Prof. P. Sambasiva Rao
Department of Chemistry
Pondicherry University
R. Venkatraman Nagar, Kalapet
Pondicherry - 605 014, INDIA
Fax: 091-413-2655987
Tel: 091-413 – 2654412
Email: psr52in@yahoo.co.in
Dr. P. Sambasiva Rao
Professor and Head
October 6, 2008
To:
Akai Consumer Electronics India Ltd.
Shivashish Ground Floor, Behind Lathia Rubber Factory,
Andheri Kurla Road, Saki Naka,
Mumbai – 400 072.
FAX: 022-28514059
Dear Sirs:
I am writing this letter to you after not getting proper response from your Chennai Office (Phone. 39404040). I wrote a letter about two months back to your Chennai office, for which no reply has come. After waiting for nearly two months, I gave a complaint in your Chennai office (Complaint No. 8I00889010001), for which no proper reply was provided, even after repeated telephone calls. They do not have the basic courteously of saying hello after lifting the phone. They lift the phone and I can hear their voices but not to me. When I talked with Mahesh (Chennai office), he told me that he will come back to me within a day or two. But it never happened. Before going further, I would like to inform you about my problem.
I purchased a 29SD AKAI color Television in 13th April 2004 from your dealer (Associated Indo-Vietnam Agencies) in Pondicherry. During the purchase, he has informed that the Picture Tube has a seven warranty. When I asked him to put it on the warranty card itself, he told me that it was not necessary and informed that any TVs purchased during that period will automatically cover the warranty, after showing the purchase bill. Then, we thought that it was a normal procedure with AKAI products and hence, did not insist further with a hope that I may not need warranty because of AKAI company and its repute in world market. Along with the big TV, I also received a 14” TV as free. Around 6 to 8 months back, when we noticed a problem in the 29SD TV (the picture has become smaller), we called the local authorized repair person for repair. He repaired it and charged close to Rs. 1, 000/-. However, to our surprise, the same problem has occurred. The same person came to our house, repaired and again charged close to Rs. 1, 000/-. But most unfortunately, the same problem has come one more time on the next day itself. He has come to our house, repaired and again charged Rs. 1, 000/-. Due to our bad luck, the same evening the same problem has come. When we called him to repair, we asked him in strong words to explain what he has done in the previous three times. Now, he told that the picture tube has gone and it has to be replaced. We were under the impression that in the three previous occasions also, the picture tube might have become weak but repaired temporally and he has cheated us in the three previous occasions. Then, we showed him the warranty card, he told us to contact the local dealer, who has sold the TV. When we explained to him about the warranty, he told he will go to his office, enquire and come back to us. No message for 15 days or so. When we contacted the in-charge in Pondicherry, he has given an address and phone number in Chennai. When we contacted him (I forgot his name), he asked me to write a letter to him with facts. Accordingly, we wrote a letter and waiting for his response. Nearly two months have gone and no reply.
When we checked AKAI on internet, we got the Chennai phone number (044-39404040). When we contacted him and explained the situation, they took the complaint (8I00889010001) and told me that they will come back to me in a day or two. As usual, no reply for a week or so. Again when I contacted the Chennai office, I asked the operator to give connection to some higher officials, so that I can explain the situation. I think, she has connected me to Mr, Mahesh (I am not too sure about the name). He told the local repair person will come to your home for repair. Again the same guy who charged three times has come and asked for Xerox copy of the warranty card and bill. As they were not readily available, my wife told him to come tomorrow to pick up those. He told my wife to bring the Xerox copies to the office. When my son went to their office, he refused to accept it. Then, when I called your Chennai office to inform this, Mr. Ahmed told me over the phone on September 19, 2008 that the person will come on Saturday (20/09/08) or Monday (22/09/08). However, it did not happen as usual. Then, when I called your office on today (23/09/08), the operator coolly told the old complaint was withdrawn as we have not provided the warranty card and booked a new complaint (8I0080809230004). When I asked him to connect me to Mr. Ahmed, he refused and told that he will contact me. I am sure that it will not happen.
I am working as Professor and Head, Department of Chemistry, Pondicherry University (A Central University), Pondicherry. I am really disgusted the way AKAI people operate in India. I was in USA and Canada and enjoyed AKAI products. However, it was highly disappointed and frustrated with your people in India. Actually, the local service person will come and repair if they get money. Otherwise, they are not bothered to answer the calls. I had a bad experience with my AKAI DVD also. They told me that it was ready and asked me to come to their shop to pick it up. When I went there in heavy rain, they asked me to stay one more hour to receive the set. When I went next day, they charged me more than informed over the phone. I refused to pay the extra amount, which they accepted. I got surprised. It indicates that the extra charges are not genuine. I am doubtful about their genuine AKAI parts also. This kind of people will spoil the name of AKAI. Please consider this and take necessary action before it becomes beyond your control also.
Now, I need a clarification from you.
1. The statement of local dealer that the picture tube warranty of AKAI is for SEVEN years is true or not. Also, his statement that it will not be included in the normal warranty card but purchase bill is sufficient to get the warranty is true or not.
2. Did really AKAI advertise about Seven year Warranty on Picture tube? If not, is it the game played by the local dealer to sell more sets?
An early and prompt reply is highly appreciated. I am enclosing the Xerox copy of my purchase bill and warranty card (for one year). If the dealer is correct, please order your service people to rectify the problem as soon as possible, after seeing the cash bill.
Thanking you
Yours truly,
(P. Sambasiva Rao) |
200 days ago by Jamal Rao [