My microwave died recently (though in this case, "recently" means a month ago). It's a Sunbeam Microwave which was cheapest model I could find at nearby Target for $50.00.
While alive, it has served me exceptionally well -- for all two months of its life. But one day, it stopped turning on. I waited, I tapped its chassis, I tried few 'quack-doctor-ish' things, but it just wouldn't turn on.
So what did I do? I searched for the User's Manual (I know I'm a geek, I save User's Manual for almost everything) and learned that I have a year's warranty.
A year warranty!! Yes!! I have only had it for 2-3 months and I should definitely qualify for that service. So I went to their service website as provided on the User's Manual.
Turns out the website doesn't exist. I went to Sunbeam's main website. There was an apology that the service site is down due to some complication with a web site hosting company. No luck...
So I called a service number provided. A representative answered my call by providing me another number to call for repair related service. So I did call the number to be greeted by an automated voice machine telling me--after about 10 steps-- a number of a local service center.
I called the local service center. Guess what? They only repair Sunbeam heating irons, but not microwaves. The guy at the local service center was unhappy I called (clearly shown in his voice) and told me to call Sunbeam Microwave Repair number.
By now, I'm very tired of being redirected and not being able to resolve my issue. But what the heck, I called this new number. Another non-native speaker answers my phone call (all of them are non-native speakers with whom I have no issue other than the fact I can't really make out what they are saying).
This time, he told me that they only service Sunbeam Microwave models starting wtih SMW*** and not SM***. Mine happens to be SM***. So I asked where to call, he told me he doesn't know. Grrrrrrrreeeeaaatttttt. A dead end.
I could have given up there, but I'm a persistent guy. So I went back to step one and called the original number and described that I have made 5 chain calls and ended up at a dead end despite the fact I followed instructions directly.
Well, I was provided with a way to get a refund. Which is, send in cut-off power cord, turn table of microwave, my name, phone number, address, all stickers on the back of the microwave, a description of the problem with the machine, and the receipt.
Best part? The address to ship is in Ontario, Canada.
.....
Just because they offer you a warranty doesn't mean you will get it when the thing breaks. I learned my lesson for $50.00. I should have just dished out more money and bought a GE microwave... Company loyalty and I hear they last 10+ years.
It's not worth my time, shipping fee, and wait (for me to get a refund, I bet it takes 2 months) to pursue the refund. As far as I know, they tried helping me so there is nothing to litigate.
Part of me guessed that I will be left out in the open. I knew this. I just didn't want to give up before trying. I tried.
Guess I will just eat cold-food for a while until I feel like buying a new microwave or opening up and fixing the broken one.
While alive, it has served me exceptionally well -- for all two months of its life. But one day, it stopped turning on. I waited, I tapped its chassis, I tried few 'quack-doctor-ish' things, but it just wouldn't turn on.
So what did I do? I searched for the User's Manual (I know I'm a geek, I save User's Manual for almost everything) and learned that I have a year's warranty.
A year warranty!! Yes!! I have only had it for 2-3 months and I should definitely qualify for that service. So I went to their service website as provided on the User's Manual.
Turns out the website doesn't exist. I went to Sunbeam's main website. There was an apology that the service site is down due to some complication with a web site hosting company. No luck...
So I called a service number provided. A representative answered my call by providing me another number to call for repair related service. So I did call the number to be greeted by an automated voice machine telling me--after about 10 steps-- a number of a local service center.
I called the local service center. Guess what? They only repair Sunbeam heating irons, but not microwaves. The guy at the local service center was unhappy I called (clearly shown in his voice) and told me to call Sunbeam Microwave Repair number.
By now, I'm very tired of being redirected and not being able to resolve my issue. But what the heck, I called this new number. Another non-native speaker answers my phone call (all of them are non-native speakers with whom I have no issue other than the fact I can't really make out what they are saying).
This time, he told me that they only service Sunbeam Microwave models starting wtih SMW*** and not SM***. Mine happens to be SM***. So I asked where to call, he told me he doesn't know. Grrrrrrrreeeeaaatttttt. A dead end.
I could have given up there, but I'm a persistent guy. So I went back to step one and called the original number and described that I have made 5 chain calls and ended up at a dead end despite the fact I followed instructions directly.
Well, I was provided with a way to get a refund. Which is, send in cut-off power cord, turn table of microwave, my name, phone number, address, all stickers on the back of the microwave, a description of the problem with the machine, and the receipt.
Best part? The address to ship is in Ontario, Canada.
.....
Just because they offer you a warranty doesn't mean you will get it when the thing breaks. I learned my lesson for $50.00. I should have just dished out more money and bought a GE microwave... Company loyalty and I hear they last 10+ years.
It's not worth my time, shipping fee, and wait (for me to get a refund, I bet it takes 2 months) to pursue the refund. As far as I know, they tried helping me so there is nothing to litigate.
Part of me guessed that I will be left out in the open. I knew this. I just didn't want to give up before trying. I tried.
Guess I will just eat cold-food for a while until I feel like buying a new microwave or opening up and fixing the broken one.