Re: Who are these guys?

["Robert L Bass" <RobertLBass@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

>> How does a DIYer prove the $4.00 contact he bought was "bad out of
>> the box"?

Items like that we (and I assume most others as well) just send a
replacement.  It isn't worth the postage or our time to bother
returning it.  If the warranty item cost more than $10 wholesale, we
ask the client to send it back.  Less than that why bother?  If it's
bad out of the box we (or the supplier, depending on which make it
is) pay the return shipping and/or send an advanced replacement.

>> In addition many online stores have policies that preclude the
>> return of certain items (they call
them "special order")...

True.  For example, if the client orders a camera from Extreme CCTV
and wants to return it through no fault of ours, there's a restock
fee.  If it's a custom rackshelf from Middle Atlantic it cannot be
returned.  One reason many online stores don't like taking CCTV stuff
back is people buy it just to check out the new nanny and after 2-3
weeks claim they don't like it.

>> When *I* supply a camera, I have to warranty the unit (not only
>> for the manufacturer's term), but I have to make sure it's the
>> right lens/camera combination for the job.

If you do that for a living that is exactly what you should do.

>> If (as a DIYer), you order the wrong part, you're "SOL" for the
>> return.

It depends on what part it is.  If it's a burglar alarm component and
it's in new, resaleable condition, we take it back.  Same thing with
most audio/video gear.  If you already installed it or if you mess up
the paperwork, it's still covered under warranty but can't be
returned for credit.

>> And in most cases you won't find out it's the wrong part until you
>> power it up (which often means that you can't return the item to
>> the online store as well)...

Yep.  If upon inspection you decide it's not what you want, return
it.  Once you install it, you own it though.

>> All in all, I'd suggest "shopping" with a local Dealer.  Most
>> don't have a problem dealing with a DIYer...

Most local alarm dealers in the USA don't have a problem dealing with
DIYers because they won't sell them anything.  That's why there is a
thriving online market for alarms.

--

Regards,
Robert L Bass

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Bass Home Electronics
4883 Fallcrest Circle
Sarasota · Florida · 34233
http://www.bassburglaralarms.com
Sales & Tech Support 941-925-8650
Customer Service 941-232-0791
Fax 941-870-3252
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