I sent in an ix402 amp because the small plastic retainer that holds the rca jacks in place broke. I called and got authorization to send it in. The woman on the phone even told me to just put a note on the amp so they know that the amp itself works fine, but the plastic part needs to be replaced.
I figured this was going to be a $5 part at absolute most since no disassembly of the amp is needed. It is literally one screw that holds the part on. I got a message from them today saying they wanted $36.
Are they for real?
I'm calling back tomorrow to tell them that they can keep the amp and I'll take the $36 and put it towards a new JBL or MTX. It would have been cheaper for me to buy another ix402 off of ebay and then just take the plastic piece from that one. Heck, I could have had the part machined out of billet for $36.
Crazy stuff.
Well, you're probably paying some minimum labor charge, along with the part. It's not going to fix itself. Ask yourself this question- If you were to walk in to a repair shop, and ask them how much they'd charge to do the same job, how much would you expect it to be?
It would definitely be more than $5. Most of the time when you send a piece of gear in for repair with no warranty, you're looking at paying at least $100. This was just a small piece (not electrical) that needed to be replaced, so you paid a little more than a third of that. I think that's fair.
If you still think it's too high, all I can say is, better luck next time (hopefully there won't be a next time). You can also ask them to give you a quote upon first glance before they perform any repairs, then hold them to that figure.
Why would you give them your perfectly functional amp for free? I'd take the thing off your hands for $36, who wouldn't?
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My ex once told me I have a perfect face for radio.
$36? Sounds really cheap to me. Many companies non-warranty repair charges start at $75 (or as geepherder said, $100) minimum. You're getting off lucky.
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Support the12volt.comWell chalk one up for Kicker customer service. I spoke with a guy on the phone and he said they aren't going to charge me anything since they basically just put on a $1 part. He said that for future reference though, Kicker will send out individual small parts if they have them in stock but you have to make a special request for them.
He also said they have a minimum charge of $35 for even opening the box and visually inspecting the amp in the service dept.
It was my fault for assuming they wouldn't give out them small part I needed. In the end though, they definitely took care of me.
sounds about right... my minimum charge to take the lid off something and diagnose it is $35 and the minute i begin work on something it's $60 pr/hr.
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Kevin Gerry
Certified Electronics Technician
MECP First Class Installer
Owner/Installer
Classic Car Audio
since 1979
That's good to hear. Now slap yourself on the hand for almost giving away quality equipment away to someone you don't know.
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My ex once told me I have a perfect face for radio.