My printer stopped loading paper at the end of march and I took it to Susie Townsend at Printer Tech Services to have it looked over.
I expressly said, I need to know how much this costs before you fix it. Because it might end up being cheaper to just buy a new unit. I also asked is there a charge to look over it, the answer was no. She told me over the phone that there was no fee to look it over and tell me what was wrong. She also doesn't have her own store front and works out of another computer repair location.
When she first looked it over she couldn't determine what was causing it not to load paper because some of the color inks were low. I ended up having to buy all 3 new color cartridges so she could continue to do her exam of the printer. She installed the cartridges but at no time did she hint or say she'd be charging me to do this. If she had I would have installed them myself.
Several days later I get back in touch with her and she tells me I can pick up the printer. I ask was there any charge and she said yes that she'd left an invoice at the computer store. I was a bit surprised but didn't say anything over the phone. When I got to the location I discovered she was charging me $ 89.00. Needless to say I was shocked. The 3rd person location took no responsibility for this and didn't even offer to help negotiate. He just shrugged and shook his head helplessly.
The invoice claimed this is for 'diagnostics, cleaning and serviced'.
I later wrote Printer Tech services an email using the business card address she left on my printer. No response was ever given when I asked for a description of what was actually done. She never 'repaired' anything. If anything she dusted out a few bits of paper.
I ended up calling her and leaving a message on her phone and she called back a day or two later. She politely claimed she didn't want an unhappy customer but the tone of her voice was anything but wanting to help. She just wanted to do damage control. I said I'd like my money back because I'd specifically told her from the beginning, I needed to know how much it'd cost before anything was done. I was under the impression just 'looking it over' and then telling me what was needed to be done was free. She offered me a refund but feeling bad about the whole situation and the state of the economy I said just give me half back. She said she'd send me a check.
That was several weeks ago. I have since sent another email with my address and left a phone message with my address and she's not contacted me and as far as I can tell I have not gotten a charge back to my credit card.
I am very displeased with the service, communication and customer service of this business.
For a few bucks more I could have just bought a new printer. Does my printer work again? Yes but the frustration of this situation, the unexpected cost, and telephone tag have left me very annoyed with the whole ordeal.
I would not recommend using this business if your printer needs repair. You are better off just getting a new printer, or at the very least take it to some one else and make sure you get everything in writing before you leave your equipment in their care. I'd hate for any one else to get into a similar situation.
more