Tread Lightly With BridgeCom Systems re: mic issues

[Alain]

I had [still have] a problem with two, brand new, just purchased microphones in December. My two mic's short out when you stretch the coiled cord longer than 6" to its original length. It's the strain-relief part of the plug, where it plugs into the side of the 878UV. I just received an email from one of the "tech guys" at BridgeCom Systems.

BridgeCom Systems will NOT warranty the microphones! I believe that this is important info AND should be so stipulate in their advertisements and on their website.

BridgeCom BCS-200 Water Resistant Speaker Mic
[I don't see any mention about non warrantied microphones here, do you?]

It's an O.K. mic. Glad I only paid $16 each for them. I could have been out $60. I know, it's an easy fix, but a customer should not have to repair the BridgeCom slip-shod quality control, even if the mic's do come from China.

What they should do is send me two, new microphones, and I would return the "defective" ones. This way, they could isolate the problem, rather than ignoring it and perpetuating the problem onto other unsuspecting ham radio ops.

I'm just wondering how many hams who bought these mic's have yet to discover the problem...

So, before you buy anything from BridgeCom Systems, be sure that the item is warrantied.

Vry 73 de Alain

 

[mmckenna]

BridgeCom BCS-200 Water Resistant Speaker Mic
[I don't see any mention about non warrantied microphones here, do you?]

Did you follow the link right here?


If you click on that link, it takes you to this page:

Help Center | Policies

Policies |

support.bridgecomsystems.com

Click on "Complete Return and Warranty Policy". That'll take you to this page:

https://21328144.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21328144/WarrantyPolicy/Warranty%20Policy%20-%201-3-2024.pdf

Which clearly shows the BCS-200 has no warranty.


Important to read the fine print.

 

[mmckenna]

I know that really doesn't help you.

I've never been much impressed with Bridgecom. Not surprising you had issues with the mics, but they are low buck Chinese crap. It sort of falls in to the category of "you get what you pay for". Sometimes it is worth spending the extra money to get a better product that has better support.

 

[DeeEx]

They lost my business after my very first purchase.

They seemed to be the only game in town when the Anytone DMR HTs first came out about six years ago.

So I bought the model 868 and paid extra to have it shipped very fast so my wife (also a ham) could use it during a road trip with two vehicles.

I’m old and to this date the only radios I’ve ever programmed via computer were some older Icom commercial HTs that I got for free. I never saw the point of owning consumer/amateur radios that could not be programmed by hand, especially for those folks who traveled a lot as I did for 20+ years.

Back to Bridgecom…

Nowhere on their site, in the online user manual, or in the reviews I could find specified that the radio could not be hand programmed or the VFO accessed until some form of computer-based modification was performed. Needless to say when the radio arrived a day before the major road trip that was the reason I bought it in the first place, I had no way to program it to my needs.

I’ve been a ham for over 40 years, owned approximately 300 different models of amateur transceivers by at least a dozen different manufacturers, and that’s the only amateur radio I’ve encountered where I couldn’t program it by hand out of the box.

I wrote some nasty emails to the company and posted on QRZ and got nothing more from them than “we are sorry”.

 

[jeepsandradios]

Its a DMR radio. And a CCR at that. You expected to be able to program on the fly ? Guess you didn't do much research.

 

[Hit_Factor]

....
BridgeCom Systems will NOT warranty the microphones! I believe that this is important info AND should be so stipulate in their advertisements and on their website.
....

Swinging the mighty social media hammer when offended.
Have you posted about all your good experiences with vendors? I didn't search.

 

[prima19rider]

Funny, I had two Yaesu HT’s that experienced similar problems, no warranty either..

 

[jeepsandradios]

Funny, I had two Yaesu HT’s that experienced similar problems, no warranty either..

Yaesu most certainly has a warranty. I have sent 2 FTM400's back and were repaired under warranty. Since 2013ish it was a 3 year warranty on Yaesu gear. I have also sent in out of warranty equipment that was repaired and back to me in less than 2 weeks.

 

[belvdr]

Swinging the mighty social media hammer when offended.
Have you posted about all your good experiences with vendors? I didn't search.

Tread lightly with Hit_Factor...

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

There is a legal consideration regarding this situation: The seller in this case, Bridgecom has a legal responsibility to replace items defective out of the box. Was the item sold "as is" ? No. The buyer has an expectation that the product works for the purpose expected. I would contact my credit card company and ask for the funds to be returned.

implied warranty

www.law.cornell.edu

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

Did you follow the link right here?
View attachment 156235

If you click on that link, it takes you to this page:

Help Center | Policies

Policies |

support.bridgecomsystems.com

Click on "Complete Return and Warranty Policy". That'll take you to this page:

https://21328144.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/21328144/WarrantyPolicy/Warranty%20Policy%20-%201-3-2024.pdf

Which clearly shows the BCS-200 has no warranty.


Important to read the fine print.

Seriously why would anyone expect to drill down through several web pages and spread sheets to learn there is no warranty. It is silly and out of the norm. In no case would I expect that I should accept a clearly defective product, let alone two without recourse. Bridgecom does not have a bridge to stand on. Don't be intimidated, call your credit card company and explain that you were defrauded with defective goods. I have never seen a company with so many "policies" that in itself is a warning that the products and service are subpar.

 

[mmckenna]

Seriously why would anyone expect to drill down through several web pages and spread sheets to learn there is no warranty. It is silly and out of the norm. In no case would I expect that I should accept a clearly defective product, let alone two without recourse. Bridgecom does not have a bridge to stand on. Don't be intimidated, call your credit card company and explain that you were defrauded with defective goods. I have never seen a company with so many "policies" that in itself is a warning that the products and service are subpar.

I agree 100% with you. Do keep in mind that I was answering the OP's question:

BridgeCom BCS-200 Water Resistant Speaker Mic
[I don't see any mention about non warrantied microphones here, do you?]

My post was an answer to his question, and showing that if you did drill down deep enough through their website, one would eventually find the answer. To be fair, they did show it was not covered by warranty and while absolutely some shady business practices hiding it like that, the guy on the phone was correct.

As always it is important to read the fine print.

BridgeCom Systems will NOT warranty the microphones! I believe that this is important info AND should be so stipulate in their advertisements and on their website.

Any company that won't back up what they sell doesn't deserve business, and I think it's a good idea to make sure this is shared with other future customers. While I'd never buy anything from these guys (I have dealt with them before…) I'd certainly make sure I never would after something like this.
I'm glad the OP shared it. That's the only way to get these companies to own up.

It's an O.K. mic. Glad I only paid $16 each for them. I could have been out $60. I know, it's an easy fix, but a customer should not have to repair the BridgeCom slip-shod quality control, even if the mic's do come from China.

Absolutely.
But if there's one thing that often gets brought up on this site, it's that these low buck Chinese crap radios and accessories are exactly that. A $16 microphone that gets manufactured, shipped half way around the world to another vendor, that vendor still makes a profit, and sends the product to a buyer, should absolutely raise some red flags. Cheap parts, minimal quality control. The exact reason why I'd never recommend or buy a $16 speaker mic.

Still, you paid for a product and deserve a working one. Don't give up, hopefully Bridgecom will make it right.

What they should do is send me two, new microphones, and I would return the "defective" ones. This way, they could isolate the problem, rather than ignoring it and perpetuating the problem onto other unsuspecting ham radio ops.

I doubt they'd care. It's a Chinese product. It'll go in the trash. And hams will keep buying them. Ultimately that's all they care about. As long as the profits are rolling in. As for the Chinese manufacturers, they'd don't care about QC, the buyers are not paying for that. It's a disposable product that's not repairable.

So, before you buy anything from BridgeCom Systems, be sure that the item is warrantied.

Or, just don't buy from companies that practice business like this.

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

I also see they have a 7 day return policy on that mike. They clearly know that it is junk and are trying to get as far away from them as possible once sold. Amazing they would private label with their own name and not stand behind it.

Luckily there are other ham radio stores line HRO and Powerwerx who don't seem to be as disagreeable.

You can buy a similar mike (I have no idea if compatible) for same price at Powerwerx and get a 30 day return and the warranty policy seems more amenable, no lengthy black lists. If you have a problem, call them.

Compact Lightweight Speaker Microphone for Wouxun and Anytone Radios

This compact quality microphone & speaker allows the user to talk and listen without removing the radio from the belt, case or charger. Works with models KG-UV3D, KG-UV9D, KG-UV6X, KG-UV3X, DB-16X, GMR2, AT-D878UV & AT-D868UV.

powerwerx.com

Help Center - Returns | Powerwerx

Powerwerx offers Anderson Powerpole Connectors, Power Supplies, Battery Chargers, Wire & Cable, Mobile Timers much more. Shop online today!

powerwerx.com

 

[ladn]

Any company that won't back up what they sell doesn't deserve business, and I think it's a good idea to make sure this is shared with other future customers. While I'd never buy anything from these guys (I have dealt with them before…) I'd certainly make sure I never would after something like this.
I'm glad the OP shared it. That's the only way to get these companies to own up.

EXACTLY!

I've never bought anything from Bridgecom (and never will, even before seeing this post). Just seeing some of their videos and ads is enough to dissuade me.

Based on what I've seen, I suspect their targeted audience is low-end, uninformed, consumers who will not challenge a vendor. They continue to do this BS because they can get away with it.

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

I contacted them some time back about their "GMRS" repeaters. I am thinking, this is a great thing, an affordable new FCC certified GMRS repeater. Well they were dodgy about providing the certification number to me. No surprise, it wasn't certified. The FCC strictly prohibits offering for sale an un-certified product.

 

[Alain]

Hello mMc, RFI-EMI-GUY., DeeEx,

First Mac,

Mac, thanks for bringing the "no warranty mic" info to my attention: "Did you follow the link right here?" No Mac, I didn't. Honestly, My brain never entertained the idea of "warranty". Hell, I'm not buying a brand new car, or filling out escrow papers. Has anyone ever read the fine print on those occasions? Yeah, me neither.

I never thought I would lock horns with a company over two, $16 microphones! After looking at your reply last night I was thinking, "...why doesn't BridgeCom warranty these mic's, or antennas, or any of the remaining, low-dollar items on their online catalog?" Ocham's razor hatched a logical thought: it's because they don't believe in the quality of their own [or China's!] product. I was a small business owner; yes it was in the 1980's, but I would never have thought of squeezing six cents out of a nickel when it came to my customers. I wouldn't do it even today. I know too that things have changed dramatically since then. So, I guess, to a small degree I am culpable of not reading the fine print, yes.

The non-warranty is just a CYA policy: we don't want to deal with this penny-ante crap. We'll sell it and if we get complaints, we'll just point to the warranty link, end of story. The link to the mic says that they have, "***** Rated 4.9 by 144 verified & happy customers." My thought? The obsequious, over-embellishment of "..happy customers" is a bit over the top. The 5 stars would have been more than sufficient. Buttering up previous purchasers; perhaps bolstering them for making a fine choice, perhaps, in hopes of remaining in their good graces. I mean, we're not talking about a Motorola mic here.

RFI-EMI Guy, I was really quite taken by your replies and have taken them to heart. Thank you for your input, and thanks to everyone else for becoming involved in this post. I am grateful! I have contacted my CC company and they have already issued a refund, based on my brief testimony over the phone. I hope that they do sort things out.

I ordered those mic's on Dec 12th. They opened a "ticket" on Jan 16th, then we shared emails until yesterday when I got this Dear John note: "I'm sorry to say this, but the lead engineer has said that we can't warranty the microphones." I can only assume that even their own employees don't know the company's policies.

Anyway, I know this may have taken you folks away from something a bit more engaging, but I am grateful for everyone input!

I will post again, just as soon as a resolution is in place.

Vry 73 everyone and thanks once again! Alain

 

[mmckenna]

Has anyone ever read the fine print on those occasions? Yeah, me neither.

I usually try to, especially when they try to hide it like that. Usually means they are trying to keep customers from seeing it. But, yeah, it shouldn't be an issue.

Ocham's razor hatched a logical thought: it's because they don't believe in the quality of their own [or China's!] product.

I'd agree with this, and I think it's pretty common.

The link to the mic says that they have, "***** Rated 4.9 by 144 verified & happy customers." My thought? The obsequious, over-embellishment of "..happy customers" is a bit over the top. The 5 stars would have been more than sufficient. Buttering up previous purchasers; perhaps bolstering them for making a fine choice, perhaps, in hopes of remaining in their good graces. I mean, we're not talking about a Motorola mic here.

The reviews may be 100% fabrication, or they may just "accidentally" delete any bad reviews. I know for sure Home Depot does that on their website. I gave something a negative review and the review magically disappeared after a few days.

Anyway, I know this may have taken you folks away from something a bit more engaging, but I am grateful for everyone input!

I will post again, just as soon as a resolution is in place.

I think it is good to post this kind of stuff, and I wish more people would do it.

 

[Alain]

Swinging the mighty social media hammer when offended.
Have you posted about all your good experiences with vendors? I didn't search.

H_F,

I save my mighty hammer for much more important matters. I'm a person who deals fairly with others and expect that in return. When I get the old heave-ho from a vendor, I respond quickly, in no uncertain terms.

In answer to your question, no, I have not posted my good experiences with vendors here. After this, I most likely will. Mostly, I call them up on the phone and speak to them personally, if I can. Any good business person, male or female, is never afraid to pick up the phone from a satisfied customer, or shouldn't be! Granted, most of the phone calls were diverted to a secretary or customer care person, but in all cases I have received courteous replies. Some have sent me discounts coupons to be used on my next order.

It has been my experience that many business owners shy away from direct contact with customers. So many customers have unrealistic expectations/demands/complaints and can become quite vocal and abusive. If you mention that you are a satisfied customer, the chances are that you will be met with a congenial and prompt reply, from the owner or one of his/her employees. That is what I strive for.

 

[mmckenna]

I save my mighty hammer for much more important matters.

Yeah, I wouldn't burn any bridges like that.
With this post you've stated facts and avoided disparaging remarks about them as a vendor.
That puts you on the high ground, and they could still make this right if they wanted to do the right thing.

At this point, wait and see what happens. Maybe nothing, but I though there was a Bridgecom guy that used to frequent this site. Sometimes these companies will screw up and realize it after the fact. You have left them an opportunity to make it right.

 

[MUTNAV]

H_F,

I save my mighty hammer for much more important matters. I'm a person who deals fairly with others and expect that in return. When I get the old heave-ho from a vendor, I respond quickly, in no uncertain terms.

In answer to your question, no, I have not posted my good experiences with vendors here. After this, I most likely will. Mostly, I call them up on the phone and speak to them personally, if I can. Any good business person, male or female, is never afraid to pick up the phone from a satisfied customer, or shouldn't be! Granted, most of the phone calls were diverted to a secretary or customer care person, but in all cases I have received courteous replies. Some have sent me discounts coupons to be used on my next order.

It has been my experience that many business owners shy away from direct contact with customers. So many customers have unrealistic expectations/demands/complaints and can become quite vocal and abusive. If you mention that you are a satisfied customer, the chances are that you will be met with a congenial and prompt reply, from the owner or one of his/her employees. That is what I strive for.

Honestly, I think that you would just confuse people if you started a conversation with the idea that you are a satisfied customer, my guess is that they would just wait for the complaint part, hopefully patiently.

It would be like being pulled over by a policeman for being a courteous driver.

Thanks
Joel