One of the “big lies” that get foisted by equipment manufacturers in hearings when they’re arguing against right to repair is that their “authorized repair” providers are superior in every way to independent repair providers and, thus, everyone should just use them. This is basically marketing - there’s no evidence that I’ve seen that backs up those claims and, even if there were, giving those companies a monopoly on repair would almost guarantee that the quality and availability of service would decline, even as the cost would increase. (Because: monopoly.) As it turns out, right now I’m living that nightmare: stuck with a brand new but non-functioning dishwasher as I wait three weeks (!!) for a service appointment. The company that sold the dishwasher to me has apologized but said that it is way behind because of COVID related parts delays, etc. and doesn’t have the staff to get anyone out sooner. This strikes me as pretty common with authorized repair providers - low availability, high prices, etc. But I’m wondering if readers have stories to share as well. Feel free to respond. I’m interested in hearing your thoughts and learning about your experiences with “authorized” repair providers!
Not quite the "authorized repair provider" scenario you're having, but in the same vein, at least to me...
I had the "accidental damage" warranty plan that I'd enrolled in when I purchased my mobile phone. 3+ years later, still paying it, I need to make a claim, since my battery life was abismal, and started swelling. My options were as follows:
1) Send the device in, and wait 7-10 days for them to repair (or replace), if the warranty covered it.
2) Have them ship a replacement phone so I could have one to use while they had mine, and put an 800$ hold on a credit card in case I didn't send one of the phones back during the whole ordeal. 800$ was the MSRP of the device when it was released - they were already on the "v4" model at that point, which retailed for less.
3) Try one of their authorized repair centers, where they quoted me "cost is 179$, if it's just a new battery and a swap. But the screens are fragile, so it could be more if something goes wrong".
I get them wanting to make sure that devices don't just "disappear", don't get me wrong. But for that amount of hold on a card, for however long? Gave that a resounding "nope" in a hurry, and didn't opt into the plan when time came to buy a new device. Previous one was still ok, if only sluggish, but was by then obsolete as far as software updates - including security updates.
i'm in a similar situation...been waiting 6 months (!!) for a meter change for the electricity, and every time i call them, they say it should take 2,3 weeks, but the engineer just never comes! While i understand you shouldn't touch the main power line if you don't know what you're doing, why can't i hire someone to install a used meter? The fallacy of "people would use a modified metre to cheat the electric company" sounds very familiar. Are there any stats that support that sort of thing?
Looking for stories: how’s “authorized repair” working for you?
Not quite the "authorized repair provider" scenario you're having, but in the same vein, at least to me...
I had the "accidental damage" warranty plan that I'd enrolled in when I purchased my mobile phone. 3+ years later, still paying it, I need to make a claim, since my battery life was abismal, and started swelling. My options were as follows:
1) Send the device in, and wait 7-10 days for them to repair (or replace), if the warranty covered it.
2) Have them ship a replacement phone so I could have one to use while they had mine, and put an 800$ hold on a credit card in case I didn't send one of the phones back during the whole ordeal. 800$ was the MSRP of the device when it was released - they were already on the "v4" model at that point, which retailed for less.
3) Try one of their authorized repair centers, where they quoted me "cost is 179$, if it's just a new battery and a swap. But the screens are fragile, so it could be more if something goes wrong".
I get them wanting to make sure that devices don't just "disappear", don't get me wrong. But for that amount of hold on a card, for however long? Gave that a resounding "nope" in a hurry, and didn't opt into the plan when time came to buy a new device. Previous one was still ok, if only sluggish, but was by then obsolete as far as software updates - including security updates.
i'm in a similar situation...been waiting 6 months (!!) for a meter change for the electricity, and every time i call them, they say it should take 2,3 weeks, but the engineer just never comes! While i understand you shouldn't touch the main power line if you don't know what you're doing, why can't i hire someone to install a used meter? The fallacy of "people would use a modified metre to cheat the electric company" sounds very familiar. Are there any stats that support that sort of thing?