I recently sold an ESM to Higgins. He's a great buyer that sent a money order very promptly. I had a large delay in shipping due to the birth of my daughter happening around the same time and he was very understanding on the issue. I had it sent to Comptech first for testing to make sure Higgins didn't end up with a broken part. I had it overnighted to Comptech and got a reply shortly after from Nate Haines with Comptech. He said the unit tested fine and I needed to call them to have it shipped back out.

I called last week and got a mail box, I left a message for Nate but never got a call back. I emailed him twice and still heard nothing.

Finally tonight when I got home there was an email from Nate saying that when they were packing up the unit for shipping they noticed some melt through on the underside of the casing. They bench tested it again and discovered that some of the internal components were melted and that it was no longer functional due to a mis-installation.

So, here's my confusion. They bench tested it when they first received it and it was fine. Now when they are shipping it back they noticed some melting and bench test it again and say it's not working and it's my fault.

Most likely I'll be buying a new unit to send to Higgins to complete that transaction and Nate is of course more than happy to sell me a new one...

How does a tested working unit suddenly become not working a week later when being bench tested again?

How does the now not working unit become my fault if it tested fine the first time?

From my view, if it tested fine the first time and now it's overheated and burned, that would be their fault since they were the last ones to have it powered up when it tested good.

What are your thoughts on this?

 

I'd ask them this exact question. If you are not happy with their response then I don't see if there's much you can really do.

 

Already asked them the same question. I'm awaiting their reply...

 

The only thing I figure is that if it worked, then all of a sudden something melted, then it's THEM who tested it incorrectly or did something right after the first testing that caused the problem. So unless the ESM burned out from being tested/used too much (if that's possible?), then I don't understand how it's your fault.

 

 

Which part? Is that directed toward their story or mine?

 

For reference (oldest to newest):

-----Original Message-----
From: Nate Haines [mailto:nateh@comptechusa.com]
Sent: Thursday, January 29, 2004 9:14 AM
To: 'Marcus G Croman'
Subject: RE: Comptech order


Marcus,

We received the E.S.M. We tested it and found nothing wrong with it. Please call me when you get a chance so I can ship this unit to you. Thank you.

Nate Haines

-----Original Message-----
From: Marcus G [mailto:**********@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, February 05, 2004 6:36 AM
To: 'Nate Haines'
Subject: RE: Comptech order


I called yesterday and left a message for you. I did not have your direct extension number so I left it in the general mailbox. If you'd like, please call me at 425-896-**** or via cell at 360-340-****



-----Original Message-----
From: Marcus G [mailto:bangmahcak@yahoo.com]
Sent: Sunday, February 08, 2004 8:41 AM
To: 'Nate Haines'
Subject: RE: Comptech order


I'd like to have my part back. I do not understand the delay, I have done what you've requested by calling you but you never called back.

I will expect the ESM shipped back no later than Wednesday, February 11.

__________________________________________________ ______________________________

Marcus G Croman
Spork Autosports
**** AAAAAAA Lane
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Phone: 206.842.****
Cell: 360.340.****
Fax: 206.855.****

http://www.GotSpork.com

Spoon? That's only half of what you'll need.


-----Original Message-----
From: Nate Haines [mailto:nateh@comptechusa.com]
Sent: Tuesday, February 10, 2004 10:17 AM
To: 'Marcus G'
Subject: RE: Comptech order


Marcus,

My apologies for the delay. While preparing to send the unit back we noticed a slight area of melt through on the underside of the casing. The unit was bench tested, however some of the internals have overheated and burned. This condition is a result of mis-installation. We are further tearing the unit down to pinpoint the exact problem and will return it to you shortly. I would be more than happy to sell you another unit at cost. If you are interested I can send one out today and charge you $***.00 plus shipping. Please let me know if this is acceptable. Thank you.

Nate Haines

 

At a car audio shop I used to work for, we were required to bench check all used equipment customers brought in to have installed. Part of bench testing the equipment was to give it a visual inspection. A visual inspection doesn't usually give any indication of damage to the interior of the unit. However, when electronic components overheat or burn (especially when any melting is involved), there is usually an unmistakeable smell from the burnt/burning components.

If the unit arrived at Comptech damaged, they should have noted the damage immediately.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by 3ngin33r1

 

Question for you: Was there a burn mark on it when you sent it? That's be a Yes, No , or Don't Know answer.

I see this happening one of two ways.

Either:
You knew the unit was burnt and sent it in for testing. They didn't bother and just said it was OK, but then tested it and said it wasn't.

Or

The unit was fine. You were just going the extra yard for your customer. Then they ran 8000V's through it and cooked it.

Either way I don't see how you did anything wrong. It's their problem if they misdiagnosed it or stuffed it. Either way, I'd be demanding a new one.

Tell them they've obviously mixed your unit up with another and if they could please send back the one that they checked originally and found to be in good order.