HSTuners - View Single Post

2ndGenTeg · 09-27-2001, 12:16 AM

PLEASE be careful.

Many mobile audio manufacturers do not allow the authorized sale of their product over the internet. What does this mean to you, the consumer?

The manufacturer will not honor the warranty of the product. So if that $1500 amp you bought over the internet for $1200 blows, manufacturer defect or not, the manufacturer won't help you. Many of these internet dealers will offer their own warrany policies, but make sure you know the policy BEFORE placing your order!!! Can't stress enough. Some internet dealers have no warranty policy. Most, however, do- and this normally requires the product being shipped back to them, at your expense. Some will replace it upon reciept. Some will repair the product free of charge. Some will ship the product back to the manufacturer (once again, at your expense) under the fabrication of a non-internet sale, and ship it back to you after reciving it back from the manufacturer. Downtime- at least 3 months. Some will give you store credit at a pro-rated rate, and still others will ship it right back to you with a note saying "Sorry-we are not an authorized dealer. Take it into a local dealer to have it repaired."

Notice how most of these manufacturers are that of high end equipment (A/D/S, Nakamichi, Dynaudio, Zapco, etc.). The reason for this is that it is impossible to get the same level of customer service and support that it is if you were to go into a specialty shop. These manufacturers don't want their name associated with anything less than top-notch service. Still other manufacturers (Alumapro, for example) don't allow the sale of their product over the internet, period.

So how do I know if this dealer is an authorized dealer? This is where it gets tricky. The dealer is required to tell you right on their website if they are not an authorized dealer. Often times, though, it's tucked away in page 6 of the FAQ or in 3 pt type at the very bottom of their web page. My advice is to e-mail them first, and ask them point blank. They are required to tell you at that point their status with that manufacturer. If they don't respond or give you a shady answer, steer clear, or e-mail the manufacturer and ask them if 1:They allow the internet sale of their product, and 2: If the particular dealer you're dealing with is an authorized dealer. Most companies are great at respond to customer inquiries, and will usually get back with you in 24-48 hrs.

The internet is a great place to find great deals, if you have the time to do some research and make some educated decisions. Just make sure to find out the dealer's return and warranty policies before doing business with them. Factor that into the price of the product (including shipping- this where many of these dealers make their money), and make an educated decision from there.

09-27-2001, 12:16 AM	#2
2ndGenTeg 4th Gear Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Boulder, CO Age: 43 Posts: 830	PLEASE be careful. Many mobile audio manufacturers do not allow the authorized sale of their product over the internet. What does this mean to you, the consumer? The manufacturer will not honor the warranty of the product. So if that $1500 amp you bought over the internet for $1200 blows, manufacturer defect or not, the manufacturer won't help you. Many of these internet dealers will offer their own warrany policies, but make sure you know the policy BEFORE placing your order!!! Can't stress enough. Some internet dealers have no warranty policy. Most, however, do- and this normally requires the product being shipped back to them, at your expense. Some will replace it upon reciept. Some will repair the product free of charge. Some will ship the product back to the manufacturer (once again, at your expense) under the fabrication of a non-internet sale, and ship it back to you after reciving it back from the manufacturer. Downtime- at least 3 months. Some will give you store credit at a pro-rated rate, and still others will ship it right back to you with a note saying "Sorry-we are not an authorized dealer. Take it into a local dealer to have it repaired." Notice how most of these manufacturers are that of high end equipment (A/D/S, Nakamichi, Dynaudio, Zapco, etc.). The reason for this is that it is impossible to get the same level of customer service and support that it is if you were to go into a specialty shop. These manufacturers don't want their name associated with anything less than top-notch service. Still other manufacturers (Alumapro, for example) don't allow the sale of their product over the internet, period. So how do I know if this dealer is an authorized dealer? This is where it gets tricky. The dealer is required to tell you right on their website if they are not an authorized dealer. Often times, though, it's tucked away in page 6 of the FAQ or in 3 pt type at the very bottom of their web page. My advice is to e-mail them first, and ask them point blank. They are required to tell you at that point their status with that manufacturer. If they don't respond or give you a shady answer, steer clear, or e-mail the manufacturer and ask them if 1:They allow the internet sale of their product, and 2: If the particular dealer you're dealing with is an authorized dealer. Most companies are great at respond to customer inquiries, and will usually get back with you in 24-48 hrs. The internet is a great place to find great deals, if you have the time to do some research and make some educated decisions. Just make sure to find out the dealer's return and warranty policies before doing business with them. Factor that into the price of the product (including shipping- this where many of these dealers make their money), and make an educated decision from there.