Sunday, January 30, 2011

Samsung C322 from Flasher Cellphone Repair and Accessories





I recently purchased a Samsung mobile device at Flasher Cellphone Repair and Accessories located on the 3F of SM Southmall last January 25. I was so excited to unbox it because this unit will solve the hassle of me carrying two phones. When I reached home, I was exploring the functions of my recent purchase. I have been a Samsung user for quite a while now and there really is no difference with this one except for it dual sim functionality. While I was waithing for it's factory charge to run out I noticed that the unit restarts on its own. I said it was no big deal because I also experience that on my other phones but the restarting wouldn't stop to the point that it became so irritating. I said this isn't normal. So I decided to put it back in the box planning to return it to the store the following day.

On the 26th, I again walked back in the same store and explained what happened. The saleslady brought the unit to the samsung stall on the same floor. The Technician said just go ahead and replace the unit since it was just purchased yesterday. So they gave me a new unit except off course the aaccessories.

I was very happy with the new one though the unit still restarts from time to time, it wasn't as annoying as the first unit. So I could settle for this one hoping that it wouldn't get worse. I researched the web and found out that most C322 users also experience the same problem.

Friday night came, The phones dual sim functionality doesn't work like that of the "China Phones" that also has the same feature. This has a button for switching sim for out-going calls and texts. It was the feature that hurdled me to give the unit a 10 on the rating. What I did was I tried to change the theme for one sim so I can distinguish one from the other. I tried using the Sienna theme. After that I noticed a white dot on the upper part of the screen. It was definitely a dead pixel. It was not obvious on the default theme because it was bright but it was annoyingly obvious on the Sienna one.

Saturday night, I came walking back to the same store to again reason with them. This time the y refered me to the Samsung Service Center at SM Mall of Asia saying that the warranty will cover it. They shoo-ed me like a fly! So I went directly to the Samsung store on the same floor which by the way is also owned and oprerated Flasher. I saw the Sales lady who I bought the unit from. The technician was also there. I explained everything and then the man from flasher store went there. I thought he was the owner, cause while everyone is wearing their uniforms this one is casually wearing a shirt and shorts. He asked if maybe I dropped the unit.

I mean Duh! Look at it. My unit has Screen protector and a hard case. I wanted to ask him if that's how he handles his phone cause it sure isn't my way. The Technician who checked his own unit noticed the spot himself but they really can't do anything about it. That I should bring it to the service center. I insisted that why should I if the unit they gave me was defective on the first place.

They were like at a lost cause I can see from the way they blankly stare at each other they have no Idea. Then they said If I want I could just leave my unit with them and I said unless you'll give me a spare phone to use, the answer is no. We came to the last resolution which is, they'll call me today, Sunday if they'll change the unit or not and as expected their answer didn't change. I still need to bring the unit to the service center.

So, consumers out there beware!

Imagine, you buy a brand new unit from a reputable mall (I wish I could say the same to the Vendor) only to find out that the unit you got was as good as a second hand one.

I would like to quote some text from the DTI website.

Why is the presence of a “No Return, No Exchange” notice considered deceptive?

Such statement is considered deceptive because consumers may return or exchange the goods or avail of other remedies, in case of hidden faults or defects, or any charge the buyer was not aware of the time of purchase. By provision of law, sellers are obligated to honor their implied warranties and grant corresponding remedies to consumers.


Can a store exercise only a policy of exchange but not refund?

Consumers are entitled to either an exchange or refund, as long as there is a defect in the quality of goods or imperfection in the service.

Is there a time limit within which a buyer may return defective products?

There is no hard-and-fast rule on the period within which a customer may return the products he purchased. A rule of reason should, however, be observed, taking into consideration the nature of the item purchased and the express / implied warranties mandated by law, i.e. Consumer Act and the New Civil Code of the Philippines.


Can a store impose the condition that merchandise can only be exchanged once?

No, because merchandise can be exchanged as many times, as long as the consumer chooses the option of replacement.


Why should the consumer burden the problem of bringing the units to the service centers when they were defective on the first place. Even the big malls offer the 7 day return policy right? Why should this store be any different?

Know your rights!