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Rickenbacker finish issue (Resolved by RIC)

No humidity, it's like 40 where I'm at. I keep it on my stand in my living room.
Don't let anyone or any company make you believe that humidity or temperature will have an effect on a urethane finish. I've left my basses in everything from -14 degrees to 120+ inside a hot car. From tropical 99% humidity to California desert. Snow, rain and sun. And although I've had color changes, never a crack, chip or bubble from temps. I also have had to deal with neck adjustments.
 
Also, as much as I love my Rick, if OP gets screwd, im never buying another one.
The only RIC I ever had, I bought (ab)used, and would NEVER buy one new. The only reason to pay a new premuim, besides the new bass smell, (and lack of previous owner "resudue") IS the warranty and customer service. Failing that, the manufacturer has not, by track record EARNED their pay.

If Mesa, for example ever decides to make Basses, I will pre order. They treat customers like family, always have always will.
Warwick. On a used bass, provided a few small parts to me GRATIS, and I got a letter signed by Hans himself (or an autopen, who knows)
RIC will never ever receive a single penny of cash from me.
I will buy another RIC, but it will be used.
 
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I would suggest that, unless one truly is prepared to take RIC to court, there isn't much to be gained in this kind of talk. Does anyone really want to spend more than the instrument is worth just to take a gamble on having a day in court?

I believe the problem with threads like this, as Mr. Hall sees it, is that the customer first posted here about the instrument's issues rather than first contacting RIC. How helpful do you expect a company to be after you've made a public spectacle of it? Give the manufacturer first crack at it and give them a fair shot.

Believe me, I've had issues with my Rickenbacker instruments and I've found their customer service to be somewhat lacking, but I never saw any benefit to be gained from posting about specific issues. I either returned the instrument, fixed it myself, sold the instrument, or decided that I could live with the problems.

Good luck to the original poster on receiving an acceptable solution to this issue.
But with all the public issues I'll bet there is a California lawyer willing to initiate a class action suit, pro bono.
 
Just sent an email asking whether or not the warranty would be honored if I get the card in. If not, well. I'm going to turn this into an issue. I have more than enough proof to get my point across.

Mail the card in with a highlighted printout of the previously mentioned federal law about warranty cards.
 
I believe any court would accept the language of the manual to be binding on the company as part of the warranty agreement. They are playing chicken. They know they are legally obligated, they just don't want to deal with it and are trying to shake you. You're best argument is what they printed in the manual and I would NOT accept the argument that it is not binding.

Also, I would look at the federal statute that already has been referenced in this thread for more ammo to use.
 
Not gonna lie, I'm a little sketchy about insinuating anything about legal action.

Pointing out that what they're demanding is illegal isn't the same as insinuating legal action. Its just calling their bluff.

Feel free to send in the card, but don't be surprised when they move the goal post again. They're conning you, and they know they're conning you. Unless you let them know that YOU know they're conning you, they will continue to con you.

Keep in mind that they've got their "you need to send in the warranty card within 10 days" policy. They're already setting you up for the next level of "Sorry, we can't help you."
 
Yeah only throw that out as a last resort.
Contact the BBB in Santa Ana
BBB Business Review for Rickenbacker International Corp

And lodge a complaint. Not legal action, but they may find it very strange that a company is violating federal law, and is arrogant enough to put it writing.

I never would've thought about that, great advice.

I've dealt with some pretty bad CS in my day, but all those guys are minor league's compared to what I'm dealing with now. Time for another cup of coffee.
 
Can't say I am surprised by this. I'm guessing that the CS rep you spoke with is simply following policy and procedure as dictated by management. I got the same when I called, except I did send in the card and after some fumbling around, they acknowledged that they had it.
What has WW done to help you out at this point, other than being nice?
I would suggest that you play their game, send in the card express mail or certified so you know that they have it and you can follow up within their policy and procedure regs.
Fishheadjoe
 
UPDATE

I am truly floored.

Mine:

Thank you for the email.
Although the ten day window has passed, if I send the warranty card in will the warranty be honored?
Regards,

RIC's

Hi ____,


Not a problem at all, I would be more than happy to enter the warranty card for you to activate your instruments warranty if you would like to mail it in. Please contact us via email about a week after sending in the warranty card to check if it has been received and entered yet. If it has been we would be more than happy to assist you with pursuing warranty work on your instrument.


Take care,

That took a 180 turn so fast my neck hurts. Now I just have to pray I can find it...
 
UPDATE

I am truly floored.

Mine:

Thank you for the email.
Although the ten day window has passed, if I send the warranty card in will the warranty be honored?
Regards,

RIC's

Hi ____,


Not a problem at all, I would be more than happy to enter the warranty card for you to activate your instruments warranty if you would like to mail it in. Please contact us via email about a week after sending in the warranty card to check if it has been received and entered yet. If it has been we would be more than happy to assist you with pursuing warranty work on your instrument.


Take care,

That took a 180 turn so fast my neck hurts. Now I just have to pray I can find it...
Not necessarily. If they activate it in a week, they may try to tell you that it is only good for something that occurs AFTER. I would be skeptical. Good luck though.