Hamilton Beach / Percolator failure

I originally contacted this company to determine how I could get a replacement power cord for my percolator because it was intermittently turning itself off in the course of use.

>>>Message: The cord on this product appears to be shorting out. Keeps throwing the GFI in my kitchen and won't sustain constant perc without "wiggling" it. I purchased this from K Mart only about 1-2 years ago but would think the cord would have lasted longer than that. Please check warranty status...if not under warranty, where do I get a new cord?<<<

Their Response:

>>>For safety reasons we are offering to replace your unit. We are unable to determine if the cord or the unit is causing the short.In order to assist you with your claim, please unplug your appliance and cut the electrical cord off where it comes out of the machine. After you have cut the cord off you then cut the plug off the end of the cord. Send the plug along with your name, address, $19.95 check/money order for shipping & handling fee and your consumer number (1333958) to the below address: Hamilton Beach 360 Page Road

Washington, NC 27889. Once we receive all the above information, you should expect your new appliance to arrive within 15 business days. We also ask that you discard your old appliance after your new appliance arrives.

Thank you for contacting Hamilton Beach Brands and please let us know if there is anything else we can assist you with.

Michelle, Consumer Affairs <<<

My Reply:

>>>So, what do you suggest I do for three weeks while this is taking place? I don't want to be without my percolator for that long I get VERY cranky without my morning cuppa! Isn't there a coupon you can send for replacement value? I love that you are offering to help...and cannot afford a new unit right now with no job. Since I only paid about $38 for the new unit, and it will cost me $20 plus shipping for the cord, this is really not a "replacement" offer...you are asking me to pay for a new unit AND wait almost 3 weeks for it! Not such a "deal", in my opinion. If the unit doesn't last more than a couple of years, I will be in the same position again down the road. Don't want to have paid TWICE for the same situation. Please re-evaluate your offer? Thank you!<<<

Final Answer:

>>>Dear Lisa You can call [protected] to put the shipping and handling on a debit or credit card. Once we get the fee we will ship the replacement unit out to you. After you receive the replacement unit please send the plug as previously requested. Thank you for contacting Hamilton Beach. Catherine

Consumer Affairs.

An entire, new unit, cord and all, can be had for under $40. By the time I pay the $19.95 and the shipping to return the cord AND include the 15 day wait for a replacement once I cut up my cord, I could go to a local store and purchase a new replacement. I have informed them I will do just that AND I would be sending my complaint to every publicly viewed site so people can make an informed decision whether to purchase Hamilton Beach products, based on their lack of support.

I would have preferred a $20 coupon toward a new unit I can get right away, without the down time but they just dusted right over my suggestion as though I never posed the question.