[lightweb]

So I got my 2ROOM SAT-W60 setup from mini-dishes.com (minidishes.tv) and got everything setup. All was working fine. Then after about 3 weeks I started to get an IVAC on the main unit. I worked with DirecTV and they sent me a new access card (a P4 card). That didn't fix the problem. Basically, the unit has a card reader failure.


So when I try and call Sony to get it replaced/repaired, UNDER WARRANTY, they inform me that I will have to pay for it because Prime Time Mini Dish, Inc, mini-dishes.com, minidishes.tv aren't an Authorized Sony Internet Dealer.


What the hell? Minidishes' web page states that they are an authorized dealer.


The Sony people even looked up their dealers by the area code and found only one other dealer in Tuscon, AZ (where minidishes is based). That one didn't seem to match.



Does anyone know what is going on? I hope I didn't just get screwed. I sent minidishes an email so I'll wait to hear something back. I tried giving the number in WHOIS a call but it just rang and rang.



Anyone have any ideas?


GRRRRRRR.

 

[tj]

I have heard of minidishes.tv having some risky bussiness practices. It is possible that they aren't really authorized and are just putting the seal on anyway.

 

[foghorn]

You would think if they weren't authorized that you would not get your rebates either, but I know I did as did several of my friends. How could they be able to offer a rebate and then not be an authorized dealer?


I've heard others have had problems and they been resolved. I've been very lucky so far.


Good luck. Let us know how it turns out.


foghorn

 

[lightweb]

Welp, here is mini-dishes reply, I'll give them another call tommorow. The Sony people were quite rude about this. I almost lost it on the first rep on the phone, and then his supervisor...


-----


You need to call up another supervisor and tell them that indeed O'Rourke

Bros Distribution in Moline, IL (where it shipped from per the UPS label)

does indeed have Primetime Mini Dish, aka, WWW.MINI-DISHES.COM as Authorized and they just processed over 10,000 rebates of out sales this year. GET A REAL SUPERVISOR and let us know the result. They always give this runaround no matter who you buy from and it's ALWAYS resolved in the end.


Thanks,

WWW.MINI-DISHES.COM

 

[jlambrig]

Hope it works out for you. However I would never buy from these guys again. Minidishes is full of people who I would never trust and couldn't care less about providing the base level of customer service.

 

[wrb]

I never had any problems with mini-dishes as long as you know what to expect... I was looking for low prices quick shipment not someone to hold my hand... they responded to my email promptly..


Sony is all messed up in this case.... be patient you'll get there...


Of course mimi-dishes should provide warranty details at the time of purchase either posted at their website or forwarded to you via email .... it's your responsibly to ask...

 

[lightweb]

Ok. I called up today and the person I spoke with said that the people yesterday made a serious mistake in judgement that they should not have. This particular repair center has no authority to make judgements as to whether or not a particular unit is covered under warranty or not. So not only did the 2nd level tech make that call, but his supervisor did too.


UGH. I was helped out by a very nice person and as soon as I gave him mini-dishes reply they started appologizing profusely and gave me the information I needed to send it in.


I'm just glad I didn't have to fight on the phone today. That really stressed me out.


Thanks for input...

 

[dropper]

Well, I just recevied my unit from minidishes today, right on time (UPS 4 days to California from IL). Came double boxed and everything seemed in order.


The only thing I don't like, is that they don't provide tracking numbers. But, for $50, I'll be more than happy to put up with it.


Keith

 

[will49]

Quote:

Originally posted by lightweb Ok. I called up today and the person I spoke with said that the people yesterday made a serious mistake in judgement that they should not have. This particular repair center has no authority to make judgements as to whether or not a particular unit is covered under warranty or not. So not only did the 2nd level tech make that call, but his supervisor did too.

Glad to hear that this isn't going to be a problem. One of the Sony units I bought from them 2 weeks ago now has a dead tuner (0 signal strength even after swapping input signals) so I will have to send that in for repair... good thing I bought an extra unit as a backup spare!!

 

[utv3]

Will49,


Unfortunately, the loss of signal on a tuner seems to be a common defect with the UTV units. From the replies on the forum, seems Sony has the problem more than RCA. Call Sony ASAP and mail in the unit to them. There is only one repair facility that services UTV units, and it is in MA. The quicker you get in the queue, the quicker you'll get your unit back.

 

[schorne]

Some people on this forum have thought that getting the Circuit City extended warranty (performance guarantee) with my UTVs was a waste of money. But when one of my UTVs really started freaking out on Saturday, I called CC and they are expressing me a replacement (should arrive today). Then I take the bad unit, put it in the box the new receiver came in, and send it back to them. No sending a unit to RCA and waiting for months to get it repaired. No hassles, no arguments, just "My unit isn't working properly, please send me a replacement" they say "yes, express". I paid $30/receiver for this peace of mind.


(The above paragraph should in no way be construed as an advertisement or anything like it for CC. Generally I dislike shopping there. But in the specific case of UTV receivers I think it is an excellent idea.)

 

[bengalfreak]

Dropper,


Its not Mini-Dishes.com that doesn't issue the tracking numbers. Its the Sony distribution warehouse in Moline, IL. I placed an order with Mini-Dishes for a two Sony UTV system as well as a Hughes reciever for the kids bedroom. Mini-dishes told me The Moline facility doesn't issue tracking numbers but I did get one for the Hughes. The only consolation is that the Moline facility ships fast as heck. I placed the order on a Friday, the two Sony's arrived the following Tuesday. I'm still waiting for the Hughes.

 

[NLogN]

Quote:

Originally posted by jlambrig Hope it works out for you. However I would never buy from these guys again. Minidishes is full of people who I would never trust and couldn't care less about providing the base level of customer service.

I've dealt with Minidishes.tv twice now. Each time has been smooth. My W60 I bought from them broke down about 2 months after my purchase. I called Sony, received the Service Dept's shipping address & had my unit fixed within 3 weeks.


Although I had to pay for the initial shipping, I did not pay any other fees. I'm not sure why you're complaining. You probably bought something *substantially* cheaper then anywhere else. If you're willing to pay full retail, bestbuy/circuit city/et al. will be more than willing to take your money.


.02 (I've had great customer service from minidishes.tv. Karl is great.)

 

[jlambrig]

I am complaining because the service I recieved from them sucked. I couldn't care less if you got good service, I didn't. And that is all that matters to me. Your life is meaningless to me ok? And no, I didn't get any deal substantially less from those jerks. I am complaining because I have a right to when I recieve poor service and that is what I am indicating here. I don't remember having to adjust my view point based on your insignifcant life experiences.

 

[austinsho]

Hey, hey, hey.....temper, temper.

 

[glenw]

Jlambrig....There is absolutely no need for that kind of talk. We are a very devoted group of UTV enthusiasts that are here to talk about one of our hobbies. You have an excellent point of demanding good service. You SHOULD demand good service, but you should not slam people on this board. Just because you think someone's life is meaningless doesn't mean you have to actually say it.

 

[NLogN]

Quote:

Originally posted by jlambrig I am complaining because the service I recieved from them sucked. I couldn't care less if you got good service, I didn't. And that is all that matters to me. Your life is meaningless to me ok? And no, I didn't get any deal substantially less from those jerks. I am complaining because I have a right to when I recieve poor service and that is what I am indicating here. I don't remember having to adjust my view point based on your insignifcant life experiences.

Well, I just deleted three fun paragraphs of "pure" flame (It was fun writing, but I have at least a modicum of respect for this forum & its members.) Nonetheless, I don't need to shame you any more than you have already done yourself. This forum is for grown-ups, and for those who can occassionaly force themselves to act like one (I'm in this latter group.) Thus, insofar as you claim a right to voice your opinion, don't be hypocritical regarding mine.

 

[David Bott]

jlambrig....


Please take note this is not the site to express yourself like that. All here have tried to help and give you their feedback on service they have received. Sorry you have an issue...but please DO NOT take it out on the members of this site. Please do not let this continue here.



NLogN....Nice of you not to flame back. Very nice indeed.



Thank you.

 

[jmoak]

AAaaaa, i think i get it now....


Minidishes is a sales agent for O'Rourke Brothers! (as well as are many other online resellers) They probably don't carry any stock and have the units shipped directly from the distributor. That's why the Sony warranty folks couldn’t find Minidishes in their records, it's listed as O'Rourke Brothers! That's why you got such a different story when you mentioned O'Rourke the second time around. O'Rourke Brothers is a major distributor of Sony products. Online and B&M.


from mini's email:

"You need to call up another supervisor and tell them that indeed O'Rourke Bros Distribution in Moline, IL (where it shipped from per the UPS label) does indeed have Primetime Mini Dish, aka, WWW.MINI-DISHES.COM as Authorized"


Would have been nice if they told you about that when you bought it.... They are not "Authorized Sony Internet Dealer's", O'Rourke is! They are "O'Rourke's Authorized Reseller".


"I was helped out by a very nice person and as soon as I gave him mini-dishes reply they started appologizing profusely and gave me the information I needed to send it in."


I bet their whole attitude changed when you mentioned O'Rourke!!!

 

[dropper]

I was encouraged that they have sold 10,000 of the Sony units this year.


Keith