Past Grumps
TV Repair Recession Ending?
Recently on Al Leatherman's list, a post was made wondering now that Bernacke has stated the recession is over; When could the independent service industry expect see a recovery. I predict near mid-month November of this year. My analysis of the data begs the conclusion that other than low margin crap, consumer electronics sales will be at or slightly above last year.... »
RCA Service Companies Terminated
NISC-T CONSUMER ALERT Would you purchase a vehicle from a manufacturer that required you to take your new car to your local computer repairman for warranty service? Sounds ridiculous? Consumers who purchase RCA products do so at their own risk. The RCA product warranty as we have known it for over 60 years has vanished by corporate greed much the same as... »
Extended Warranty Tactics
Got a warranty or extended service contract on your TV from a dealer ? Think all is covered for that time period ? Well, consider this that is going on in that business; many Servicers are running into delayed payments for their efforts and some are not being paid at all. Some have the reimbursements under below the Servicers cot... »
State of Texas vs Conn’s Appliance
Oh crap. Could Consumer Reports be right about those service contracts? The State of Texas thinks that something is smelly in those service contract sales; How they are administered, how they are serviced and where the money is going. Conn's stock, which had been recovering after the most recent hurricane, has hit an East Texas oil slick... »
A Call To Shops & Techs -
Just Say No!
You have to pick and choose your battles – and you better do it soon. As the song went, you got to have the courage to know when to hold em, and know when to fold em. Most of us as independent service companies and technicians have a hard time telling someone no. A consumer calls you instead of the manufacturer... »
Why does it cost so much to fix?
Interesting question. Usually asked when the owner of a consumer product is presented with an out-of-warranty estimate to repair a product. Variants on it are: I didn't pay that much for it! I can buy a new one for that! You charge how much an hour? Contrary to what some may tell you, a television set is one of the most complex electronic products... »
CES and a New Year
Ahhhh.... A New year has begun, another CES is in the past and the independent service companies are just now getting paid for work we did in mid-December. Now that the giddiness of seeing the new toys from CES and payroll being met, we all get to sit back and prepare for the financial hits we are going to take... »
CR Is Doing Disservice to Consumers!
Consumer Reports Letter to the Editor Editorial Section Regarding your article: "CONSUMER REPORTS: FIRST EVER BRAND REPAIR RATES FOR LCD, PLASMA AND REAR-PROJECTION TVS" Dear Sir or Madam, That is unquestionably the most inaccurate and misleading article that I have ever read regarding the cost of repair for consumer electronics products in my 34 years as either a technician or service company manager. I... »
