Memphis audio SCREWED me!

[SRim23 5,000+ posts]

Perfectly stated !!!!

why exactly is that perfectly stated? I know that they say they wont do it but why? why wouldnt they take money to repair something for someone? that doesnt make sense to me either. unless memphis had a good reason for not repairing something other than they want to be a dick to people that try and save a couple bucks.

the amp was bought from memphis at some point right? didnt the online retailer buy it authorized?

i can completely see why they wouldnt honor a warranty because you dont know how many times equipment has changed hands and you dont know how it was treated but to deny to repair it completely when the OP is trying to pay them for a service is just absolutely retarded.

i just dont know why most people in this thread think its complete blasphemy that the OP would be alittle peeved.....

 

[tommyk90 5,000+ posts]

why exactly is that perfectly stated? I know that they say they wont do it but why? why wouldnt they take money to repair something for someone? that doesnt make sense to me either. unless memphis had a good reason for not repairing something other than they want to be a dick to people that try and save a couple bucks.
the amp was bought from memphis at some point right? didnt the online retailer buy it authorized?

i can completely see why they wouldnt honor a warranty because you dont know how many times equipment has changed hands and you dont know how it was treated but to deny to repair it completely when the OP is trying to pay them for a service is just absolutely retarded.

i just dont know why most people in this thread think its complete blasphemy that the OP would be alittle peeved.....

There are several posts explaining why memphis shouldn't repair an amp purchased from a non-authorized source. Read a little harder next time.

The main one is liability. Memphis is VERY dedicated to protecting its dealer network. Period. Don't buy from an authorized source? Then guess what, you're on your own. If I was in their shoes I would do the exact same thing. To fix an amp, even at a cost to the owner, would be hypocritical to their commitment to protecting authorized dealers.

 

[stocker08 10+ year member]

OP - Like mentioned several times in the thread already, find a local shop that fixes amps. If your looking for a repair, i'm sure there is someone out there more than happy.

 

[gunz4me 10+ year member]

SRim23 - The whole point behind Memphis Car Audio is that they support the B & M dealers only. That is how they decided to perform product placement and capture their market niche. I can't tell you how many local dealers are all bent out of shape for online sales, yet they really haven't done anything to change their own business model to adapt and compete.

As for how the online retailers obtain the product, that remains to be the question. I am certain there are shady distributors, shady retailers, and store closing buyouts. Regardless, I just don't know how places like Woofers Etc. and Sonic Electronix seem to have a virtually endless supply of unauthorized Memphis Car Audio products, mainly last years models. Maybe I was wrong for hinting at Memphis being their source and then again, maybe I am not. I am almost positive we will NEVER get the truth on this //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/frown.gif.a3531fa0534503350665a1e957861287.gif

 

[SRim23 5,000+ posts]

There are several posts explaining why memphis shouldn't repair an amp purchased from a non-authorized source. Read a little harder next time.
The main one is liability. Memphis is VERY dedicated to protecting its dealer network. Period. Don't buy from an authorized source? Then guess what, you're on your own. If I was in their shoes I would do the exact same thing. To fix an amp, even at a cost to the owner, would be hypocritical to their commitment to protecting authorized dealers.

yeah i didnt read the entire thing i just wanted to defend him from everyone saying he has no business being upset.

if they are doing it to protect their "authorized dealers" then my question is where did the online retailers get them? didnt they order them directly from memphis or at least from an authorized dealer themself? so technically as long as they arent knockoff memphis products couldnt you arge that they are "authorized"?

basically the point im making is they dont care if they make money off of "unauthorized internet dealers" but they care if their customers try and save some money and not pay the ridiculous markup most of these companies have....

 

[tommyk90 5,000+ posts]

yeah i didnt read the entire thing i just wanted to defend him from everyone saying he has no business being upset.
if they are doing it to protect their "authorized dealers" then my question is where did the online retailers get them? didnt they order them directly from memphis or at least from an authorized dealer themself? so technically as long as they arent knockoff memphis products couldnt you arge that they are "authorized"?

basically the point im making is they dont care if they make money off of "unauthorized internet dealers" but they care if their customers try and save some money and not pay the ridiculous markup most of these companies have....

The most likely way they received memphis goods that are BNIB is from transhippers. Transhippers are authorized retailers that sell stuff under the table for less than MSRP or MAP. Good companies like memphis have serial numbers and can track down who purchased that amp originally and would likely take action against said transhipper.

 

[adaycj]

I am registered on a few other boards, but registered here just to respond to this post.

First off I am appalled at the number of posts stating that the OP was in search of a warranty claim. Good grief, read the capitalized words in the original post. There was never an effort to warranty anything.

I understand the whole concept of Memphis audio's B&M support plan. But to rudely push away a customer because he bought used equipment really shows everything that is wrong with car audio.

First off, many enthusiasts like to purchase the latest and greatest goodies, and they sell off the old stuff. If you are a Memphis audio fan you have to wonder what your used gear is worth if prospective buyers know about the "non-authorized seller" equals "no repairs" problems.

Another point, the repair process is a great time to remind a potential customer that their money could have been better spent on new products from an authorized seller, that had a warranty. Memphis audio would be better off with steep repair rates as well. Got a copy of the original receipt? Fine, knock 20% off the steep rate to help out the loyal customer.

Someone posted a clause from the Memphis audio web site. The clause says nothing about refusing service on Memphis audio products, it only provides a warranty statement.

Maybe Memphis audio is too busy with real warranty claims to take on a repair? If so they could at least refer the "out of warranty" repairs to a reputable repair facility. Isn't' this the concept of an "authorized service center" anyway?

To the OP, I understand the frustration and I see where you are coming from. With so many repair center horror stories around the net, I guess the good news is that you discovered Memphis audio's attitude problem before you sent your amps in.

 

[adaycj]

The most likely way they received memphis goods that are BNIB is from transhippers. Transhippers are authorized retailers that sell stuff under the table for less than MSRP or MAP. Good companies like memphis have serial numbers and can track down who purchased that amp originally and would likely take action against said transhipper.

Right, so if that is the case why do these unauthorized retailers always have a stock of new, but not the newest model stock? The serious way to fix this is to stop shipping to someone that turns the product over to an online seller through a transshipper. The hypocritical way is to complain about online and unauthorized retailers in print (web, warranty policies, dealer contracts), and then dump the year end models through those channels anyway.

 

[tommyk90 5,000+ posts]

Right, so if that is the case why do these unauthorized retailers always have a stock of new, but not the newest model stock? The serious way to fix this is to stop shipping to someone that turns the product over to an online seller through a transshipper. The hypocritical way is to complain about online and unauthorized retailers in print (web, warranty policies, dealer contracts), and then dump the year end models through those channels anyway.

Of course the serious way would be to cut off the online sellers at their source, but sometimes thats easier said than done.

I know that memphis does make an effort to protect its dealers, at least moreso than most companies. Do they possibly sell off the old stock to online retailers? Possibly. I'm not in a position to say what they do and don't do.

 

[SentraStyle 10+ year member]

Someone posted a clause from the Memphis audio web site. The clause says nothing about refusing service on Memphis audio products, it only provides a warranty statement.

Actually it does...Straight from Memphis's website: "WE WILL NOT HONOR WARRANTY CLAIMS ON PRODUCTS PURCHASED FROM THE INTERNET OR ANY NON-AUTHORIZED SOURCE. IN ADDITION, WE WILL NOT ISSUE A RETURN AUTHORIZATION FOR PRODUCTS PURCHASED FROM NON-AUTHORIZED SOURCES—EVEN FOR A FEE."

Thanks for playing...have a nice day.

 

[adaycj]

Actually it does...Straight from Memphis's website: "WE WILL NOT HONOR WARRANTY CLAIMS ON PRODUCTS PURCHASED FROM THE INTERNET OR ANY NON-AUTHORIZED SOURCE. IN ADDITION, WE WILL NOT ISSUE A RETURN AUTHORIZATION FOR PRODUCTS PURCHASED FROM NON-AUTHORIZED SOURCES—EVEN FOR A FEE."
Thanks for playing...have a nice day.

Don't be snide. A return authorization indicates an intent to return something to its supplier. Most online vendors use this terminology as part of the warranty, "swap for refurbished", or "return for credit" policies. It may or may not have anything to do with the out of warranty repair process.

There is really no need to beat around the bush. The web page should simply say "WE WILL NOT REPAIR PRODUCTS PURCHASED FROM THE INTERNET OR ANY NON-AUTHORIZED SOURCE". Then no one could get blind sided with a broken unit that can't be repaired while Memphis Audio plays games with the definition and intent of a "return authorization". I read the web site, and I think a reasonable person could conclude that non-authorized or Internet purchases void all warranties, but nothing else.

At this point I have no real evidence that Memphis Audio is part of a scheme to help its dealers dump overstock to unauthorized retailers. Other than the verbal conversation reiterated in the OP, there is no written evidence that the Memphis will not repair its amps out of warranty for a fee. Anecdotal evidence suggests that both things are true, but the truth is unknown. At least the repair policy could be cleared up with a simple sentence on their web site.

I understand the OP and his point. However, some manufactures don't provide repair services at all. Granted they are typically not the higher end and more expensive options, but some of us just have to use a repair center. Based on the attitude the OP reported on the phone, he is likely better off anyway.

 

[gunz4me 10+ year member]

Don't be snide. A return authorization indicates an intent to return something to its supplier. Most online vendors use this terminology as part of the warranty, "swap for refurbished", or "return for credit" policies. It may or may not have anything to do with the out of warranty repair process.

EXCEPT, in this case you are dealing with the "manufacturer" of the item. I say manufacturer loosely because Memphis just slaps their name on your standard Asian build house amplifier and are nothing more than a marketing company for said product. Anyhow, in order to have your product looked at by them to determine a course of action, you need that RA number, PERIOD! In this case it is no tickie, no laundry!

There is really no need to beat around the bush. The web page should simply say "WE WILL NOT REPAIR PRODUCTS PURCHASED FROM THE INTERNET OR ANY NON-AUTHORIZED SOURCE". Then no one could get blind sided with a broken unit that can't be repaired while Memphis Audio plays games with the definition and intent of a "return authorization". I read the web site, and I think a reasonable person could conclude that non-authorized or Internet purchases void all warranties, but nothing else.

Don't you know anything about product liability? The wording is kept vague on purpose to make it harder to have recourse against Memphis.

At this point I have no real evidence that Memphis Audio is part of a scheme to help its dealers dump overstock to unauthorized retailers. Other than the verbal conversation reiterated in the OP, there is no written evidence that the Memphis will not repair its amps out of warranty for a fee. Anecdotal evidence suggests that both things are true, but the truth is unknown. At least the repair policy could be cleared up with a simple sentence on their web site.

THAT, is the one thing that I would like to know but will likely never find out. It was around July 2008 when a certain online retailer had a metric sh*t ton of prior year Memphis Car Audio amps at rock bottom prices. I find it highly suspect that any single transshipping retailer could have provided that much product to this particular online retailer! If Memphis Car Audio is indeed dumping new old stock to unauthorized online retailers and washing their hands of all product liability, I would say that is a dirty game they are playing:verymad:

 

[BlurredVision 10+ year member]

I wouldn't recommend buying Memphis. I don't know whats wrong with them. The local shop that is authorized said Memphis quite repairing subwoofers and amps because of...well I'm not sure. I was gonna buy Memphis, but they said I was taking a risk. Authorized doesn't mean your stuff is getting fixed. You may as well buy online.

 

[audioholic 5,000+ posts]

Buying used you should never assume that the warranty is transferable, most of them aren't anyway. Buying used is a gamble for that reason, if you get something that works you got a great deal, if not, well, you are not going to get warranty service anyway.

We resolved that this isn't a discussion about warranty work back on page 1... where were you? //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/wink.gif.608e3ea05f1a9f98611af0861652f8fb.gif

 

[audioholic 5,000+ posts]

The main one is liability. Memphis is VERY dedicated to protecting its dealer network. Period.

Then I guess any time we discuss or compare Memphis around here from now on, we should be quoting full MSRP.