Re: Trying to be calm about Alltech

["John King" <joki@eskimo.com>]

Recently I bought three items from Alltech and share some of your concerns.
Regarding customer service - I would say  "ditto". However, I am happy they
are making product and supporting the platform!  The Apple 2 community is
fortunate to have a viable HD and memory vendor.

I spoke with Tony the other day about a reported memory error on a new Sirus
card. The issue was resolved quickly. Regarding the saleswoman -
unfortunate, but things do get done and she is available. I don't know the
situation but would try to be nice to her since it will help everyone.

It could be better, but the A2 community is better off with them here. Also,
I don't consider any problem that bad and would buy from them again.



Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net> wrote in message
395A1AEB.2367EFE@swbell.net">news:395A1AEB.2367EFE@swbell.net...
> "Steven M. Fish" writes ...
> >
> > I hope I'm just running into a streak of bad luck.  If everything works
> > out, the major problems I'm dealing with should be resolved by the end
> > of next week.  If this is the case, I will post a more positive review
> > here.  Hopefully someone can give me reassurance that dealing with
> > Alltech Electronics (aka Computer Circulation Center, Inc.) is not
> > always this problematic.
> >
> > A little over a week ago I placed an order via the online order form at
> > Alltech Electronic's web site for a 320M Focus Hard Drive for my Apple
> > IIgs.  The price listed was $99.
>  ....
> >
> > A few days later, I decided to call and find out whether the drive card
> > was shipped.  After having trouble locating my order, the lady I spoke
> > with informed me the drive had not been sent out.
>  ....
> >  She also told me that the 320M drives weren't available
> > anymore and that they were now offering a 60M drive.
>  ....
>
> >
> > The drive showed up last night!
>  ....
> >
> > That smile soon turned to a grimace as I got an error that stopped the
> > boot process in its tracks:  "Sorry, system error $0027 occurred while
> > loading the FST files."  Actually, this error message has changed from
> > the first time I encountered it
>  ....
> > I turned
> > to the owner's manual to read about this kind of trouble and it said I
> > should replace files on the hard drive using the floppy they enclosed.
> > I tried to boot from the floppy and it's not bootable.  In fact, I
> > received an "Unable to load ProDOS" error. *Sigh*  I'll admit I don't
> > really know what this means, but I have to wonder aloud if the disk is
> > any good at all.
> >
> > After everything that had happened so far, I expected to not have to
> > incur any more cost for getting this drive working or get a
> > replacement.  Upon calling Alltech, my expectations were not met with a
> > positive experience.  I called the toll free number listed on their web
> > site and tried to explain all the trouble I was having (including being
> > overcharged $10 for the drive).  The sales person (same woman as before)
> > became quite defensive and accused me of potentially damaging files on
> > the drive by using the floppy.
>  ....
> >
> > Anyway, I was told in no uncertain terms that I was now going to have to
> > call a long distance number to get tech support (another charge for
> > which  I believe I should be compensated) and get a diagnosis for the
> > drive and an RMA#.  After finishing my discussion with the saleswoman, I
> > called Tony in tech support.  A very knowledgeable man, he diagnosed
> > that the drive was not working and needed to be replaced.  The first
> > step in this process was to get an RMA# which meant being sent right
> > back to the same saleswoman - all on my long distance bill.
> >
> > She hauled up my order number and gave me an RMA# so I could return the
> > card.  She then informed me I was going to have to pay for the shipping
> > to get this defective merchandise back to them. At this point I am
> > planning to ship the drive back to Alltech and wait for them to ship me
> > a replacement drive, but I must admit I'm a bit disillusioned.
> >
>  ....
>
>      Way too much flak. If this was a credit card order and you have not
> already paid, my suggestion is that you cancel the order.
>
>
>
> Rubywand