After the warranty period, they twisted our arm. The problem was with on/off switch. It has to be pressed 3 or 4 times to start the UPS. They said the service charge is Rs.250/- switch cost RS.50/-. We insisted the part should be changed in our house, they agreed. Technician came, checked the UPS and confirmed the need to change only the switch. He did not bring the switch. His boss, over phone requested us to send the PCB to their office. We allowed it and commited a big blunder.
Next day we were shocked to hear that 2 Mosfets and some diodes need to be changed apart from switch. They increased repair charge to Rs.675/-. If this is not agreed, we have to shell out Rs.250/- to get back the PCB without any repair. I cannot understand as to how the UPS worked even with the faulty switch in the presence of their technician when Mosfets and diodes were burnt on PCB. This is a pure lie to charge more since customers usually donot know electronics. They were in no mood for any argument since they hijacked the PCB and they are sure to get a minimum of Rs.250/- as service charges.
They sent the PCB with a new switch and we saw fresh solder on the Mosfets terminals but not on the diodes. On our demand they have returned the defective switch, Mosfets, but not diodes. We still believe that they just applied fresh solder on the original Mosfets. The defective Mosfets they returned are taken from their scrap box.
They have billed for Rs.601/- and Rs.74/- as service tax @12.36%, which is wrong. They must charge service tax on only Rs.250/-as service charges and VAT @4% on the remaining replaced components cost.
This APC authorised service centre is in no mood to accept this way of billing. Ultimately they are collecting more tax than was specified and paying it to the government.
Their new UPS ' ES 500 ' is available for Rs.1900/- in the market. After the warranty period, we were forced to pay 1/3 rd cost of the new unit for the first repair and we were denied any guarantee for this service. Going by this, if two more repairs are conducted on this UPS, we would spend the cost of a new unit. So, we decided to close the doors for further repairs and any new product of APC.
Next time we have to opt to buy a brand which offers "life long free service" (components reasonably charged) or buy a low cost local brand on "use & throw" basis. We should not allow any part of the UPS to be taken to their office and must insist the service to be done at our place.
0 comments