The implied language in their e-mail to you is that they just have to have your warranty card on file, and it's also implied when they have the card they will go ahead with the repair. Send them the card ASAP and don't mention anything about legal action. If they refuse the repair after they receive the warranty card, will yeah, then it goes to a whole new level of complaint. I would even consider contacting the BBB if it continues to go downhill. Good luck, Jim
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Rickenbacker finish issue (Resolved by RIC)
- Thread starter Wolfenstein666
- Start date
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- Tags
- rick
It is a "nice"
way of hitting them where it hurts, their public reputation. Also, it will strengthen your case were you to pursue legal remediation, by showing an effort to first pursue remediation through all normal channels prior to pursuing legal action. Ask the BBB for suggestions. As they are there to protect the consumer. The language differential, and the response from RIC borders on fraudulent and misleading advertising.
Personally, I would not yet mail the card in. Fill it out and scan a copy to the personal you have been talking with. Ask if the scanned version can be entered into the system to get the ball rolling. Also even ask if you can work out the return details with him and put the original card in the case when shipping the bass to them. I would not mention legal action, complaints, etc. at this point. But I would also not put it past RIC to "never receive" your warranty card either. Your ultimate goal is to get your bass fixed. As long as they are willing to work with you, keep it rolling.
SEND IT REGISTERED MAIL
I don't think you need to lawyer up just yet, as Mephisto said, this is just standard servo-motor level well-rehearsed BS intended to deflect the % of people who lack the testicular fortitude to keep ratcheting it up. They are hoping you don't even HAVE the warranty card, or will just give up. If they succeed in deflecting 20% of the weak-kneed claims, that could be a huge cost savings from their point of view. You have nothing to lose by mailing the warranty card in. I think the next communication might include an attachment of link to the warranty regulations, describing how you are "puzzled" at their response, and can they please explain why they are exempt from Federal Law regarding warranty claims? Not to beat a Dead Horse, but what has WW offered to help resolve this?
I don't know that I DO have the card anymore. I know I started filling it out and then put it with some other paperwork at my APT. I'll have to search for it when I get home.
I have not contacted WW beyond my original email. I am sending an update to them now.
As others have said - I'd hold off on that for now, at least to their face. Doesn't mean you can't be lining things up.
Because their earlier mail was clearly an effort to shut him down.
Nah.
I don't trust this. Whoever this is is a low level employee. Someone higher up will still try to deflect this by stating the "10 days" bit, and simply apologize for the incorrect information. Perhaps even mention that "i'll speak with the manager to make sure they know the policy". I can't tell you the number of times I have been told that.
This.
If you don't have one, WW needs to get one in your hands, whatever it takes.
All of this points out to the absurdity of this rule about warranty cards, and why the federal statue is written the way it is.
Update
Mine:
Thank you again for the response.
I will search for the card tonight, fill it out and return it.
If, for whatever reason the card is not able to be located, what action could I pursue to have this work done?
Regards
RIC:
Hi ____,
If that happens I will need to speak with management to see what options you would have.
Take care.
I think that might be the coup de grace. I'll look for the warranty card and send it in. If I don't have it, I move to the next step with RIC.
I have sent an email to WW and am waiting for a response. Out of respect for WW I will be keeping the correspondence between us private, and will update the thread based on the information I receive from them.
Mine:
Thank you again for the response.
I will search for the card tonight, fill it out and return it.
If, for whatever reason the card is not able to be located, what action could I pursue to have this work done?
Regards
RIC:
Hi ____,
If that happens I will need to speak with management to see what options you would have.
Take care.
I think that might be the coup de grace. I'll look for the warranty card and send it in. If I don't have it, I move to the next step with RIC.
I have sent an email to WW and am waiting for a response. Out of respect for WW I will be keeping the correspondence between us private, and will update the thread based on the information I receive from them.
(b)A requirement that the consumer return a warranty registration card or a similar notice as a condition of performance under a full warranty is an unreasonable duty. Thus, a provision such as, “This warranty is void unless the warranty registration card is returned to the warrantor” is not permissible in a full warranty, nor is it permissible to imply such a condition in a full warranty.
I think they may have already broken federal law.
And I would NOT be shy about hitting them with this NOW, not pussy-footing around, you're not helping yourself by doing so.
I think they may have already broken federal law.
And I would NOT be shy about hitting them with this NOW, not pussy-footing around, you're not helping yourself by doing so.
I find this "warranty card" business frigging hilarious. Most stuff I have bought new in recent years still sends that waste of ink and trees, but,
ALL OF THEM LET YOU REGISTER ONLINE.
really how sad is it that they are still wasting money for that &!#\&\#/&. The postage, the packaging in the first place, the man hours to process it when recieved, the time expended managing it. Just assinine.
And it is still a ploy, as most people will not have a record of it being sent, it just goes on the honor system.
RIC apparently is somewhat lacking in the honor department.
NEVER BUYING A NEW RIC.
Cool instruments sleazy business.
I won't go into how they treat their employees. I worked at G&L in the 80's, and frequented a studio next door to RIC so I know first hand of what I speak.
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Yeah, watching this unfold real time really changes my view on the CS issues I have heard about in the past.
I had to change my avatar as I felt I could no longer use the picture of me with my Rick. This leaves a sour taste in my mouth.
First, see what happens before assuming you are getting the shaft. Wait for a "no".
Second, Ric's issue with the warranty and the card is probably a bit complex. Their concern COULD be related to warranties being extended to people beyond the original purchaser or a buyer outside the U.S. Or they could just be trying to skate on the repair. If it's the former there won't be a problem here. If the latter, well, you will know AND we will know that the warranty is worthless.
Besides FTC remedies, California has intense consumer protection laws. Hope it all works out.
Second, Ric's issue with the warranty and the card is probably a bit complex. Their concern COULD be related to warranties being extended to people beyond the original purchaser or a buyer outside the U.S. Or they could just be trying to skate on the repair. If it's the former there won't be a problem here. If the latter, well, you will know AND we will know that the warranty is worthless.
Besides FTC remedies, California has intense consumer protection laws. Hope it all works out.
A paper waranty card serves only one purpose in the Internet Age: hoping you can't be bothered to send it in, and then denying warranty service on that basis. These days I only see that on bargain basement consumer junk that isn't worth repairing, not on An $1800 bass. Wolf, have you tried posting this issue on the Rickenbacker Club thread, or even Rick resource Forum? They can be really nasty if they think you are trolling Rics, but I've read stuff about the exact same finish problem on RRF, somebody might have some insight if you tread lightly on tender egos, if you catch my drift.
I never assumed I was automatically getting the shaft. I have said multiple times that everything they have done thus far is within their rights as a company.
Having said that, yes. I am skeptical going into this based on what I've heard. But everyone gets a fair shot and obviously things change on a case to case basis.
Nothing has been solved yet, and nothing has been shot down yet.
I have not. I'm trying to go about this as respectfully as humanly possible without bashing or overtly smack talking anyone or anything. Although I am skeptical, RIC deserves the chance to make this right. The warranty card thing is certainly sketchy, but we'll see if they deliver on it.
After that, depending on what happens, I will act accordingly.
I wasn't really addressing you. You have been very. reasonable.
EXCEPT that RIC holds the cards here, it's like disparaging the memory of the cook's mother, who is preparing your meal.
Calm, firm continued pressure can crack the rock, like ice in a crack in Granite, time and continued pressure can bring down mountains.
@Wolfenstein666 Don't give up, i'm hoping for a positive outcome. (reserving the right to believe that RIC will live up to their reputation) keep all your documentation safe, and collected.
If not:
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Can Ric-haters start chiming in now, or should we still hold out? I'm running out of popcorn.
