, I sent
the unit to him with the detail of problems.  Also in the note was my Visa
number so that he could charge it and return it to me without delay.

He did call about a week after receiving the product to inform me that he
could not fix one of the problems.  He did not have the proper tools to do
it and for him to obtain the tools would be too expensive.  He said he would
look again at the unit and maybe he could "fix it".  About five days later I
received another telephone call indicating that he had fixed the main
problem but that the problem requiring additional tools could not be
repaired.  I said fine send it back to me.  It was then that he informed me
that he wanted payment via Pay Pal and Pay Pal only no other credit cards.
A bit miffed that a business would not be taking a bank credit card I paid
him using Pay Pal.   So here are the caveats:  Check to be sure that the
place where you are sending your valuable equipment is in fact an authorized
repair station for that brand.  Check their payment terms in advance.  If it
is not the factory repair facility, get some real references not ones posted
to a web site.


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