2. analog
  3. 1048629110

How should I handle this?

Racently I purchasesd a "demo" turnatable form a dealer in california which I believe had almost no use. HE sells on agon frequently with good feedback. This table features a silicone oil damped suspension. A couple of days ago when I received the table I opened th box to find a lot of oil on the table. I thought it was probaby the bearing oil, but it was in some places quite thick. While I was aasembling the table I found there was no silicone suspension oil included; when I contacted the dealer he said it was in the table and that it must have spilled out of the table as the shipper must have put it on its side. He advised me to contact the distributor to obtain some more silicone. When I contacted the distributor they told me that they didnt have any silicone, and that the silicone was quite difficult ot remove and probably would damage the motor if itcame in contact with it, as it likely would have if the table was stored on its side for more than a few minutes. They advised me to send it back to them for testing and to likely replace the motor. They also intimated that almost anyone should have known to not ship a turntable halfway accross the country without draining the oil from the suspension.
Now how should I handle this? I don't know that the table is damaged as I haven't turned ti on, and of course even if it works now the motor could go out in a few weeks. I am thinking of sending it back for a refund but I frankly doubt the dealer is going to do that for mr. I don't think it ifair to ask the shipper to pay for damages, because it is pretty stupid to ask some one to ship something accross the country without tilting it. Also I've not confirmed there is a problem and I am afraid to turn it on to find out lest I be accused of damaging it. Any idea what I should do
rgcards
Post removed 
ed_sawyer
588 posts
 
See what the manufacturer does. Likely they will fix it for free and perhaps chastise the dealer. Don't be so quick to judge, all you witch-hunters. It could have been an honest mistake. We are only hearing one side of things here.

Silicone is not any worse or better than any other oil. With the right solvent it will come right off with no trace. More can easily be had, it's used in photocopies and can be had from staples I'd think. (or at the worst, a copy machine place, or the turntable manufacturer.)

-Ed
rgcards OP
39 posts
 
First of all thanks to everyone who responded. I just want to make clear to everyone that the dealer has not yet refused to take it back; I don't want to impugn him in an unfair way. My main question essentially is: is it fair to ask him for an exchange or refund when I don't know for certain that the table is broken? All I really have are pools of silicone grease and the distributors suspicion that there is a ""fairly high"" likliehood that the motor could be damaged. It seems most people fell I would be within my rights to ask for a new table or refund, and thats probably what I'll do. But I just want to make clear that the dealer hasn't refused to deal with me; he just didn't seem to care when I told him that the oil had drained all over the table. Hopefully, he will do what he can to ensure my satisfaction.
sc53
720 posts
 
Viridian's advice is right on: calmly contact the dealer and explain what you've learned and request a full refund with return shipping costs. Don't get sarcastic or accusatory. If dealer refuses that solution, request he pay for shipment to distributor, testing, and any repairs that are necessary. I'm sure he'll refuse that solution. Any reputable dealer would accept a return and give a full refund, given the circumstances. I'd even expect a private party seller to accept a return and refund in these circumstances, because he shouldn't have shipped the table without learning and undertaking the correct shipping procedures. I have learned from my own experience with a Sumiko Wood Project that shipping turntables is extremely hazardous, no matter who undertakes to do it.
Good luck!
timwat
132 posts
 
If the dealer response is unsatisfactory, Macrojack is right on the money. But assuming the best of people until proven otherwise, if the dealer takes care of the problem on his dime, I'd like to know for future reference as well.
More to discover