Rockford Amp Repair
07-29-2005, 12:04 PM
#21
50 Watt CAFz'r
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 419
Rob, I think you are missing the whole point here. As a customer, I don't care "why" it costs $1037 to repair the amp. I don't care about Rockford's business model. I don't care if I get a new amp. All I care about is that a flat rate fee when we don't even know what is wrong with the amp is ridiculous. And guess what...as a consumer, I have the right to disagree with it and I have the right to vote with my pocketbook...and I have the right to tell the world that I think RF's repair policy is BS. Not a SINGLE person that I have told about the $1,037 FLAT RATE repair cost has agreed with it. And I know that I am swaying some people from ever buying a RF amp...and, as an unhappy consumer, I have the right to do so until the day I die...and I probably will.
BTW Rob, I'm not some young kid...I am the Vice President of a consulting firm and have been purchasing car audio for more than 20 years...I was even involved in the industry for a little while. So, as a consumer, I think I am pretty well educated.
Lawrence.
[ July 29, 2005, 01:07 PM: Message edited by: Fishbone ]
BTW Rob, I'm not some young kid...I am the Vice President of a consulting firm and have been purchasing car audio for more than 20 years...I was even involved in the industry for a little while. So, as a consumer, I think I am pretty well educated.
Lawrence.
[ July 29, 2005, 01:07 PM: Message edited by: Fishbone ]
07-29-2005, 12:37 PM
#22
Originally posted by GearPirate.com:
Then maybe you should look into the why's as to the Rockford's repair price instead of just using "the force" and guessing. What if you guessed wrong, which, btw, you have.
Then maybe you should look into the why's as to the Rockford's repair price instead of just using "the force" and guessing. What if you guessed wrong, which, btw, you have.
07-29-2005, 12:50 PM
#23
Guest
Posts: n/a
I thought the BD1500 retailed in the $1499 range. Now aside from the heatsink, the circuit board really is all the cost on the amp. Don't get me wrong, $1037 sounds rich for sure but it is the major component of the amp.
Before you get all your campaign signs made Fishbone - realize that most major companies do complete board swaps inder 'factory' repair.
Oh - and as an out of warranty repair, why should the company not make any profit? Your local mechanic makes plenty when your out of warranty car breaks down. [img]graemlins/dunno.gif[/img]
Before you get all your campaign signs made Fishbone - realize that most major companies do complete board swaps inder 'factory' repair.
Oh - and as an out of warranty repair, why should the company not make any profit? Your local mechanic makes plenty when your out of warranty car breaks down. [img]graemlins/dunno.gif[/img]
07-29-2005, 02:07 PM
#24
50 Watt CAFz'r
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 419
Dukk...see my earlier post...with all due respect (and please note, that I've always appreciated your comments on this board) I NEVER said that RF doesn't have a right to make a profit on repairs...however, to use your automobile analogy, even the DEALER doesn't charge a FLAT RATE of 80% of the original value of the car for a repair, regardless of what that repair is. They charge based on the nature of the repair (parts and labour). How many people would buy a car from a a company that had a policy that, once the car was out of warranty, if you wanted a dealer repair, it would cost 80% of the value of the car, but you would have the engine replaced.
The economics just don't make sense for the consumer...why would I buy an amp with such repair costs...I have owned many other amps over the past 20 years...and when they have had repairs, most have been in the $100 to $200 range...
Lawrence
The economics just don't make sense for the consumer...why would I buy an amp with such repair costs...I have owned many other amps over the past 20 years...and when they have had repairs, most have been in the $100 to $200 range...
Lawrence
07-29-2005, 03:15 PM
#25
Lawrence, again dude, I agree with you. I do not support the idea of a flat rate charge as it pertains like this. Matter of fact, this is part of the reasons as to why I do not push the line here at all and aside from the name on a display, there is no longer Rockford inventory here. I think we are both on the same page, just different paragraphs.
Dukk shares the same valid points that I did not write about, that being they are also a business that derives a profit from operating a repair service. I think his ananolgy is good, as generally speaking the parts of a car vs an amp are far from the same. But take a used car and have the engine blow....chances are a new car is going to be better than sinking $3000.00 into a $3500.00 car. Flat rate service charges are in all types of repair facilities from oil changes to computer repairs. Most often the flat repair fees are based on previous experience but there are also times that they can be misleading as well.
IMO, Rockford needs to rethink their warranty repair clause as it no doubt, is losing them business and scaring away customers at the same time.
Dukk shares the same valid points that I did not write about, that being they are also a business that derives a profit from operating a repair service. I think his ananolgy is good, as generally speaking the parts of a car vs an amp are far from the same. But take a used car and have the engine blow....chances are a new car is going to be better than sinking $3000.00 into a $3500.00 car. Flat rate service charges are in all types of repair facilities from oil changes to computer repairs. Most often the flat repair fees are based on previous experience but there are also times that they can be misleading as well.
IMO, Rockford needs to rethink their warranty repair clause as it no doubt, is losing them business and scaring away customers at the same time.
07-29-2005, 03:47 PM
#26
Originally posted by Dukk:
I thought the BD1500 retailed in the $1499 range. Now aside from the heatsink, the circuit board really is all the cost on the amp. Don't get me wrong, $1037 sounds rich for sure but it is the major component of the amp.
Before you get all your campaign signs made Fishbone - realize that most major companies do complete board swaps inder 'factory' repair.
Oh - and as an out of warranty repair, why should the company not make any profit? Your local mechanic makes plenty when your out of warranty car breaks down. [img]graemlins/dunno.gif[/img]
I thought the BD1500 retailed in the $1499 range. Now aside from the heatsink, the circuit board really is all the cost on the amp. Don't get me wrong, $1037 sounds rich for sure but it is the major component of the amp.
Before you get all your campaign signs made Fishbone - realize that most major companies do complete board swaps inder 'factory' repair.
Oh - and as an out of warranty repair, why should the company not make any profit? Your local mechanic makes plenty when your out of warranty car breaks down. [img]graemlins/dunno.gif[/img]
Case in point, Gold Key here in Langley did the rear pinion seal on my mothers 1998 Jimmy. 2 weeks later the bearing failed. Three certified independant mechanics ALL said that someone had overtightened on replacing the seal, causing the bearing to bind. Gold Key denied this, and produced a quote for $2800 + taxes for repairs. This included a gear set for $900. Independant mechanic bought that gear set for $300 brand new with the "GM" stamp on it. His final bill was $900 tax in. Where the hell would the extra $2000+ that Gold Key wanted have gone?
I think it's the same thing here. There is NO WAY that board costs $900, assuming the other $137 should cover an hour labour (way too much to swap a board anyways) and shipping. Rockford is trying to make an excessive profit off of a customers misfortune, which is wrong.
Good customer service involves doing repairs at a reasonable price. Rockford does not have good customer service in that regard IMO. I believe MTX for a long time did circuit board swaps for a flat $86 or something like that...
07-29-2005, 04:20 PM
#27
I would send it to Sergey at www.kbaudio.com
He repairs any amp under 2000 watts for a flat rate of $60 US. I sent a few amps his way, and it ended up costing me about $120 CDN including shipping each, and his service is excellent.
He repairs any amp under 2000 watts for a flat rate of $60 US. I sent a few amps his way, and it ended up costing me about $120 CDN including shipping each, and his service is excellent.
07-29-2005, 05:12 PM
#28
The difference between the car analogy and this amp repair is that the corner mechanic shop did not build the car or sell it, he is in his rights to make whatever profit he can get away with. With this amp, Rockford(I'm a big RF fan by the way) built it, and even if it's out of warranty, you would think that they would want to keep their customers happy for future buisiness. A repair cost from the manufacturer that is essentially the same as a new product is ridiculous. I would not even considder it an option. I would just by another amp( different manufacturer) with similar performance. If it's your product would you not want to help your customer out in their time of need so as to secure good word of mouth reputation? I'll just go knock on wood now for saying that I have yet to have a problem with any of their products to date.
07-30-2005, 12:11 AM
#29
500 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 923
No one has brought up the issue that the RF1500BD is long past production dates. This amplifier is obsolete and many years discontinued.
The DEMAND however for these particular, strappable, low impedance capable, powerful amplifiers is very high thus making any parts and accesories more valuable.
I share the same opinion that the flat rate fee is too high unless this amplifier is going to be factory rebuilt and returned with some warranty. That fee is for that PARTICULAR amplifier and not every amp in the line.
The fact that you bought this amp USED without warranty nullifies the comments made about it costing more to fix the amp then what you paid for it. If you buy another one of these amps through E-Bay or whatever doesn't matter. It is not NEW, it does not come with a factory warranty. It also does not matter what the canadian to american MSRP's are. If you want to order through the USA and not support Canada's industry then thats the patriotic kinda person you are.
They retailed for @ $1500 CAD + taxes during their model year. Similar quality amplifiers currently retail for @ the same amount. But from what I hear from a few people, gear just isn't what it used to be. Wouldn't that fact make this amplifier worth repairing from the manufacturer?
Slandering the Rockford Fosgate name over your personal dislike of the price quoted ( for a highly sought after, discontinued amplifier) is petty and unfair. An uneducated consumer may mistakenly take your word that Rockford product sucks and never be given the chance to experience a product that would bring them years of enjoyment and satisfaction.
P.S. If you don't care what I say and still think RF is crap, your entitled to your opinion. I believe fully without a doubt that your wrong and only said what you said out of anger and frustration. Because of this anger and frustration, no matter what I or anyone else says will change your mind, then this discussion...arguement...whatever is over.
Take care. Hopefully you will have better success with your new amplifir.
The DEMAND however for these particular, strappable, low impedance capable, powerful amplifiers is very high thus making any parts and accesories more valuable.
I share the same opinion that the flat rate fee is too high unless this amplifier is going to be factory rebuilt and returned with some warranty. That fee is for that PARTICULAR amplifier and not every amp in the line.
The fact that you bought this amp USED without warranty nullifies the comments made about it costing more to fix the amp then what you paid for it. If you buy another one of these amps through E-Bay or whatever doesn't matter. It is not NEW, it does not come with a factory warranty. It also does not matter what the canadian to american MSRP's are. If you want to order through the USA and not support Canada's industry then thats the patriotic kinda person you are.
They retailed for @ $1500 CAD + taxes during their model year. Similar quality amplifiers currently retail for @ the same amount. But from what I hear from a few people, gear just isn't what it used to be. Wouldn't that fact make this amplifier worth repairing from the manufacturer?
Slandering the Rockford Fosgate name over your personal dislike of the price quoted ( for a highly sought after, discontinued amplifier) is petty and unfair. An uneducated consumer may mistakenly take your word that Rockford product sucks and never be given the chance to experience a product that would bring them years of enjoyment and satisfaction.
P.S. If you don't care what I say and still think RF is crap, your entitled to your opinion. I believe fully without a doubt that your wrong and only said what you said out of anger and frustration. Because of this anger and frustration, no matter what I or anyone else says will change your mind, then this discussion...arguement...whatever is over.
Take care. Hopefully you will have better success with your new amplifir.
07-30-2005, 05:19 AM
#30
50 Watt CAFz'r
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 419
Lethal...WHOAAAAA!!! I NEVER said RF was crap. I NEVER slandered their name. I simply said that I do not agree with their repair policy, would never buy another amp from them and would make sure others were aware of their repair policy. How is that slanderous?
By the way, as stated previously, I bought this amp from a member of this board (a mod, actually), who purchased it from an authorized dealer.
Rob...yes, I think we are on the same page. This has been an interesting discussion. Thanks for your input.
[ July 30, 2005, 06:22 AM: Message edited by: Fishbone ]
By the way, as stated previously, I bought this amp from a member of this board (a mod, actually), who purchased it from an authorized dealer.
Rob...yes, I think we are on the same page. This has been an interesting discussion. Thanks for your input.
[ July 30, 2005, 06:22 AM: Message edited by: Fishbone ]
