How Long Is Too Long?


I know this forum has tons of experience with all things audio. 

My question to the members is when you send a piece of gear to the manufacturer for repair; what is a reasonable turnaround time? 

I will leave the "company" out for now because I don't want to potentially hurt their business if it's not warranted.

I sent my phono pre and step up device in for repairs four months ago.  It's a small one man operation in California.  Around the time I sent them in, one of his products got a small positive review in Stereophile magazine and he said that since then he's been swamped with orders.  Understandable I guess and good for him.  Not so good for me though.

As I said, I haven't seen my equipment in four months.  Is this considered reasonable?  I called him about a month ago and talked to him directly and he assured me that he would get to my equipment soon.  So far, nothing.  I guess I should have asked what his definition of "soon" is.

I'm happy that he's selling units and business has picked up for him but with his new found success it appears like us early supporters are being left out in the cold. 

I know my hands are tied at this point and I do have a back up phono pre of lower cost and quality so I haven't been without the ability to play records.  

I appreciate any thoughts or advice.  

Thanks, 

Nick

nicktheknife

Showing 5 responses by grislybutter

@bubba12  I couldn’t count on one hand how many ways I disagree with you

@nicktheknife to me, $800 is more than I ever paid for a component

there is a vintage stereo repair shop in my city where I used to bring my gear. He always had it for at least 3 months, he said he was busy with all the work. The last time after he had it for 3 months, he texted me that I should pick up my amp. When I arrived he told me he hadn't touched and he would not, he is not interested in fixing it. 

I think it's just called horrible service.

@nicktheknife the flipside of this is: you should say "don't fix it, give me my money back!" If he has so many orders he has the money to pay you. He can then fix your preamp and sell it, on his own schedule. He can't have it both ways. 

It is wrong to sell equipment with warranty and then ignoring his warranty commitment for being busy selling new equipment...

 

@mofojo 

I was first annoyed and then relieved. It became more and more painful to deal with this shop and I had to let it go. The guy became so arrogant (despite my continued patronage for over a decade, putting up with his weirdness and terms) that there was no point in arguing.

Sutherland, Parasound, Simaudio - I would trust them, and you couldn't go wrong with them (and return would be easy)

Can you dispute it via your credit card company?