Think twice before buying from Uniden if you're Canadian

[SCPD]

Did you bother to email or phone Uniden and ask them where you could get warranty service for your scanner?

As has been shown here, Uniden is happy to let it's Canadian customers that Lectron handles warranty repairs and regular repairs in Canada.

If you can't look any farther then the box your scanner came in then perhaps you should sell your Uniden scanners and start going with Radio Shack. Good luck getting warranty service or parts from them in Canada.

p.s. did you bother to do a Google search for the part you wanted? Electrosonic, Sayal and Active (to name a few) are all reputable parts dealers that would probably carry a compatible part.

I bothered to do a lot this week. Been in touch with Uniden and they were no help. Posted about another company here that wanted $35 to send a $4 speaker I need. Not sure if those ones you mentioned are in canada. I posted all over and no one had a clue really where I could find a speaker for the bc60xlt-1. I eventually gave up since they all wanted too much for shipping. I'm going to pick one up from a person in my yahoo group who pulled it out of a dead radio he has.

If I contact Uniden and they tell me I'm out of luck getting parts here, then I didn't bother to ask them about my warranty. They were very rude to me. Same with a post in scanont i made and what other people said there too when they called Uniden.

 

[scnnr]

Where'd ya come up with this?

Lectron Radio out in the Peterborough area are the authorized repair centre for Uniden in Canada.

I've done business with them and have never had a problem. Quick turnaround at a reasonable price.

Mike, relax now, I meant that as a question. I guess I should have put a question mark at the end of the sentence.

Now you have answered that question, thank you.

Randy

 

[SCPD]

The problem seems to be confusing information.
Uniden has a link on their website- "Canadian customers click here". That link takes you to a site that has nothing to do with scanners.

When Uniden was contacted, they advise the following:
Response (Jason) - 10/19/2005 11:24 AM
I apologize for this. To assist our Canadian customers we would recommend that you contact Lectron for parts or if you need a unit repaired. They are our Canadian distributor and repair agent. The link to their web site is below.

When Lectron was contacted they advised that they do not deal directly. You have to go back through a dealer.
EG had posted the following response from Lectron:
Anyone wishing to purchase scanner parts in Canada can contact Lectron and, while we are a wholesaler and do not sell to the general public, I would be more that happy to put them in contact with a dealer in thier area.

And then it seems the dealers do not know this either as demonstrated by Durham Radio's response that they too, are unable to get parts.

In my case, I was looking for a new keypad. Seems a touch expensive and inconvenient to have to go back to a dealer, have them ship my scanner to Lectron. Have Lectron ship back to the dealer and then go in and pick it up. For what would have been a 20 minute job I am without my radio and out of pocket the extra expenses of labour and shipping will be built in there somewhere too.

I think the main idea here is that the whole mess is way to complicated for what should be a simple transaction there are many repairs that many of us can do without being nailed for labour charges.

I previously stated I am not trying to slam Uniden but it seems clear that if we were on the other side of the border we could order parts directly from them. It stands to reason then that the representing company here in Canada should do the same thing doesn't it?

So Mike, did we get wrong information along the way about Lectron or will they deal directly for parts, accessories and service? I know you mentioned that you've had radios repaired but any clarification we can get would be useful.

As for missing warranty cards...That must have been a radioworld exclusive. My scanners have always had all the proper documentation with them...I smell open box in photodreamers case. I have never filled out a warranty card nor will I. With any item, a bill of sale is all you need to execute your warranty.

Did you bother to email or phone Uniden and ask them where you could get warranty service for your scanner?

As has been shown here, Uniden is happy to let it's Canadian customers that Lectron handles warranty repairs and regular repairs in Canada.

If you can't look any farther then the box your scanner came in then perhaps you should sell your Uniden scanners and start going with Radio Shack. Good luck getting warranty service or parts from them in Canada.

p.s. did you bother to do a Google search for the part you wanted? Electrosonic, Sayal and Active (to name a few) are all reputable parts dealers that would probably carry a compatible part.

 

[mikewazowski]

So Mike, did we get wrong information along the way about Lectron or will they deal directly for parts, accessories and service? I know you mentioned that you've had radios repaired but any clarification we can get would be useful.

I don't know about ordering parts but if you need a scanner repaired, call Lectron and they'll issue you an RMA. Ship the scanner directly to them and they'll ship it back to you.

I have never ordered any parts direct from them so I cannot comment.

As for missing warranty cards...That must have been a radioworld exclusive. My scanners have always had all the proper documentation with them...I smell open box in photodreamers case. I have never filled out a warranty card nor will I. With any item, a bill of sale is all you need to execute your warranty.

Yup, I've purchased scanners from Radioworld and they've always come with all the documentation.

 

[SCPD]

Yup, I've purchased scanners from Radioworld and they've always come with all the documentation.[/QUOTE]


We're they Uniden scanners though? That's what I was wondering. Since ICOM has canadian offices. I had cards and info in them, but not with this BC246T I got from them.

 

[mikewazowski]

Yes, every Uniden scanner I've bought from Radioworld has always had full and complete documentation.

 

[lightsandsirens]

I may be able to help you with parts... I know Clayton from Lectron well and he can probably help me out. I need to know the part you require and for which model (you probably mentioned it earlier, I am just too lazy to read through 3 pages LOL)

Post here or send me a msg!

 

[SCPD]

I may be able to help you with parts... I know Clayton from Lectron well and he can probably help me out. I need to know the part you require and for which model (you probably mentioned it earlier, I am just too lazy to read through 3 pages LOL)

Post here or send me a msg!

Thank you but a friend in my group was able to pull a speaker from an old dead ICOM radio for me. So I put it into the BC60XLT-1 I have to replace it's bad speaker and all is well now.

I sent another email to uniden to complain since they told me to contact Radioworld, and I never got an answer from them since the 20th. DurhamRadio wrote back to me the next day saying they couldn't get any parts from uniden.

I told Uniden there's a SERIOUS problem here in Canada. They need to look at supporting our Uniden product with a lot more sincerity than they are already. We shouldn't have to be going underground and all over costing us time and money just to find their parts for current models even. We should be able to call a number or go to a website and just order it. I'm talking things like belt clips, AC adapters, DC cables, manuals... ect.

 

[mciupa]

Good luck trying to move a mountain . :roll:
Look at the global picture , do you think Canada is even on the radar for Uniden Corp. earnings ?

If you believe in this cause, create a petition and get a large number of signatures and present it to them , otherwise (your cause) may be looked at as some flake trying to cause trouble.

They still make the most innovative product out there and people will continue to buy and support their product line no matter what.

 

[SCPD]

Good luck trying to move a mountain . :roll:
Look at the global picture , do you think Canada is even on the radar for Uniden Corp. earnings ?

If you believe in this cause, create a petition and get a large number of signatures and present it to them , otherwise (your cause) may be looked at as some flake trying to cause trouble.

They still make the most innovative product out there and people will continue to buy and support their product line no matter what.

Well, I emailed them again today. Talking about the people they told us to go to who were no good. Did nothing to help me. Never got back to me. Told them people are getting mad and starting a online awareness to this BIG problem. I know it's not much, but Uniden is a terrible company if you ask me.

My coffee maker broke recently, and I was so angry since it wasn't the first time, so I threw it out. Then mailed the company, Starbucks and asked for a refund. They called me a few days later from Seattle and apologized and said they will send me a cash refund as soon as possible.

Now that's a GOOD company in my view. They make a terrible coffee maker, but they talk to me like a person. Not like Uniden. They could care less about people up here in Canada. Buying a innovative product is something I don't care about anymore. I'll never buy from them again because they don't support what they make. Imagine every car you buy made in the US, and they refuse to send you parts for it. They have one dealer in canada that deals with the manufacturer, but even they won't get you a part. That's what I'm going through and many more. It's WRONG. I'm not buying another Uniden product. Maybe some other people will decided to take a stand as well and not just close their eyes to this.

 

[scnnr]

Well, I emailed them again today. Talking about the people they told us to go to who were no good. Did nothing to help me. Never got back to me. Told them people are getting mad and starting a online awareness to this BIG problem. I It's WRONG. I'm not buying another Uniden product. Maybe some other people will decided to take a stand as well and not just close their eyes to this.

That's fine, but if you want (need) to purchase a scanner you really don't have many choice's except Radio Shack, and that's dealing with an American company as well.

Until we get some solid dealers up here in Canada with solid customer service for parts and warranty work, we don't have much choice other than to purchase from our American Neighbors.

Try and cool off for awhile and let your emotions settle down a bit. It's just not worth the stress.

 

[SCPD]

That's fine, but if you want (need) to purchase a scanner you really don't have many choice's except Radio Shack, and that's dealing with an American company as well.

Until we get some solid dealers up here in Canada with solid customer service for parts and warranty work, we don't have much choice other than to purchase from our American Neighbors.

Try and cool off for awhile and let your emotions settle down a bit. It's just not worth the stress.

All is fine and peaceful now. At least I know ICOM has a office in Canada. I got parts from them before from their office out west in Canada. Next scanner I think I want is a AOR though and I don't see a Canadian office for them. I will just be more aware in the future. : )

 

[SCPD]

Good luck trying to move a mountain . :roll:
Look at the global picture , do you think Canada is even on the radar for Uniden Corp. earnings ?

If you believe in this cause, create a petition and get a large number of signatures and present it to them , otherwise (your cause) may be looked at as some flake trying to cause trouble.

They still make the most innovative product out there and people will continue to buy and support their product line no matter what.

So which is it? Does Uniden care about their customers or not?
Everyone simply raves about how great they are with support--and I always thought this too. But this parts thing is pretty disturbing. There is no real reason for it. A complete radio would be a much more useful terrorist tool than a bag of belt clips and keypads.

If Canada is NOT on their corporate earnings radar then why on earth would they go to all the trouble of exporting their products here? What it seems it that they don't care about selling support parts or accessories.

Small money it may be BUT if I can't get the additional goodies then perhaps I might think twice before buying another Uniden product. If Uniden was to see that enough people took that stand then there would be a whole new rethink to their current attitude.

Buy no matter what? No, I don't think so. If more people took a stand well, that mountain just wouldn't be quite so big. At this moment though, you are correct...and they know it too. Considering they prove this by not even providing preloaded systems on the radios so equipped. Being able to change it or not, sure does leave a bad taste in the mouth.

At least with Radio Shack you can kind of expect poor support. They do not export their radios to Canada and then say good luck finding parts or accessories. Nope. They just don't export. Period. So you know ahead of time when you phone or travel south of the border to get one. That's fair.

Maybe Upman needs to wander over into this forum and have a look at this thread. Perhaps he can then comment back to the bosses closer to the top.

And, for the record I don't think anyone is saying that Uniden has to sell the parts to us via their US offices. Anybody looking would be quite happy to buy from their distributor. So maybe what they need is a distributor that knows how to deal with the public? Just a thought.

A new Bearcat with a Canadian logo on it would--Now I'm guessing here--be totally out of the question???

 

[lightsandsirens]

You can always try Lakeshore Communications (by the Airport)
Though they only carry a few Uniden products, I had purchased parts from them previously (though they were kinda reluctant to sell but did anyways) I got an LCD display for my BC780 last time (was a while ago)

416-675-2929 is the number.

Cheers

 

[scnnr]

WHEELCHAIR WROTE

At least with Radio Shack you can kind of expect poor support. They do not export their radios to Canada and then say good luck finding parts or accessories. Nope. They just don't export. Period. So you know ahead of time when you phone or travel south of the border to get one. That's fair.

Thats not true, lots of people have ordered up from Radio Shack's International number direct from Texas.

The best route is to order the PRO-96 from Radio Shack's International Order Desk (1-800-223-8344, ask for Hazel)

Read ( tonsoffun's ) post on the first page of this thread

http://radioreference.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22592&page=1

I don't want to get off topic though with information on a different product

 

[SCPD]

WHEELCHAIR WROTE



Thats not true, lots of people have ordered up from Radio Shack's International number direct from Texas.

The best route is to order the PRO-96 from Radio Shack's International Order Desk (1-800-223-8344, ask for Hazel)

Read ( tonsoffun's ) post on the first page of this thread

http://radioreference.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22592&page=1

I don't want to get off topic though with information on a different product

Didn't mean you couldn't get one. What I meant was they have no official supplier in Canada--that kind of export. In other words, if I bought one and had it shipped by them, well I should expect to have to hunt for parts etc. outside of Canada. No doubt Radio Shack would gladly ship a keypad or belt clip this way. Maybe GRE will "downsize" their next generation of radios. That would be nice. From what I've been reading here for digital reception the 96 is clearly a great choice. Sorry for the confusion.

 

[scnnr]

Didn't mean you couldn't get one. What I meant was they have no official supplier in Canada--that kind of export. In other words, if I bought one and had it shipped by them, well I should expect to have to hunt for parts etc. outside of Canada. No doubt Radio Shack would gladly ship a keypad or belt clip this way. Maybe GRE will "downsize" their next generation of radios. That would be nice. From what I've been reading here for digital reception the 96 is clearly a great choice. Sorry for the confusion.

No problem. I own the 96/97 & the 2096, and sure hope and pray they don't break

 

[SCPD]

Radioworld's reply regarding this

Hope this posts right. Just wanted to add it to my thread here. Finally today, like a week after I emailed Radioworld about getting a speaker for my BC60XLT-1 since Uniden TOLD me to go to them, I get a reply. This is what they said:

Hi Darren.
Unfortunately there is no one in Canada who builds or manufactures anything like these products. I called and asked for price and had not heard anything back earlier so we had not emailed you again.

Thanks Jeff


Now what the heck does this mean? I asked for them, since they're the 'uniden dealer' Uniden told me to go to. Then they tell me they never even heard back from Uniden after a week. What the hell kind of service is this? Pray your radios never break my friends. Because you're out in the cold.

 

[EG]

Hi Guys
I Just Got home from work and this was in my email.
Hello Doug
I have been monitoring the thread you sent me about the Uniden Discussion Group and there are a couple of points that I feel should be made clear and I was wondering if you could post them for me?:
1) Although Lectron Radio Sales is a wholesale distrubutor anyone can send in their scanner to us for both warranty and non-warranty repairs. The Service Dept. is a separate entity from sales. The Tech I have working on Scanners, 2-way and Marine has been with this company for over 25 years and we have been doing Uniden's warranty work for over 10 years. Our track record speaks for itself. If for some unforseen reason a unit cannot be repaired here and has to be returned to Uniden, Lectron and Uniden take care of all the shipping and customs charges to and from the USA on behalf of the units owner... at no charge and get the unit back to it's owner as quickly as possable.

2) No warranty card is required for any warranty repair of a Uniden Scanner in Canada. All that is required is a copy of the customers purchase receipt ( per the "statement of warranty" in your owners manual) to be sent to us with the unit along with a description of the problem and the owners full return address and contact phone number. The turn around for most repairs is 2 to 5 days.

3) Lectron Radio Sales is an authorized wholesale distributor for Uniden Scanners in Canada. We have a network of dealers across this country that buy directly from us. There are a few "dealers" mentioned in the Discussion Group that do their own importing from wholesalers in the USA and do not purchase from Uniden or Lectron. That is another reason they do not have access to parts.

4) Parts for Uniden scanners are readily available through our network of dealers... most of whom order from us regularly and can have any part the consumer requires in a reasonable amount of time. Due to the large number of scanner models on the market it is impossable for a retailer ( or even a wholesaler) to stock every part that might be required but we will do everything we can to get the parts to the consumer as quick as possable.

Hopefully this will calm a few fears the members of your Discussion Group have and , as always, if anyone has any questions I can be contacted via e-mail or telephone ( 705) 743-9492 Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 5:00 EST.
Regards to All
Clayton Rock
Service Manager, Lectron Radio Sales
655 The Queensway, Peterborough Ont.
Canada K9J7H4

 

[mciupa]

4) Parts for Uniden scanners are readily available through our network of dealers... most of whom order from us regularly and can have any part the consumer requires in a reasonable amount of time. Due to the large number of scanner models on the market it is impossible for a retailer ( or even a wholesaler) to stock every part that might be required but we will do everything we can to get the parts to the consumer as quick as possible.

Hopefully this will calm a few fears the members of your Discussion Group have and , as always, if anyone has any questions I can be contacted via e-mail or telephone
( 705) 743-9492 Monday to Friday, 8:30 to 5:00 EST.
Regards to All
Clayton Rock
Service Manager, Lectron Radio Sales
655 The Queensway, Peterborough Ont.
Canada K9J7H4

Sounds pretty solid to me ...(everyone) give the man your business , sounds like he cares.