Re: Trying to be calm about Alltech

[Rubywand <rubywand@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