Originally Posted by jmiller320:
Originally Posted by dkdkrd:
While we (Lionel authorized LHS) will certainly do warranty repair work on items purchased properly from elsewhere, including on-line sales, we find the biggest problem is having the customer produce the required receipt.
When we sell Lionel products, we are mindful to tell the customers to retain their store receipt for the year in case warranty work is required.
I usually try to save all my receipts. The other day I was going through some bag that had my train purchases in them with the receipt and all I found was a blank piece of paper. The ink had faded away to nothing.
Few use ink anymore last I knew.
I think the "blank out" ones are electrostatic carbon printing that loses its ability to keep pigment in place.
The receipts like from fast food, that turn all black/purple on your dashboard? They are from heat printing, on chemically treated paper.
One of those "things" we let happen, after someone convinced us the "NEW' way was "better"( maybe for "them").
Disappearing receipt ink would have landed you in jail at one time, I'm sure.
Lots of good applications for non ink methods. I don't think I need my burger receipt that bad. But permanent records? Not so hot.
I don't think I've ever received a non-ink receipt from the government anywhere.(wow a smiley for the govt!)
If it is warrantied for more than a year, and at all expensive. I ask for a hand written copy, in ink, from the manager, not a clerk, to accompany it.
Reactions by management to this vary, even at corporate level, and so does were I spend my dollar.
All I'm asking for is a receipt so a judge wont laugh at me for presenting it, or accepting it.
Not that I've used it, but I know others that have...
Another advantage to local purchases for a consumer, is the access to local small claims court.
If I own it, I likely have the paperwork on the bookshelves.
Receipts belonging with discarded packages, and/or manual-less items, go in a wood box on the dresser for a few years.
I usually like to staple receipts inside a manuals first page.
Or, its in the box the item came in? (Seeing how on many companies warranties, you have to have the carton, just to ship it in for repair, or it may not be accepted).
You might even dkdkrd's route further, and offer to do the staple deed at the counter for them if its been opened.
A 30g machine shouldn't need repair, where I foot the bill. Not for a long time anyhow.
The price of an item worked on, isn't the greatest thing to base a rate of pay on.
And when the cost of any repair nears what it cost for a new item, its time to consider the new one.
I don't think I've been to any kind of dealer that paid more per hour determined by original price of the item. Only the complexity of the job at hand. Which should determine pay despite vocation, considering the similar aptitude necessary in both fields.
With one exception.
Brake mechanics should make the most out of anybody.(& be held to the highest standards)
Think about why that job might be the most important to pay well for.
Ok, now add dealing with toxic brake dust, cleaning chemicals, and brake fluid.
Originally posted by Jim Sutter:
When we were a Lionel Service Station, we repaired everything brought to us. Regardless, if it was purchased from us. I found that by taking care of people that hadn't purchased from us soon became our customers.
But Jim, you are friendly, and have some old school business sense!
With good in shop attitude comes "good vibe"
With good vibe, people buy $6 cups of coffee too