Hello, Here's a long crazy story involving myself, Costco, and the evil Panasonic
I own a Panasonic PT61CZ7B 61" LCD projection with LiFi enhanced bulb bought in 08 at costco There was a known issues with the bulb so they had to add an extra 5 years onto the warranty. Well about 4 years later the bulb breaks. I used costco contraire service and they helped me facilitate, the free repair. It took over 3 weeks for a bulb to get sent to the Panasonic repair guy. He told me they no longer make the LiFi bulbs due to all the issues they have been having, It was free, but was without a TV for 3 weeks. Wouldn't consider a trade or loaner tv.
One year and 2 days since the repair the bulb goes out again. cal costco and we go through the same process. Only know they are saying they won't cover it due to it being 2 days past warrant. I asked why wasn't it given a 5 year warranty like the other factory bulbs. that Panasonic had to go to court for? I was told to hole as the Filipino scrambled to find a manager. Manger says Its out of warranty and longer there issues, but to help me out the will buy out my tv from me from anywhere between 25-50% or my original purchase price. They then came back and said I would receive a check for $350 but Had to take it to there specified spot.. That sounded weird to me so I said I would consider it.
I called back costco, begging them just to do a partial return and I will buy a new TV today. They refused to I went back on the phone lines via concierge service. This time I was told they would give me $312. I asked why the number went down, but the person was clearly reading a script and wouldn't answer the easiest questions. so I hung up.
I then called the local company that repaired the TV though Panasonic the first time. I asked for how much the bulb is and how much for a install. $722. They said it's a bunch of BS and Panasonic should either give you 50% or pay to have the bulb fixed again. They also gave me a number to the Panasonic MBB department, and said they might be able to help me better. Call the MDD line, and was given the same speal about how this a buyback and a favor to you, so the can reject the contract and I get nothing. I explained I had no contract, and I ust wanted to know why the numbers keep changing. He then said he was authorized to add a 25% off and TV from Panasonic,com, which mean I would be getting a 50% buyout. I explained a 50% buyout would be half my purchase price, but I told them I would consider the off.
The next morning starting at 6am Panasonic keeps calling demanding to sign this contract. I called the costco service once again, and we voiced our displeasure of the service we received. Panasonic told me offer, $312. I ask what happened to 350 and a 25% off coupon. He then said I was a liar and no one would offer he that coupon, The Costco rep had recorded all these conversations, and verified everything I said. He ept trying to demand that I sign this contract, but finally I colt the costco rep to hang up one these guys. My rep went to speak to the senior manager and he called me back 15 minutes later, to tell me hes really upset at Panasonic and all the time they wasted you and the amounts they are offering, He said he would forward to Costco HQ and see what they can do. I told them I don't want to deal with Panasonic, and really don't want to buy from there website. I said I felt like they are trying to steal me away from costco as a buyer, and ideally costco would accept a return on my TV and the offer 25% on a TV.
They said they will talk to the Customer service VP and left me know soon.
Anyone ever deal with this crazy buy back stuff? Seems to me they just don't want to pay the repair cost so there doing the vheaest thing possible, while trying to sell it as helping you out. I understand this isn't really costco problem but I'm hoping they can help me out a little more.
I own a Panasonic PT61CZ7B 61" LCD projection with LiFi enhanced bulb bought in 08 at costco There was a known issues with the bulb so they had to add an extra 5 years onto the warranty. Well about 4 years later the bulb breaks. I used costco contraire service and they helped me facilitate, the free repair. It took over 3 weeks for a bulb to get sent to the Panasonic repair guy. He told me they no longer make the LiFi bulbs due to all the issues they have been having, It was free, but was without a TV for 3 weeks. Wouldn't consider a trade or loaner tv.
One year and 2 days since the repair the bulb goes out again. cal costco and we go through the same process. Only know they are saying they won't cover it due to it being 2 days past warrant. I asked why wasn't it given a 5 year warranty like the other factory bulbs. that Panasonic had to go to court for? I was told to hole as the Filipino scrambled to find a manager. Manger says Its out of warranty and longer there issues, but to help me out the will buy out my tv from me from anywhere between 25-50% or my original purchase price. They then came back and said I would receive a check for $350 but Had to take it to there specified spot.. That sounded weird to me so I said I would consider it.
I called back costco, begging them just to do a partial return and I will buy a new TV today. They refused to I went back on the phone lines via concierge service. This time I was told they would give me $312. I asked why the number went down, but the person was clearly reading a script and wouldn't answer the easiest questions. so I hung up.
I then called the local company that repaired the TV though Panasonic the first time. I asked for how much the bulb is and how much for a install. $722. They said it's a bunch of BS and Panasonic should either give you 50% or pay to have the bulb fixed again. They also gave me a number to the Panasonic MBB department, and said they might be able to help me better. Call the MDD line, and was given the same speal about how this a buyback and a favor to you, so the can reject the contract and I get nothing. I explained I had no contract, and I ust wanted to know why the numbers keep changing. He then said he was authorized to add a 25% off and TV from Panasonic,com, which mean I would be getting a 50% buyout. I explained a 50% buyout would be half my purchase price, but I told them I would consider the off.
The next morning starting at 6am Panasonic keeps calling demanding to sign this contract. I called the costco service once again, and we voiced our displeasure of the service we received. Panasonic told me offer, $312. I ask what happened to 350 and a 25% off coupon. He then said I was a liar and no one would offer he that coupon, The Costco rep had recorded all these conversations, and verified everything I said. He ept trying to demand that I sign this contract, but finally I colt the costco rep to hang up one these guys. My rep went to speak to the senior manager and he called me back 15 minutes later, to tell me hes really upset at Panasonic and all the time they wasted you and the amounts they are offering, He said he would forward to Costco HQ and see what they can do. I told them I don't want to deal with Panasonic, and really don't want to buy from there website. I said I felt like they are trying to steal me away from costco as a buyer, and ideally costco would accept a return on my TV and the offer 25% on a TV.
They said they will talk to the Customer service VP and left me know soon.
Anyone ever deal with this crazy buy back stuff? Seems to me they just don't want to pay the repair cost so there doing the vheaest thing possible, while trying to sell it as helping you out. I understand this isn't really costco problem but I'm hoping they can help me out a little more.
